Waterstone FAQs

What types of senior living does Waterstone offer? 

We offer different senior living options across our communities, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care, depending on the location. If you are exploring a specific community, we can help you understand which living options are available there and which may be the best fit for your needs.

We have communities in Boston, MA, Lexington, MA, Stamford, CT, Wellesley, MA, and White Plains, NY

How do I know which living option is right for me or my loved one?

We encourage you to start with daily life. If you or your loved one wants a more maintenance-free lifestyle with dining, programming, and hospitality, independent living may be the right fit. If regular support with personal care, medication, or day-to-day tasks is needed, the higher level of support in assisted living may make more sense. We can help you talk that through.  

Read our guide to understanding which senior living option is right for you.

Is Waterstone only for people who already need care? 

No. Many people move to Waterstone while they are active and independent. They want community as well as the convenience of fewer responsibilities at home. You don’t need to wait for a crisis or a health change to start exploring senior living.  

What kind of resident is a good fit for Waterstone?

We are often a good fit for older adults who want more than basic senior living. Many of our residents are looking for a strong sense of community, thoughtful and interesting programming, quality dining, and a lifestyle that still feels active and engaging.  

Can I move in while I am still independent and add support later? 

In some communities, yes. That depends on the location and the living options offered there. We can help you understand the flexibility that exists at the community you are considering and what happens if your needs change over time.  

What is included in the monthly fee at Waterstone? 

Monthly fees cover things like your residence, dining, housekeeping, maintenance, amenities, and programming. We always recommend speaking with a local senior advisor so you can get a clear picture of what you get for your monthly fee.

How much does Waterstone cost?

Pricing depends on the community, residence type, and any support or services needed. Because rates vary by location, we encourage you to contact the community directly or speak with a local senior advisor. They are there to help explain all the details for you and can answer any questions you may have.

What are Waterstone apartments like?

We design our apartments to feel comfortable, private, and easy to live in, with high-quality, stylish finishes. There are 1 and 2-bedroom variations, with en-suite bathrooms as standard, and well-equipped kitchens. Many prospective residents want to get a feel for the apartments beyond square footage and a list of specifications. That is one reason a tour can be so helpful.

Can I bring my own furniture and decorate my apartment?

Yes. We want your residence to feel like your home. Bringing your own artwork and personal belongings can make a real difference. It may also be possible to bring smaller furniture items. The senior advisor can explore arrangements for moving in furniture with you. 

What is dining like at Waterstone?

All of our communities offer restaurant-quality dining with chef-prepared meals served daily. The culinary teams focus on high-quality, local ingredients to create menus with brain-healthy choices as well as comfort food favorites. Many residents tell us that enjoying shared meals becomes one of the easiest ways to settle into the community and make friends.

Can dietary needs or food preferences be accommodated?

Yes. We know that dining preferences and dietary needs are personal, and we work to support residents as thoughtfully as possible. If you have specific questions, we encourage you to ask the local team directly.

What is daily life at Waterstone really like?

Daily life at Waterstone can be as active or as relaxed as you want it to be. Some residents build full calendars around events, classes, meals, and outings. Others prefer a quieter routine and choose only a few favorite activities. The choice is yours, and there is no pressure to get involved. We see our role as giving you options and making it easier to enjoy your day.

What supportive services are available at Waterstone? 

Supportive services vary by community, but we know that many residents want peace of mind – it can be a reason to move into a community in the first place. Some communities offer more direct care options, while others help coordinate outside services as necessary. Through relationships with local healthcare providers, a therapist or a nurse can visit you in the comfort of your apartment. We can walk you through what support looks like at the location you are considering.

Can Waterstone help with medication management or personal care?

Yes, we can, but that depends on the community and the living option available. In assisted living settings, more direct support is available, which means some help with medication management and personal care. If this is one of your main questions, it is best to ask about the exact services offered at the community you have in mind.

Is there nursing support on site?

This varies by community and by level of living. We want to be clear and accurate about what is available, so this is a good question to ask directly when you speak with a local advisor or community representative.

