(Provided by Gilbert Guide's on-site reviewer)

Santa Monica Pavilion is a building with personality and pizzazz. Green canvas awnings contrast with the pink exterior. The facility is located at the corner of residential Saltair Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard, a commercial thoroughfare. Untamed trees line one side of the building. The sophisticated foyer boasts marble floors, marble wainscoting on the walls, a leather couch and a club chair. Silk flower arrangements add a dash of elegance. Two hallways jut out in different directions, and feature the same marble floors topped with floral runners. In some aspects, the interior design looks hospital-like, hinting at its original use as a skilled nursing facility.

In the summer, the outdoor area at the center of the facility is the perfect spot for gardening and barbecues. Potted plants and wrought-iron garden furniture fill the space. Resident rooms, which contain faux wood floors and white walls, enhanced by framed prints and attractive wall sconces, border the patio on three sides. The dining room, on the other side of the patio, is furnished with round Formica tables for both meals and activities. Cabinets hold games and arts and crafts supplies. We were impressed to hear that snacks are served around the clock every day. If someone gets a case of the munchies in the middle of the night, staff members will whip something up. We found an alert group of residents in another smaller activity room discussing current events. Most are somewhat frail and non ambulatory, and prefer a light activity schedule including bingo, trivia and gentle exercise. Varied religious services are conducted on-site. If someone moves in whose religion isn't already being observed, the facility will find someone to conduct the appropriate services.

The administrator, a nurse and nineteen-year veteran of the facility, made a strong impression on us with her loving, considerate gestures. She introduced us to every resident we encountered, greeting a very elderly woman with dementia with a kiss on the cheek. When a man in a wheelchair approached the administrator to ask if he had any upcoming medical appointments, she knew his schedule off the top of her head. He appeared grateful to have someone so "on the ball" overseeing his important commitments. Many of the current staff members worked at the skilled nursing facility before it was converted. Although Santa Monica Pavilion does not have a separate unit for people with dementia, Wanderguard adds a layer of security for people who tend to roam.