Hearthstone Alzheimer's Care - White Plains

Pros

• Residents feel fortunate to live at Waterstone of Westchester.
• Waterstone of Westchester is phenomenal, with friendly, helpful staff.
• The community feels warm, welcoming, and like a family to residents and visitors.
• The staff consistently goes above and beyond to assist residents and their families.
• The apartments are beautiful, modern, and well designed with high-end appliances.
• The amenities, including the pool, spa, dining, and activities, are wonderful and engaging.
• Senior Advisors such as Abby Stenzler and Helayne Scheier are praised for guiding families with ease and care.
• Executive Director Lauren Freifeld and the leadership are supportive, honest, and attentive.

Cons

• The reviewer found the front desk interaction disappointing, describing the staff member as dismissive and rude and calling for additional customer-service training.
• There are issues that need to be addressed; the facility is still experiencing early growing pains.
• The dining experience was somewhat frustrating and uneven.
• The reviewer noted that the cost is higher than most places.
• The pandemic left a resident's mother feeling isolated and deprived of social interaction.

Review

Waterstone of Westchester in White Plains is best suited for seniors who want a sophisticated, socially active lifestyle with strong staff engagement and a built-in sense of community. It suits those who value ample amenities, frequent programming, and a lively resident social scene, all wrapped in a polished, city-like environment. Families seeking assurance that help is readily available if health needs shift will find this community appealing, thanks to proactive leadership and a culture that emphasizes belonging. It is especially attractive for residents who want to stay near urban conveniences and family members, while still enjoying the security and structure of a well-staffed senior living setting.

Those weighing alternatives should consider whether the emphasis here aligns with a more memory-care?focused need or with a tighter budget. The reviews show a strong independent-living orientation with dependable, responsive staff, but not every family will be comfortable with the premium price tag or with dining experiences that some residents find uneven. For anyone seeking a dedicated, purpose-built memory-care environment, Hearthstone Alzheimer's Care or other memory-specific communities may offer more secure dementia programming and specialized staff. Also, if the priority is consistently flawless front-desk service and uniformly seamless day-to-day dining, it's prudent to tour with attention to how staff interactions vary by shift and to verify the current dining model.

The major positives at Waterstone offset its few drawbacks through a compelling combination of aesthetics, programming, and people. The building reads as pristine and contemporary - bright, stylish, and thoughtfully laid out - while the amenities build a robust daily rhythm: pool, spa, gym, movie room, outdoor courtyard, and a dining program that residents routinely celebrate. The atmosphere is warm and professional; families repeatedly praise the staff's willingness to go the extra mile, and the community's sense of belonging is palpable in the way residents greet each other and participate in activities. Leadership and the marketing team are frequently singled out for transparent communication and a welcoming, helpful approach.

Care and transition are particular strengths. When a health issue arises, staff are described as quick to respond and willing to customize accommodations, and families note that executive leadership remains accessible and communicative. The experience is not merely about facilities; it is about creating an ecosystem where residents feel safe, engaged, and connected to chosen routines - whether water aerobics, bridge, or lively social events. The presence of a proactive Senior Advisor - acclaimed for guiding families through the process and introducing new residents to others - helps turn moving into a positive, low-stress transition. In short, the community backs its promise with practical, attentive care.

Of course, there are caveats to consider. Some reviewers point to a higher cost relative to peers, and a few mention growing pains as the community scales its operations and refines dining and service consistency. While the front-desk experience is generally warm, isolated interactions have left a negative impression, underscoring the importance of evaluating service quality across different times and staff. Dining, though frequently praised, is not universally flawless, and prospective residents should budget for potential fluctuations in meal consistency. These factors are meaningful, but they sit within a framework where the overall value - quality, amenities, and social vitality - still tends to outweigh the downsides.

Bottom line: for families prioritizing a vibrant, upscale living environment with a strong sense of community, proactive leadership, and a proactive approach to aging in place, Waterstone of Westchester stands out as a compelling choice. It excels where genuine connection, engaging programming, and a safe, well-maintained setting matter most. Those with higher sensitivity to cost or who require a dedicated memory-care program should investigate alternatives - particularly facilities with specialized dementia care, clearer dining consistency, and more predictable pricing. A thoughtful tour focused on staff dynamics, dining, and care pathways will confirm whether this community matches the specific needs and expectations of the loved one.

This part of White Plains, New York, offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living. With several pharmacies nearby, including CVS and Saxon Pharmacy, accessing medication and healthcare services is made easy. In terms of healthcare, there are reputable hospitals like White Plains Hospital and Burke Rehabilitation Hospital within close proximity. Additionally, there are various physicians' offices and treatment centers, such as the Dickstein Cancer Treatment Center and Weill Cornell Psychiatry at NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Division, ensuring quality medical care. The area also boasts a selection of cafes like Starbucks for socializing with friends and enjoying a cup of coffee. For recreational activities, seniors can visit nearby parks like Tibbets Park or take advantage of the cultural options available at theaters such as Alamo Drafthouse Yonkers. Transportation options are also readily available with Metro North train stations and airports in the vicinity for easy travel. Overall, this part of White Plains provides convenience, healthcare resources, leisure options, and accessibility for seniors looking to settle in the area.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Saxon Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.3 miles)
• Nespresso Boutique at Bloomingdale's, Westchester (0.5 miles)
• Starbucks (2.1 miles)
• Starbucks (2.7 miles)
• Starbucks (3.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)

Physicians

• Dickstein Cancer Treatment Center (0.3 miles)
• Weill Cornell Psychiatry at NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Division (0.5 miles)
• WestMed (1.1 miles)
• Digestive Disease & Nutrition Center of Westchester (2 miles)
• HSS Westchester (2.3 miles)
• Westmed Medical Group (3.7 miles)
• WMCHealth Physicians Advanced Imaging Center Nuclear Medicine (4.5 miles)

Parks

• Tibbets Park (0.4 miles)
• Hart's Brook Park & Preserve (2.3 miles)
• The Arbors (4.5 miles)
• Rye Town Park (6.3 miles)
• Memorial Park (6.4 miles)
• Uniontown Playground (6.6 miles)
• Rockefeller State Park Preserve (6.9 miles)

Hospitals

• White Plains Hospital (0.4 miles)
• Burke Rehabilitation Hospital (1 miles)
• St Vincent's Hospital-Westchester (3.9 miles)
• Northeast Medical Group Family Medicine - Rye Brook (4.5 miles)
• Greenwich Hospital (6.9 miles)
• Bendheim Cancer Center (7 miles)
• Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital (8.1 miles)

Restaurants

• City Limits Diner (1 miles)
• Roosters Market (1.1 miles)
• Pepsico (3.6 miles)
• Captain Lawrence Brewing Company (3.9 miles)
• Serafina (4.7 miles)
• Goosefeather (5.1 miles)
• Kneaded Bread (5.6 miles)

Transportation

• Metro North - Hartsdale Train Station (2.1 miles)
• Valhalla Metro North Station (3.1 miles)
• Signature Flight Support (3.5 miles)
• Million Air White Plains (3.6 miles)
• Westchester County Airport (HPN) (4.1 miles)
• Metro North - Harrison Train Station (5 miles)
• Metro North - Rye Train Station (5.2 miles)

Theaters

• Alamo Drafthouse Yonkers (4.6 miles)
• AMC Port Chester 14 (5.6 miles)