The Residence at Boylston Place: A Comprehensive Review

• Introduction

• Types of services offered
  • Independent living
  • Assisted living
  • Memory care (Reflections)
  • Temporary stay options
• Facility amenities
  • Residential features
  • Community amenities
• Daily activities
• Resident testimonials
• Pricing information
• Comparison with similar facilities
  • The Residence at Boylston Place
  • Market positioning
• Location and accessibility
• Staff and management
• Conclusion
• Frequently asked questions

Introduction

The Residence at Boylston Place is at 615 Heath Street in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, operated by LCB Senior Living. It's a senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services in a residential setting with rolling lawns and close proximity to Boston.

Types of services offered

The Residence at Boylston Place provides three levels of care to match different needs.

Independent living

For active seniors who want a maintenance-free home, independent living includes:

• Private apartments with full kitchens
• Weekly housekeeping
• Access to amenities and activities
• Transportation services
• Social and recreational programs

Assisted living

For residents who need help with daily tasks, assisted living includes:

• 24-hour supervision and personalized care plans
• Help with activities of daily living
• Medication management
• Emergency call systems
• Regular health monitoring

Memory care (Reflections)

The memory care program, called "Reflections," serves residents with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia. It includes:

• A secure environment to prevent wandering
• Staff certified by the National Institute for Dementia Education
• Activities designed for cognitive stimulation
• More staff per resident than in other programs
• Personalized care plans for memory-related challenges

Temporary stay options

The facility offers respite care for caregivers who need temporary relief. It includes the same amenities and care services available to permanent residents.

The Residence does not offer skilled nursing care. Residents who need this higher level of medical care would need to move to a different facility.

Facility amenities

The facility offers a range of amenities to support daily life and social engagement.

Residential features

• Private and semi-private rooms
• Private bathrooms
• Kitchenettes in apartments
• Cable TV
• Telephone service
• Air conditioning
• Emergency call systems
• Wi-Fi and high-speed internet

Community amenities

• Restaurant-style dining room
• Movie theater
• Library
• Arts and crafts room
• Game room
• Fitness room
• Beauty salon and barber shop
• Outdoor patios and garden spaces
• Walking paths
• Common areas for socializing
• Business center
• On-site market and store

Daily activities

The facility runs an engagement program with regular activities for residents:

• Current events discussion clubs
• Happy hour social gatherings
• Cooking classes

• Live dance and theater performances
• Holiday parties and themed celebrations
• Art classes
• Trivia games and other brain games
• Wellness programs
• Birthday celebrations
• Wine tasting events
• Special interest clubs for cooking, gardening, and walking
• Wii bowling and other games
• Fitness programs including stretching, yoga, and tai chi
• Music programs and entertainment
• Educational lectures
• Day trips to local attractions

The facility also hosts faith services:

• Christian services
• Jewish services
• Catholic services
• Other religious services
• Devotional activities both on-site and off-site

Resident testimonials

Residents and family members have shared their experiences at the facility.

"We love it here in independent living. The dining room does a great job. All the staff are helpful." – Carol, resident

"I would certainly recommend The Residences to anyone who inquired. I was very pleased with the facility!" – John, family member

"I chose The Residence at Boylston Place because Josh, the CEO, and the staff that I met were very gracious and friendly. I felt comfortable with them. They have lots of interesting, varied, and age-appropriate activities. The food is farm-to-table and the vegetables that come with dinner are fresh, well-prepared and there are salads and fresh fruit. I've never had better food." – Janet, resident

"It's been a great experience for my Mom. She has transitioned really well to this new arrangement. I am especially pleased with all the activities she does there. She is rather high functioning so she has a couple of others like her and therefore has formed friendships." – Laura, family member

Some residents and families noted areas where the facility could improve.

"Sometimes the meals are great sometimes not very good. I don't know how to rate value for cost – to me the cost is exorbitant." – Anonymous resident

"Overall, we've had a good experience at The Residence at Boylston Place. However, there are some things that need improvement. My loved one is in a wheelchair, but his apartment is not wheelchair accessible… The food is inconsistent- sometimes it's great and sometimes it's poor. The aides are great. The communication with the family is good overall. The housekeeping is good." – Anonymous family member

Pricing information

Pricing varies based on the type of apartment and level of care needed.

• Independent living studio apartments start at about $6,210 per month, which is below the Chestnut Hill area average of $6,750.
• Assisted living and memory care have different pricing structures, with memory care typically costing more due to the specialized care.
• Caring.com lists a starting price of $5,250 per month.

For current pricing, contact the facility directly. Rates vary based on:

• Apartment size and layout
• Level of care
• Additional services
• Current market conditions

Comparison with similar facilities

When looking at senior living options in Chestnut Hill, it helps to know how this facility compares to others in the area.

