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

Skyline HealthCare Center sits atop a hill on a busy corner in the eclectic Los Feliz district. Another skilled nursing facility, Country Villa Los Feliz, is adjacent. Trees abound throughout the neighborhood, along with coffee shops, eateries and small shopping malls. We saw quite a few neighborhood residents walking their pets—the locale was active, friendly and inviting. The facility exterior is pleasing to the eye. A comfortably furnished patio also serves as the designated smoking area. We went in through the back entrance which leads to the administrative offices. Potted plants and a bench at the entrance provide a quaint retreat. Despite the institutional milieu, the interior is homey, thanks to the tasteful décor. The lobby features smart white and pink tile flooring. One of the two dining rooms has lustrous hardwood floors. The room resembles a family parlor with well-maintained couches, a big TV and a beautiful wood dining table. We saw a resident here watching the news. The other dining room—the larger of the two by far—doubles as an activities space. Most residents dine in this room, which has a piano and a TV. Here, we witnessed an exchange between the administrator who led our tour and one of the residents, who spoke highly of the facility and the care he receives. They seemed to have a great rapport. The chef extolled the working environment and recounted the tale of one holiday feast he held for residents and families—he found it highly rewarding to feed over two hundred people that day! The menus accommodate diabetic, regular and renal diets and are prepared on a four-week cycle that changes every three months. A standard menu of favorites like hamburgers, sandwiches and cottage cheese is always available. Monthly brunches and candlelit dinners are as festive as holiday fare—steak, barbecue ribs and other special meals are often part of the spread. A separate refrigerator in the kitchen stores food for cravings between meals. There are thirty-three large and comfortable bedrooms, most housing two to three people, and one room for respite care. A number of rooms access the patio. Bulletins listing useful information are posted in every room. One female resident, whose room we viewed, told us about her family. She took great pride in showing us pictures of her son, who was in the military. There is a family forum that meets every two months, but many residents don't have close contact with loved ones, making socialization with staff members and peers vital to their quality of life. Most of the team has been with the facility for over fifteen years. In-house trainings are conducted every two months. Staff encourages everyone to participate in activities, which include monthly council meetings, trips to the farmer's market, casinos and shops, exercise, current events discussions, games and movies. The "happy feet" program entails daily walks throughout the building. Physical, occupational and speech therapies, wound care, IV therapy, tracheotomy, repertory and hospice care, dietary and social services and psychological support are all offered.