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

The Guild is a sleek, modern facility in an elegant Upper West Side neighborhood, only a short walking distance to Lincoln Center and famed Central Park. In addition to Guild Care, The Guild houses many Jewish Guild for the Blind corporate offices. The adult day health care program focuses on individuals with visual impairment. Guild Care combines health and wellness information, socialization and other quality-of-life services for its participants, all of whom are dealing with visual impairment, age and frailty in varying degrees; however, Guild Care participants are highly independent and function in the program without the assistance of personal aides.Friendly security guards directed us to the lower level of the building where participants meet. The lobby area is bright and immaculate. The walls, strewn with framed art, are awash in dark blues and deep yellows and oranges. The well-lit areas are also decorated with posters and participants' photos. Each common room is equipped with numerous tables, generously spaced to accommodate wheelchair users.Guild Care offers an impressive array of activities. While the mainstays such as exercise, movement therapy, arts and crafts, sing-alongs and manicures are available (and widely loved), it was the addition of these unique activities that truly won us over: calligraphy classes, ballroom dancing, history of jazz classes, book clubs, a men's group, the Socrates Club and visitors from the Julliard Actor's Studio refreshed the list of usual suspects! Health and wellness activities include classes on vitamin supplements, general health and hygiene, vital stat monitoring and numerous therapies, including pet therapy and therapeutic group discussions. Staff members assured us that breakfast and lunch services are miraculously squeezed into participants' packed day of activities!Even with Guild Care's diverse population—Chinese, Russian, Spanish and American—the interaction between participants was pleasant, candid and touching. As we entered the room, participants were still chatting and reacting to a visual presentation that had just commenced. A representative from the manufacturer discussed their latest product and was presenting it to participants. Management and staff obviously understand the specific needs of this community and it was clear to us that participants were comfortable in this setting. Many stayed to ask questions and get feedback from fellow participants and knowledgeable staff members. Guild Care staff and participants made our visit an enjoyable experience. We only wish more participants could benefit from this outstanding program!