What happens if care needs change over time?

This depends on the community and the services available there. In some cases, residents can remain in the same community with added support, benefiting from a continuum of care in one location. In others, you would need to transition to a different community if care needs change. We can help you understand that path before you make a decision.

How does Waterstone support wellness and healthy aging?

We see wellness as broader than medical care alone. It includes movement, social connection, routine, learning, and having things to look forward to. That is why wellness at Waterstone often shows up many aspects of daily life, not just in one program or service.

What kinds of programs and activities does Waterstone offer?

We aim to offer more than passive entertainment. Across all of our communities, you’ll find lectures, outings, fitness classes, creative programs, special events, and social gatherings. We want the calendar to feel engaging and varied. What makes our programming special is that the residents can shape the experience through direct contact with an Activities Director.

A group of history-lovers can request more museum trips, creatives can press for a visiting art teacher, or mahjong enthusiasts can organize a regular event on the schedule. Each community’s activities look a little different, and that’s reflective of resident interests.

Do residents really make friends in senior living?

Yes, many do. That doesn’t mean every friendship happens overnight, but shared meals, classes, routines, and daily interaction make connection easier. One of the biggest changes many residents notice is that social opportunities are being built into the day.

Does Waterstone support lifelong learning?

Yes. We know many older adults want intellectual stimulation and opportunities to learn. That’s why lifelong learning and cultural engagement always feature in our programming. Visiting experts come to give lectures, while classes offer opportunities to test yourself or learn a new skill. There are also opportunities for volunteering for those seeking to make an impact in the local community.

Are there opportunities for art, music, and creative programs?

Yes. Many of our communities offer creative programming, and some have especially strong arts and cultural calendars. Live music is a key part of all community schedules. There are also ever-changing galleries for visual interest in each community, as well as an art studio for personal practice. If those experiences matter to you, we encourage you to ask what is currently offered at the community you are exploring.

Are outings and special events part of community life?

Yes. All of our Waterstone communities include outings, seasonal events, and special programs as part of an ever-changing activity calendar. These experiences can help residents stay connected to both the community and the wider world around them. Note that all of our communities are close to thriving urban centers, making it easy to get out and about to see interesting things!

Is Waterstone more social than living at home?

For many people, yes. When dining, programming, and shared spaces are built into daily life, it’s easier to socialize and feel a part of a local community. That doesn’t mean you need to be busy all the time, but it does mean you are less likely to feel isolated.

How does Waterstone make the move to senior living easier?

We try to make the process easier by giving families clear information, helping them understand what to expect, and supporting the transition in thoughtful ways. Each community has a welcoming committee: residents whose job it is to help new neighbors feel welcome. Our Senior Advisor is also there to help throughout the process with logistics. They can also refer you to estate planners or downsizing specialists if you need help or advice.

How can families stay involved after the move-in?

Families usually stay involved through visits, events, regular communication, and ongoing connection with the team. In many cases, moving to senior living allows families to spend more meaningful time together because daily responsibilities feel less overwhelming. Loved ones are always welcome into the community as guests for special events, too.

What questions should I ask on a tour?

We recommend asking what’s included in the monthly fee, what support is available now and later, what daily life feels like, what makes the community distinct, and what kinds of residents tend to thrive there. You should leave a tour with a clear sense of both the practical details and the overall atmosphere of our communities.

What if I am not sure it is the right time yet?

That’s very common. Many families begin researching before there is an immediate need, and that is often the best time to start. Exploring early gives you more space to compare options and make decisions without pressure. It’s also worth bearing in mind that many of our communities have long waitlists for apartments to become available.

How do I know whether a specific Waterstone community is the right fit?

The best fit depends on your priorities. For some people, location matters most. For others, it is the living option, the support model, the style of the community, or the programming. We always encourage prospective residents to tour with your own priorities in mind.

What if I have questions that are specific to one community?

That is exactly what local teams are there for. The information shared here and in the rest of our materials can help you start, but a local senior advisor can answer specific questions about apartments, services, and anything else, bearing in mind your personal circumstances.