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

The Self-Help for the Elderly Adult Day Services is owned by Self-Help for the Elderly; this organization runs an affiliated senior center in the same building. Self-Help for the Elderly primarily serves the Chinese community in the Richmond district. Jackie Chan, the actor, helped raise funds for the center's opening and major remodel five years later. He performed the ribbon cutting for both ceremonies. The large multi-purpose room, which includes a gym and physical therapy area, is always a hub of activity. The program accepts individuals forty and older. The younger clients are cognitively impaired. Self-Help provides a support group for caregivers once a month. Activities include exercise, tai chi, music, arts and crafts, and discussion groups. Lots of games on the schedule, such as mah-jongg, promote socialization between the clients. Group outings outside of San Francisco are on the activity schedule, too. Outside entertainers perform periodically. Both Chinese and American holidays are celebrated; however, Chinese New Year's garners a lot of attention and fanfare. Participants eagerly anticipate the annual Chinese New Year Dragon Dance, which is performed for them by members of the city's police department.Some participants have been attending the program for ten years! The atmosphere is delightfully welcoming with participants seeming to be right at home. Many participants engage in the exercise program five times a week. The staff impressed us on our visit; they are both caring and competent.