The Hearth at Drexel in Bala Cynwyd, PA
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The Hearth at Drexel is an assisted living and memory care community in Bala Cynwyd, PA.
Information last verified:
238 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
The Hearth at Drexel stands out with its pricing, reflecting the premium amenities and care it provides. For a studio, residents can expect to pay $6,750 per month, significantly higher than the average costs of $4,393 in Montgomery County and $3,737 across Pennsylvania. A one-bedroom unit is priced at $7,380, again above local and state averages of $4,619 and $4,006 respectively. The two-bedroom option is available for $9,000 monthly, which contrasts sharply with Montgomery County's average of $4,962 and Pennsylvania's statewide figure of $4,242. While these costs are notably elevated compared to regional benchmarks, they may be justified by the quality of services and environment that The Hearth at Drexel offers its residents.
| Floor plans | The Hearth at Drexel | Montgomery County | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $6,750 | $4,393 | $3,737 |
| 1 Bedroom | $7,380 | $4,619 | $4,006 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $9,000 | $4,962 | $4,242 |
The Hearth creates a warm, home-like atmosphere where residents feel truly at home. The staff lead engaging daily activities that encourage participation by everyone. The staff are attentive, caring, and treat residents like family, guiding those with dementia with patience. The facility provides 24/7 nursing care, making it a true assisted living facility with medical oversight. Families feel grateful that their loved ones receive wonderful, attentive care from the entire Hearth team. A variety of activities—art, music, lectures, games—keep residents engaged and give them daily reasons to look forward to something. The meals are delicious and high-quality, with residents praising the dining experience. The environment is beautiful, clean, and well-maintained, contributing to a comfortable, welcoming space. Staff are consistently described as compassionate and dedicated, providing reassurance and support to families and residents alike.
The Hearth was criticized for a lack of strong leadership and poor communication with families and third-party providers. It was described as understaffed and underpaid, leading to unengaged caregivers and inconsistent care. Staff were said to be glued to their phones and not interacting with residents. Care records were not fully computerized, resulting in medication errors and inconsistent care. There was a report of a pervasive lack of empathy and warmth among staff. There were few robust activities, and an activities director who rarely left the office, failing to provide meaningful engagement. The admissions director was accused of posting her own review, calling into question transparency. Caregiving staff were described as managing residents rather than genuinely caring for them.The Hearth at Drexel is best suited for families seeking a boutique, home‑like memory care and assisted‑living environment where residents become part of a small, cohesive community. It fits well for seniors who value intimate living spaces, daily engagement in a resident‑centered setting, and a campus feel that emphasizes comfort, dignity, and familiar faces. This community shines for those who want attentive, hands‑on staffing, clear family communication, and a refined ambiance that blends historic charm with practical care.
Those weighing alternatives should consider options if the priority is a consistently high staffing ratio and relentlessly integrated, highly structured care across all shifts. Some critics note uneven engagement and leadership gaps that surface as morale and communication challenges, particularly in memory care. For families needing robust, 24/7 clinical oversight, or wanting very aggressive care coordination and electronic record reliability, other facilities with larger footprints or different staffing models may deliver more predictable, uniform performance. In short, the Hearth excels in warmth and personality; for some, the trade‑offs could be in formalized processes or scale.
The strongest positives, the boutique scale, the intimate “household” model, and a nurse on site 24/7, bite solidly into the main drawbacks. Residents benefit from a true community feel, where staff know individual preferences and medical needs, and where regular updates keep families connected to daily progress. The dining program earns frequent praise, with menus that feel restaurant‑quality and meals that residents look forward to. A vibrant activity slate, art, music, outings, family‑friendly events, and in‑house amenities like a salon and chapel, creates meaningful engagement that can offset concerns about limited resources. In a setting where the care team’s warmth and steadiness matter most, these advantages help sustain trust and reduce family anxiety.
However, several reviews flag caveats that require careful scrutiny. Some memory‑care experiences point to understaffing, inconsistent adherence to care plans, and limited visibility of frontline caregivers who may appear disengaged or distracted. Records and communications, at times not fully electronic, have resulted in missed or delayed information flow and medication concerns in certain cases. Leadership and staffing continuity emerge as recurring themes, with families noting turnover and uneven day‑to‑day execution. These tensions matter most when a loved one requires highly personalized, continuous care; the Hearth can deliver superb daily life, but the reliability of every plan and every caregiver merits direct, in‑person verification during tours and trial days.
