Some Questions and Answers

1. What is Luther Ridge at Middletown?

Luther Ridge builds on a sixty-year tradition of caring for older adults in Central Connecticut that started with the Lutheran Home of Middletown and continued with Luther Manor, a congregate housing residence that opened in 1990.

2. What is a community of care?

Under one roof, Luther Ridge provides independent, assisted and congregate living residential programs. Residents share many of the facilities, such as dining, activities, common areas and spiritual life offerings. All residents are members of the same community.

3. Is Luther Ridge affordable?

Yes. A unique aspect of our mission as a church-related social ministry organization is to make this community of care available for older adults of all income levels. Luther Ridge offers a variety of options for low and moderate income residents. Our goal is to be economically inclusive, rather than exclusive.

4. Is there an entrance fee?

Independent living and assisted living are available with no initial entrance or investment fee. The independent living residence will require evidence of eligibility as it is a HUD 202 funded program. The assisted living program also has eligibility requirements based on the applicant's financial assets.

5. How may I receive more information or apply for residency?

You may request an admissions packet by calling the Director of Admissions at 860-347-7144, or by writing to the Director of Admissions, Luther Ridge at Middletown, 628 Congdon Street West, Middletown, CT 06457. You may also Contact Us Via Email .

6. What services are provided at Luther Ridge?

Just about any you can think of! Because our goal is to support the whole person by providing a full range of affordable residential choices, we also offer a broad range of health care services, social and recreational activities, spiritual ministry, volunteer opportunities, and many of the extras so important to the quality of life - transportation for shopping and outings, beautifully landscaped grounds for the enjoyment of nature, and much more.

7. Is Luther Ridge only for Lutherans?

While Luther Ridge is owned and operated by Lutheran Social Services of New England and is affiliated with the Lutheran Church, we serve all who seek our services, regardless of their background or belief.

8. Is Luther Manor still open to older adults who wish to apply?

Luther Manor continues to serve as a congregate residence, offering independent living with some support services. It is connected to the new building so that residents may access the new community's activity rooms and programs, including the dining room.

9. Was there really a need to build this new community?

Absolutely! Feasibility studies have shown that low and moderate income older adults do not have many choices in Central Connecticut. A community such as Luther Ridge gives them new options for independent and assisted living.

10. Who paid for the building of Luther Ridge?

Luther Ridge has been funded through a vibrant coalition of public and private support from parties eager to meet the changing needs of older adults in our society. Funding sources include HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), CHFA (Connecticut Housing and Finance Authority), foundation grants, corporate donations and individual gifts. Approximately $13 million of the project has been directly funded, with remaining support coming from charitable sources. In particular, Lutheran Social Services of New England seeks to endow the spiritual life program at Luther Ridge through charitable gifts.

11. Why does Luther Ridge need charitable gifts?

Certainly there are a variety of public sources funding this effort. However, because Lutheran Social Services of New England is a religious, not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation, it relies on charitable gifts to provide the quality of life "extras" which are not funded from any other source. Charitable gifts pay for the spiritual life program and a chaplain. A healthy gift fund also enables the agency to maintain institutional and financial stability in times of economic fluctuation.

12. How can I help Luther Ridge?

There are four important things you can do. First, pray for God's blessing upon our efforts to expand this important ministry for older adults in a new century. Second, become an advocate for Luther Ridge by encouraging relatives, friends and neighbors to consider Luther Ridge when seeking retirement or care options. Third, become a volunteer for this developing and dynamic community. Finally, become a generous supporter of Luther Ridge! Click here to access our secure online Support/Donation Form.