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

Brier Oak on Sunset has an austere appearance from the outside. Trees surround the back entrance, which is often used to bypass the heavy traffic on Sunset Boulevard. Three cheerful patios, one of which accommodates smokers, are highlights of this facility. Colorful hand-painted outdoor walls feature soothing summer scenes with flowers, butterflies, sunny blue skies and billowy clouds. One patio, behind the main lobby, incorporates the lobby fireplace's brick backing into the presentation. Bricks are randomly painted varying shades of red, blue, green and yellow. Tables and chairs allow for outdoor activities. Residents often garden; the fruits of their efforts are present in all three patios. The lobby décor is simple and tasteful. A sofa and antique looking chairs are positioned for fireside relaxation. Staff photos hang from the beige walls. Long corridors connected by nursing stations create a somewhat institutional feel, but the rooms themselves are very homey. Accommodations are moderately sized and appropriately fitted with plenty of space for personal items. Curtains separate the hospital beds. Multipurpose rooms are colorful and inviting. We found the spacious physical therapy room to be outstanding. A large window on one wall overlooks Sunset Boulevard and the Hollywood Hills. Separate stations contain weights, exercise balls and other strength training equipment. One area is set up like a bedroom for residents with memory impairment to practice the techniques of daily living. During our tour, we observed the physical therapist attending to a resident who made slow, steady steps using an ambulation device. The conference room has a long dinner table and a mantel ornamented with elegant vases. Floral-print artwork enhances the neutral walls. Family members use this room for private meetings.