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

Because of its unique affiliation with Mary Immaculate Hospital, residents of Monsignor Fitzpatrick have full access to the hospital's medical services. The skilled nursing unit takes up three floors in the large brick hospital. The atmosphere is ideal for short-term rehab patients who can benefit from ongoing services such as cancer treatments. In fact, those undergoing short-term rehab make up a significant portion of the population, so the community feeling one might get at a more traditional long-term care facility was not apparent here. Another unique quality: Monsignor Fitzpatrick is the only skilled nursing facility in Queens that provides radiotherapy and chemotherapy! Inside, fluorescent lighting illuminates the spartan décor. Banks of windows fill the common areas with sunlight; brilliantly colored fish draw the eye to an aquarium in one room. An attractive mural depicts Casablanca near the well-equipped physical therapy area. Each floor boasts a combined dining and activity space. The meeting room may be reserved for private parties. Residents' bedrooms are modestly sized; the beds take up much of the space. However, small windows provide a bit of light and cheer. An aide assisted some residents in playing bingo during our tour, while a group of more active residents were out dining at a local restaurant. Monthly outings include shopping trips and concert performances. A blue awning casts welcome shade over the furnished patio, a popular area for summer barbecues and outdoor activities. The recreation therapist addresses the special needs of short-term rehab residents by arranging for guest speakers to discuss entitlements, discharge planning and adjustment to illness. Recently, one short-term resident helpfully translated the orientation packet into Spanish; the friendly admissions director enthusiastically told us of plans to duplicate it for Spanish-speaking residents.