Executive Summary
Meredith Bay Colony Club is a not-for-profit retirement community located at 21 Upper Mile Point Drive in Meredith, New Hampshire. Opened in 2009, this state-of-the-art facility offers multiple levels of care including independent living, assisted living, and memory care, with a focus on creating a comfortable and engaging environment for seniors. This review provides a detailed analysis of the facility’s services, amenities, resident experiences, and market position to help prospective residents and their families make informed decisions.
1. Facility Overview and Location
Meredith Bay Colony Club boasts a prime location overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee in central New Hampshire. Key features include:
- Beautiful setting with views of Lake Winnipesaukee
- Located in the charming town of Meredith, recently named one of the “best small towns on the East Coast” by Travel & Leisure magazine
- Convenient location for families (two hours north of Boston)
- Proximity to local healthcare facilities (0.8 miles from Belknap Family Health Care)
- Peaceful, scenic environment with access to outdoor recreation
2. Services and Care Options
2.1 Care Levels Offered
Meredith Bay Colony Club provides a continuum of care to accommodate residents’ changing needs:
| Care Level | Description | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Living | For active, self-sufficient seniors | Maintenance-free lifestyle, social opportunities |
| Assisted Living | Support with daily activities | Personalized care plans, 24/7 staff availability |
| Memory Care | Specialized dementia care in “The Gardens” | Secure environment, specially trained staff |
2.2 Medical and Support Services
The facility offers comprehensive support services including:
- Medication management
- 24-hour supervision and emergency call system
- Assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, transfers)
- Coordination with healthcare providers
- Support for residents with mild cognitive impairment
- Hospice care coordination
3. Accommodations and Living Options
3.1 Residence Types
Meredith Bay Colony Club offers varied living options to suit different preferences and needs:
- Studio apartments
- One-bedroom apartments
- Two-bedroom apartments
- Three-bedroom apartments
- Memory care private rooms
3.2 Room Features
Residences include various amenities to enhance comfort:
- Spacious layouts with abundant natural light
- Full living rooms in many units
- Kitchen and dining areas in select apartments
- Private bathrooms
- Den/study in some floor plans
- Telephone access
- Cable and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Emergency call systems
4. Amenities and Community Features
4.1 Common Areas and Recreational Spaces
The facility provides numerous shared spaces for activities and socializing:
- Swimming pool for exercise and recreation
- Fitness and wellness facilities
- Outdoor common areas with walking paths
- Library
- Entertainment venues
- Multiple dining venues
- Community gathering spaces
4.2 Dining Services
Dining services at Meredith Bay Colony Club focus on quality and variety:
- Chef-prepared meals in restaurant-style settings
- Multiple dining venues offering different atmospheres
- Flexible dining options for residents who prefer varied meal times
- Special dietary accommodations available
- Recognition for excellence in dining (recipient of “Best Meals and Dining” award)
4.3 Convenience Services
Residents benefit from numerous services designed to enhance quality of life:
- Transportation services for medical appointments and outings
- Housekeeping services
- On-site parking for residents who drive
- On-site beauty salon and barber services
- Laundry services
- Move-in coordination assistance
5. Activities and Engagement Programs
5.1 Daily Programming
The facility maintains a diverse calendar of activities to promote physical, mental, and social well-being:
- Fitness classes and exercise programs
- Social gatherings and community events
- Educational workshops and lectures
- Entertainment performances
- Arts and creative activities
- Movie nights
- Field trips and outings
5.2 Wellness Initiatives
An emphasis on holistic wellness includes:
- Health monitoring and education
- Fitness facilities and programs
- Social engagement opportunities
- Intellectual stimulation through educational programs
- Arts room for creative expression
5.3 Resident-Led Activities
The community fosters resident participation in organizing activities:
- Resident-sponsored cocktail hours (once or twice monthly)
- Resident-organized lectures and presentations
- Community gatherings
6. Resident Experience and Testimonials
6.1 Satisfaction Ratings
Based on verified reviews across multiple platforms:
| Rating Source | Score | Sample Size | Key Insights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caring.com | 4.5/5 | 6 reviews | High staff ratings (4.8/5) |
| Seniorly.com | 6.4/10 | Proprietary metric | Based on 6 quality metrics |
6.2 Resident Testimonials
Testimonials highlight various aspects of the Meredith Bay Colony Club experience:
“I went to look at Meredith Bay Colony Club. The administrator was really good. The location is great. The facility was nice. It felt very homey and welcoming.” – Erin (February 2022)
“I write this to those of you who, like me, feel guilty and scared at not being able to care for your loved one who is suffering from ever-developing memory loss any longer… My mother just died of Alzheimers Disease after having lived two years in ‘The Gardens’ at Meredith Bay Colony Club. I can not tell you how un-dyingly grateful I am for having stumbled upon this care facility and above all, for the entire staff in The Gardens who I think of as the angels who cared for her as I was not able to, in exactly the ways I wanted her to be cared for. They gave her joy and dignity and care–as only people who give those things are naturally compelled to, not just because they’re employed to do so.” – Nora Tracy Phillips (July 2019)