For decision‑makers, practical checks can illuminate fit. In memory care, insist on observing shifts across mealtimes and activity periods to gauge caregiver presence and interaction quality. Request a transparent, written outline of the memory‑care plan, current staffing ratios, and how care coordination is documented and monitored. Explore floor plans to assess whether couples can share living space comfortably, since some units skew toward single occupancy. Clarify what “value” means in the pricing, what is included in monthly fees, and what could incur additional costs. The Hearth’s strengths, its historic mansion ambiance, centralized dining areas on each floor, the sense of safety from dedicated staff attention, and a strong local reputation for personalized service, are compelling if these logistical questions line up with a loved one’s needs.
Overall, The Hearth at Drexel stands out as a compelling choice for families seeking a refined, intimate senior living experience with meaningful social programming, reliable medical oversight, and a genuine sense of community. It is particularly well‑suited for residents who flourish in a smaller setting where staff relationships feel like extended family, and who do not require the utmost intensity of medical management around the clock. It is less ideal for those demanding uniform, highly procedure‑driven care, or for households operating on a tighter budget where every service impact must be precisely forecast. For families seriously considering this path, the recommended next step is a targeted tour that prioritizes time with front‑line caregivers, a review of the care plans in play, and candid discussions about staffing stability, personalization of activities, and the real cost structure, ensuring that the daily experience aligns with expectations and long‑term care goals.
36 resident community capacity
1-bedroom apartments 2-bedroom apartments Studio apartments
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Skilled Nursing Facility
Cats allowed
Dogs allowed
Activities off-site Activities on-site
Air-conditioning
Bath tubs
Beautician on-site Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Devotional services off-site Devotional services on-site
Dining room
Financial aid Financing advice
Full kitchen
Fully furnished
Garden Garden view
Ground floor units
Handicap accessible Home sale assistance
Housekeeping services
Indoor common areas Kitchenette
Laundry
Move-in coordination
Outdoor common areas Outdoor space
Party space
Respite or short term stays offered
Restaurant-style dining
Small library
Swimming pool TV room
Telephone VA Benefits Consultation
Wheelchair accessible showers
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Philadelphia International (10 miles away)
Transportation & parking Transportation arrangement (non-medical) Transportation to doctors appointments
12-16 hour nursing
24-hour call system 24-hour supervision Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Diabetic care
High acuity care
Hospice care
Incontinence care Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Mental wellness program Mild cognitive impairment
Physical therapy
Special dietary restrictions Specialized memory care programming Anytime dining Diabetes diet Gluten-free Guest meals International cuisine Low / no sodium Meals provided No Sugar Organic Professional chef Restaurant style dining Room service Special dietary restrictions Special dining programs Vegan Vegetarian Activities off-site
Art classes
Bible study group
Book club Catholic services Community-sponsored activities
Cooking classes Devotional activities offsite Devotional activities on-site
Educational speakers / life long learning
Fitness programs
Games
Jewish services
Karaoke
Live musical performances
Live well programs Resident-run activities Scheduled daily activities Visiting Rabbi Visiting chaplain or priest Yoga / chair yoga
EnglishThe Hearth at Drexel is an exceptional assisted living community located in Bala Cynwyd, PA. Offering a variety of housing options, residents can choose between comfortable 2-bedroom apartments or cozy studio apartments. The community provides a range of care services, including memory care and skilled nursing facility options.
At The Hearth at Drexel, residents can enjoy a plethora of amenities to enhance their daily lives. Engaging activities are available on-site to keep residents entertained and active, while air-conditioning ensures optimal comfort throughout the year. For relaxation and pampering, there is a beautician on-site as well as a beauty salon where residents can indulge in personal grooming.
Every apartment is fully furnished with a full kitchen and bath tubs for added convenience. Ground floor units and handicap accessibility ensure ease of mobility for all residents. Housekeeping services are provided to maintain cleanliness and tidiness within each apartment.
