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

Kateri Residence, an elegant former apartment building, graces one of Manhattan's premier residential neighborhoods near the Hudson River. The entrance is on 87th Street, a charming corridor of brownstones adorned with curbside gardens and petite trees. The facility's services include short-term and long-term skilled nursing as well as dementia care and hospice services. Approximately 90 percent of the residents are there for short-term rehab, so the population constantly varies. Our guide proudly informed us that a number of long-term care residents are over 100 years old! The lobby and common areas feature subtle colors, tasteful furnishings and artwork and assorted plants. Each meticulously maintained resident floor houses a nursing station and a sunny dining room equipped with a TV and board games. Recently, staff members, residents and their loved ones attended a service officiated by the Cardinal of New York City in the gorgeous onsite chapel. Residents tend plants in the spectacular rooftop solarium, where a fountain and statuary honor Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, for whom the facility was named. We observed our guide and the activity director as they responded quickly and compassionately to a conflict between two residents taking part in an arts and crafts activity here. The nurse manager thoughtfully moved one wheelchair user so the resident wouldn't obstruct hallway traffic, yet could still be "close to the action." Afghans, photographs and knickknacks bring a homey aspect to residents' spacious, sun-dappled rooms. Lamps and overhead fixtures cast soft light. The rooms, which easily accommodate one to four residents, are equipped with privacy curtains and electric beds, which are lowered to the floor for residents who are prone to falling. Soft lighting illuminates the boldly colorful murals that adorn the walls in the Alzheimer's unit.