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

As the name suggests, New York State Veterans Home accepts veterans only. The building sits on a sprawling, verdant campus. The contemporary facade features brown stone and four sets of bay windows on either side of the entrance. A fifty-foot metal and glass canopy extends an artful welcome. The driveway encircles a grassy island dotted with flagpoles and shrubs; fittingly, an American flag flies high overhead. A parking lot is conveniently located out front and a beautiful gazebo graces the velvety lawn. Ample outdoor seating is available. The area, surrounded by a wood fence, is well-utilized: residents flock here regularly to enjoy barbecues and entertainment that includes singers, musicians, guest speakers and storytellers. The tasteful lobby features brown ceramic tile floors and aqua walls. A gift shop is located just off the lobby, but the most unusual feature of the home is its huge four-story atrium. Framed by three exterior walls and one made entirely of glass, the atrium provides exceptional natural light. Potted trees bring in an element of the outdoors. Shaded wood benches make it a wonderful gathering spot; we noticed several residents lunching with family in this inviting sanctuary. On every floor, a lounge with a glass wall overlooks the atrium. Green upholstered chairs echo the verdant color scheme. A multipurpose dining room, complete with a big-screen TV and a piano, is also found on each floor. The residents here were animated. During our visit, staff readied them for lunch, chatting and helping them get settled. Residents' spacious rooms have two windows each. Formica cabinets and closets provide plenty of personal storage. Each bed has a wood nightstand and headboard, and over-the-bed lighting. The staff has arranged a long list of creative pastimes, including: exercise, movie-viewing, ice cream socials, choir, art therapy, table games and religious services. Popular day trip destinations include museums, the mall, restaurants, baseball games at Shea Stadium and trips to Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. The specialized Alzheimer's unit offers cognitive and memory exercises, and training such as trivia and recall games. These activities help keep residents occupied so that they don't stay isolated in their rooms. Fluorescent lighting illuminates the hallways. No-tip chairs next to the nurses station urge interaction between residents and staff. During our tour, residents of this unit were engrossed in an art project. All dementia staff—nurses, recreation staff and CNAs—underwent a yearlong training program, sponsored by the Alzheimers/Dementia Association in Manhattan.