“My mother lives at Meredith Bay Colony Club in a beautiful apartment and I cannot say enough to convey the dedication and kindness of the entire staff and management… Having my mother live at Meredith Bay Colony Club is a true blessing.” – Loving daughter forever (February 2019)
6.3 Areas of Excellence
Resident feedback consistently highlights several strengths:
- Staff quality and caring attitude
- Homelike, welcoming atmosphere
- Quality of dining services
- Beautiful location and views
- Sense of community
6.4 Areas for Improvement
Some areas that have been noted for potential improvement:
- Limited size of memory care common areas
- Activity programming could be expanded
- Some residents noted a waitlist for availability
7. Pricing Information
7.1 Monthly Costs
| Service Level | Estimated Monthly Cost | Area Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Care (shared bedroom) | $6,370 | Below area average of $7,025 |
| Memory Care (private room) | $7,410 | Competitive rate |
| Studio/One-Bedroom | $5,598 (average) | Slightly above city average of $4,950 |
7.2 Value Assessment
Meredith Bay Colony Club positions its pricing as competitive within the local market:
- Memory care pricing is below the area average, offering good value
- Independent and assisted living options are slightly above average but justified by amenities
- Comprehensive services and amenities package included in monthly rates
- Not-for-profit status may influence pricing structure
8. Comparison with Local Alternatives
8.1 Key Competitors
The Meredith area offers several other senior living options:
| Facility | Rating | Price Point | Key Differentiators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forestview Manor | 4.0/5 (10 reviews) | Starting at $5,515 | Memory care focus, intimate setting |
| Golden View Health Care | 4.3/5 (29 reviews) | Starting at $6,195 | Nursing home services available, larger facility |
| Taylor Community Laconia | Mixed reviews | Varied | CCRC with multiple levels of care |
8.2 Comparative Advantages
Meredith Bay Colony Club offers several unique advantages over competitors:
- Lake views and prime location
- Not-for-profit status and community focus
- Full continuum of care in one location
- Multiple dining venues
- Swimming pool and expanded recreational options
9. Recognition and Awards
Meredith Bay Colony Club has received recognition in several categories:
- “Best Meals and Dining” award – recognizing nutritious, high-quality dining services
- “Best of Senior Living” award eligibility – based on resident and family reviews
- Recent acquisition by Taylor Community (November 2024) may lead to additional improvements and integration with a well-established provider
10. Recent Developments
In November 2024, Meredith Bay Colony Club underwent a significant transition:
- Acquired by Taylor Community, a nonprofit owner/operator based in NH’s lakes region
- Purchase price of $11 million
- Buyer assumed $10.5 million in resident entrance fee refund liabilities
- This acquisition may stabilize the financial outlook for the community
- Taylor Community operates three other sites in the local area, suggesting potential synergies
11. Decision-Making Guide
11.1 Ideal Resident Profile
Meredith Bay Colony Club may be particularly suitable for:
- Seniors seeking a scenic, peaceful setting with lake views
- Those who value a homelike, intimate environment
- Individuals or couples planning for changing care needs (continuum of care)
- Residents who appreciate quality dining and social programming
- Those who value staff quality and personalized attention
11.2 Tour and Visit Recommendations
When visiting Meredith Bay Colony Club, consider:
- Scheduling a visit during meal times to experience the dining program
- Requesting to see multiple unit types and floor plans
- Asking about current availability and potential wait times
- Meeting with staff members to assess culture and care philosophy
- Participating in a community activity if possible
- Discussing how recent ownership changes may affect community operations and culture
11.3 Financial Considerations
Important financial aspects to evaluate include:
- Entrance fee structure and refund policies
- Monthly fee increases in recent years
- Additional costs for higher care levels
- Financial assistance options if needed
- Long-term affordability as care needs change
12. Conclusion
Meredith Bay Colony Club offers a high-quality senior living experience in a beautiful lakeside setting. With options spanning independent living through memory care, the community has earned positive reviews for its staff quality, homelike atmosphere, and dining services. The recent acquisition by Taylor Community may bring additional stability and resources to further enhance the resident experience.
While pricing is competitive with the area market and amenities are comprehensive, prospective residents should carefully evaluate their specific needs against the community’s offerings. The high ratings from current and former residents, particularly regarding memory care services, suggest that Meredith Bay Colony Club delivers quality care in a supportive environment.
For those seeking senior living in the Meredith area, this community merits serious consideration, especially for those drawn to its lakeside location and diverse amenity offerings.
