Meadow Ridge Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence in Senior Living
Meadow Ridge, a distinctive Lifecare community in Redding, Connecticut, celebrates its 25th anniversary this month, marking a quarter century of history and an enduring commitment to independence, wellness and meaningful connections for older adults.
Meadow Ridge commemorated the milestone on October 15 with a special evening celebration featuring cocktails, dinner, dessert and live musical performances by a harpist, pianist and string trio from the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra. Held in the community’s three-story atrium and multimedia auditorium, the event brought residents and associates together to celebrate 25 years of community, connection and shared experiences.
“Retirement, particularly at a place like Meadow Ridge, is about embracing the next chapter of life to its fullest, and we are honored to have supported that for our residents for 25 years,” said Meadow Ridge Campus Executive Director Chris Barstein. “Our entire team is committed to delivering the best experience for our residents and their families. This genuine sense of care is evident in every aspect of life here, from dining to activities to our beautiful campus grounds.”
A Legacy of Distinctive Senior Living
Since welcoming its first residents in 2001, Meadow Ridge has grown into a leading continuing care retirement community. In 2021, Benchmark Senior Living became part owner and the full-time operator, further strengthening the community’s commitment to quality and personalized experiences.
Today, Meadow Ridge supports residents through Independent Living, Assisted Living and Mind & Memory Care, along with Sub-Acute Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing services at Ridge Crest, Meadow Ridge’s award-winning health center. Across its 136-acre campus, the community offers opportunities for residents to remain active, pursue their interests and build meaningful relationships while having access to care as their needs evolve.
Investing in the Resident Experience
Over the past five years, Meadow Ridge has made significant investments in its campus, expanding living options, enhancing wellness and recreation amenities, and introducing new opportunities for residents to connect, learn and grow.
Expanding Assisted Living and Mind & Memory Care
In 2021, Meadow Ridge began construction on a new Assisted Living neighborhood, which opened in early 2022. The addition introduced 20 apartment homes, a restaurant-style dining venue, recreation room, library, welcoming living areas and secure outdoor patios. These thoughtfully designed spaces provide residents with personalized support and opportunities for social engagement.
In 2023, Meadow Ridge expanded its care offerings with the opening of a dedicated Mind & Memory Care neighborhood for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The neighborhood features a thoughtfully designed layout, therapeutic lighting and color palettes, sensory dining options and individualized programming that supports compassionate, person-centered care in a secure and engaging environment.
Enhancing rehabilitation and therapy services at Ridge Crest
Meadow Ridge also invested in significant enhancements to Ridge Crest, including a renovated therapy gym twice the size of the previous space, dedicated occupational therapy treatment areas, expanded outpatient therapy services and a new physician suite supporting on-site primary and specialty medical care.
The community also introduced innovative virtual reality technology for Sub-Acute Rehabilitation, offering immersive therapy experiences designed to support mobility, balance, cognitive function and recovery.
Advancing sustainability through resident leadership
In 2024, Meadow Ridge strengthened its commitment to environmental stewardship with the completion of a 763-kilowatt solar energy system featuring more than 1,300 solar panels.
Championed by the community’s resident-led Solar Committee, the installation generates approximately 20% of Meadow Ridge’s annual electricity needs through three solar arrays located above associate parking carports and atop Ridge Crest.
The initiative reflects the community’s collaborative spirit and the meaningful role residents play in shaping its future. Meadow Ridge also added electric vehicle charging stations for residents, associates and visitors.
Creating new opportunities for wellness and recreation
In 2025, Meadow Ridge introduced several new amenities, including the Ridge Range golf simulator, a full-service spa and upgraded pickleball courts.
These additions complement the community’s existing recreation and wellness offerings, providing residents with more ways to stay active, explore new interests and enjoy time with neighbors and friends.
Continuing campus enhancements
Meadow Ridge continues to invest in its resident experience with renovations that include a new pub, enhancements to its formal dining venue and updates to resident rooms and shared spaces at Ridge Crest to provide greater comfort.
These projects are expected to be completed in November 2026.
A Rich History for a Promising Future
Meadow Ridge’s story began long before the community welcomed its first residents in 2001. The hilltop property was first purchased in 1769 and, over the centuries, served as a working farm, an agricultural college and even an airstrip for an aerial photographer.
In 1995, developer David Reis acquired the property and began bringing his vision for Meadow Ridge to life. His goal was to create an attractive, welcoming community where older adults could remain active, engaged and connected while embracing new possibilities.
Today, Meadow Ridge is home to just over 400 residents, carrying forward that original vision through a lifestyle centered on independence, personal growth and community.
As Meadow Ridge celebrates 25 years, its history reflects both the strength of its foundation and the opportunities that continue to unfold for residents and future generations.