The Residence at Boylston Place

• Services: Independent living, assisted living, memory care
• Starting price: $5,250–$6,210 per month
• Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 on Caring.com (4 reviews), 6.8 out of 10 on Seniorly
• Notable features: Three levels of care, recently updated facility, farm-to-table dining

Market positioning

The Residence at Boylston Place appears to be a mid-to-upscale option in the Chestnut Hill market with pricing competitive to other facilities in the area. Residents and families often mention the location near shopping, dining, and parks as a benefit.

To get a fuller picture, families should visit other senior living communities in Chestnut Hill, Brookline, Newton, and nearby areas to compare services, amenities, and costs.

Location and accessibility

The Chestnut Hill location offers several advantages:

• Wegmans pharmacy is less than a mile away
• Nearby dining options including Veggie Crust and Mike's Donuts
• Local parks for outdoor recreation
• Convenient for family members in the greater Boston area
• Close to medical facilities

Staff and management

LCB Senior Living operates the facility and manages 38 communities in the region. According to reviews, the staff includes:

• Josh, the CEO, described as "gracious and friendly"
• Care staff available 24 hours a day
• Aides who receive positive mention in reviews
• Housekeeping staff who maintain the facility

Some reviews mention recent staff turnover, which has affected the consistency of activities.

Conclusion

The Residence at Boylston Place offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The facility's strengths are its setting, range of amenities, dining options, and caring staff. Areas needing improvement include wheelchair accessibility in some apartments, meal consistency, and keeping staffing stable to support activities.

To evaluate the facility, schedule an in-person tour, meet the staff, and ask about current pricing and availability. Call (617) 390-8882 for independent living and assisted living questions, or (617) 910-3619 for pricing and availability.

This community may work well for seniors who want:

• A mid-to-upscale setting in Chestnut Hill
• Multiple levels of care as needs change
• An active community with many activities
• Proximity to Boston

Families whose loved ones need skilled nursing care should know that this facility does not offer it and should explore other options in the area.

Frequently asked questions

1. Q: Where is The Residence at Boylston Place located, and how do I schedule a tour?
   A: The facility is at 615 Heath Street, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, just outside Boston. Contact the admissions office by phone or through their website to request a tour. Tours usually include viewing apartments, walking through amenities, and meeting staff. Call ahead to confirm available times.
2. Q: What levels of care does this community offer?
   A: The facility offers independent living (apartments, housekeeping, social activities), assisted living (24-hour supervision, personalized care, medication management, help with daily tasks), and memory care called "Reflections" (secure environment, specially trained staff, structured activities for cognitive engagement). Skilled nursing care is not available. Residents needing that level of care must move elsewhere.
3. Q: How is pricing structured, and what's typically included?
   A: Independent living studio apartments start around $6,210 per month (below area average). Assisted living and memory care have their own pricing (memory care costs more). Pricing usually covers rent, meals in the dining room, utilities (confirm specifics), weekly housekeeping, cable and Wi-Fi, access to amenities and activities, and transportation. Costs vary by apartment size, care level, and added services. Ask for a detailed fee schedule to see what is and isn't included.
4. Q: What amenities and activities are available?
   A: Amenities include restaurant-style dining with farm-to-table options, movie theater, library, arts and crafts room, game room, fitness room, salon, barber shop, business center, on-site store, outdoor patios, gardens, and walking paths. The activities program offers current events discussions, happy hours, cooking classes, live performances, holiday celebrations, art classes, trivia, wellness programs like yoga and tai chi, music events, lectures, day trips, and special interest clubs. The facility also hosts Christian, Jewish, Catholic, and other faith services.
5. Q: What safety and accessibility features are in place?
   A: Emergency call systems are in all apartments. Assisted living and memory care have 24-hour staff. The memory care unit ("Reflections") is secure to prevent wandering. Staff monitor health regularly and respond to emergencies. The facility has fire protection and trained staff. Some apartments may not be fully wheelchair accessible, so ask about specific units when touring.
6. Q: What is the move-in process, and is there a waitlist?
   A: Contact admissions to check availability, complete any health assessments, review the service agreement, and reserve an apartment. If your preferred type of apartment (for example, wheelchair-accessible) is not immediately available, you can join a waitlist. Planning ahead helps secure the right unit.
7. Q: What distinguishes the Memory Care "Reflections" program?
   A: "Reflections" serves residents with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. It offers a secure environment, staff certified in dementia care, more staff per resident, and activities designed for cognitive stimulation. Care plans address memory-related needs while preserving dignity and quality of life. When touring, ask to see the memory care area and talk with staff about daily routines and safety practices.