The community boasts beautiful indoor and outdoor common areas, including a garden that offers serene views. Residents can take advantage of the swimming pool for some refreshing exercise or relax in the TV room or small library for some quiet downtime. Transportation is readily available with parking facilities for those who have their own vehicles.
The Hearth at Drexel offers various care services to cater to individual needs. With 24-hour call systems and supervision, residents feel safe and secure at all times. Assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and transfers is readily available. Medication management and specialized memory care programming ensure that residents receive the necessary attention for their health needs.
When it comes to dining experiences, The Hearth at Drexel goes above and beyond to provide exceptional meals that cater to diverse dietary requirements. A professional chef prepares delicious meals using fresh ingredients from international cuisines. Special dietary restrictions such as diabetes diet, gluten-free options, vegan, vegetarian choices are accommodated with care.
Aside from comfortable accommodations and quality care services, the community offers numerous engaging activities to keep residents mentally and physically active. From art classes to fitness programs, there is something for everyone. Devotional activities, educational speakers, and live musical performances add a spiritual and cultural touch.
The Hearth at Drexel benefits from its convenient location with nearby amenities. With numerous cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians, restaurants, transportation options, and hospitals in close proximity, residents have easy access to all their needs.
With its wide range of amenities and care services, The Hearth at Drexel provides a comfortable and supportive environment for seniors seeking assisted living in Bala Cynwyd.
This part of Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, offers a convenient and bustling neighborhood with a variety of amenities within close proximity. You will find several cafes such as Starbucks and Pilgrim Roasters nearby for a quick bite or a relaxing cup of coffee. There are also dining options like Pizza Hut, Larry's Steaks, and Rosy's Taco Bar for when you want to enjoy a meal out with friends or family. In terms of healthcare, there are multiple pharmacies and hospitals in the area including Lankenau Medical Center and Temple University Hospital for any medical needs. Additionally, transportation options like Septa stations are easily accessible for getting around the city. Overall, this neighborhood provides a mix of convenience, dining options, healthcare facilities, and transportation access that could make it a comfortable choice for senior living.
The Hearth at Drexel stands out with its pricing, reflecting the premium amenities and care it provides. For a studio, residents can expect to pay $6,750 per month, significantly higher than the average costs of $4,393 in Montgomery County and $3,737 across Pennsylvania. A one-bedroom unit is priced at $7,380, again above local and state averages of $4,619 and $4,006 respectively. The two-bedroom option is available for $9,000 monthly, which contrasts sharply with Montgomery County's average of $4,962 and Pennsylvania's statewide figure of $4,242. While these costs are notably elevated compared to regional benchmarks, they may be justified by the quality of services and environment that The Hearth at Drexel offers its residents.
The Hearth at Drexel offers 1-bedroom apartments, 2-bedroom apartments, and Studio apartments.
The Hearth at Drexel is located at 238 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
The Hearth at Drexel's comprehensive features are designed to create a supportive and nurturing environment for residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, addressing their unique needs holistically. With 24-hour supervision, caregivers are always available to ensure safety and provide immediate assistance, while help with activities of daily living--such as bathing, dressing, and transfers--promotes dignity and independence. Incontinence care is managed sensitively to enhance comfort, and meal preparation ensures that residents receive nutritious meals tailored to their dietary preferences. Medication management helps maintain health stability by ensuring timely adherence to prescribed regimens. The mental wellness program actively engages residents in cognitive-enhancing activities, assisting those with mild cognitive impairment by preserving cognitive function. Furthermore, physical therapy offers targeted interventions to improve mobility and overall well-being. Specialized memory care programming incorporates evidence-based approaches that cater specifically to the challenges associated with memory loss, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose among residents while enriching their daily experiences.
Yes, The Hearth at Drexel allows both dogs and cats.
The Hearth at Drexel on seniors.fyi includes 31 photos including images showing interior, floor plan, dining, living room, windows, architecture, kitchen, landscaping, and more.
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Interior
Outdoors
Living Room
Architecture
Trees
Windows
Dining
Landscaping
Kitchen
Garden
Floor Plan
Patio
Exterior
Appliances
8 Key Indicators That Suggest It May Be Time to Transition from Assisted Living to Skilled Nursing Care