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

West 74th Street Home resides on Amsterdam Avenue, a major street lined with apartment complexes and businesses. Numerous cultural opportunities add to the location's appeal. Residents often sit in front of the facility, people-watching, near the glass entry. West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing manages the nonprofit home. After seeing the stressful effect that running out of money had on one resident, the admissions coordinator became committed to helping residents manage their finances to remain at the home.

Comfortable chairs and couches furnish the homey common room along with a piano and TV. Colorful prints and pretty curtains add cheer. Lamps and overhead lighting brighten the home, which has a designated smoking room that is specially sealed. A bank of windows pours sunlight into the dining area, where waitstaff lend an air of elegance. The staff raved about the appetizing kosher food, which includes meals such as lamb kebab with chutney, rice and vegetables. Residents' unfurnished rooms all have windows and high ceilings—some feature private bathrooms.

Residents must inform security prior to leaving the facility, which many do to visit a nearby park. Games, discussions, movie-viewing, parties, yoga, pet therapy and religious services round out the activity program. The recreation director is also one of the facility's three social workers. The staff, from maintenance to social workers, takes pride in functioning as a team to see to the well-being of the residents.