Meadow Ridge Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence in Senior Living

Redding, Conn. (October 20, 2026) – Meadow Ridge, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), marks its 25th anniversary this month, celebrating a quarter century of history and the community's ongoing dedication to independence and wellness for seniors. Meadow Ridge commemorated its anniversary on October 15 with a special evening event 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 multi-media auditorium, the celebration brought together residents and associates to commemorate the milestone.

"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."

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Since welcoming its first residents in 2001, Meadow Ridge has grown into a leading senior living community. In 2021, Benchmark Senior Living became part owner and the full-time operator, further strengthening the community's commitment to quality. Today, Meadow Ridge meets the needs of residents with compassion and excellence at every stage of life, whether in independent living, assisted living, or memory care through Ridge Crest, Meadow Ridge's award-winning health center.

Over the past five years, the community has made notable investments in enhancing the resident experience through significant additions and upgrades across its campus.

• New Assisted Living Neighborhood to meet growing resident needs: In 2021, Meadow Ridge began construction on a new Assisted Living Neighborhood, which opened in early 2022. The new neighborhood added 20 apartments, a restaurant-style dining room, recreation room, library, living areas and secure outdoor patios, providing residents with additional support in a modern, thoughtfully designed setting.
• Opening of a dedicated Mind & Memory Care neighborhood: In 2023, in response to growing demand for specialized dementia care, Meadow Ridge opened a new mind & memory care neighborhood designed specifically for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Featuring a thoughtfully designed layout, therapeutic lighting and color palettes, sensory dining options and individualized programming, the neighborhood provides compassionate, person-centered care in a secure and engaging environment.
• Renovated Ridge Crest therapy gym and expanded outpatient facilities: Renovations included a therapy gym twice the size of the previous space, dedicated occupational therapy treatment areas, expanded outpatient therapy services and a new physician suite to support on-site primary and specialty care. The community also introduced innovative virtual reality rehabilitation technology, providing immersive therapy experiences that support mobility, balance, cognitive function and recovery outcomes.
• Advanced sustainability through a resident-led solar initiative. Meadow Ridge strengthened its commitment to environmental stewardship in 2024 through the completion of a 763-kilowatt solar energy system featuring more than 1,300 solar panels. The installation, championed by the community's resident-led Solar Committee, generates approximately 20% of the community's annual electricity needs through three solar arrays located above associate parking carports and atop Ridge Crest. The project reflects Meadow Ridge's collaborative approach to sustainability, with residents playing an active role. Meadow Ridge also added electric vehicle charging stations for residents, associates and visitors.

• Expanded wellness, fitness and recreation amenities. To support the active lifestyles of today's older adults, in 2025 Meadow Ridge introduced several new amenities, including the Ridge Range golf simulator, a full-service spa and upgraded pickleball courts. These additions provide residents with new opportunities for recreation, fitness, lifelong learning and social connection while further enhancing the community's resort-style lifestyle.

Current renovations include the addition of a new pub, an elevated main dining room experience and updates to the Ridge Crest resident rooms and communal areas for greater comfort. Renovations are expected to be completed in November.

The community's 25-year history is rooted in a property with a history that began well before residents arrived in 2001. The hilltop property was first purchased in 1769 and over the years was a working farm, an agricultural college and even an aerial photographer's airstrip. Developer David Reis acquired the property in 1995 and began building Meadow Ridge. David's dream was to offer a happy, attractive community designed to keep people active and involved for as long as possible. Since opening, the campus has grown to serve just over 400 residents.

For a tour of Meadow Ridge, call 203-544-7777 or visit www.MeadowRidge.com.