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

Perched atop a grassy hill off Route 1, Brinton Manor sits near a tree-lined residential street. This traditional brick building has dark green shutters and a matching canvas canopy outside the entrance. Attractive white fencing surrounds shade trees, shrubs and a flower garden out front. At the time of our visit, residents packed the lobby and happily chatted away. Fresh paint, new flooring—which has a nice "bouncy" feel—and an aquarium make a promising welcome. Appealing pale peaches and greens fill resident rooms, with coordinating floral window valances and contrasting tartan plaid bedspreads. The new flooring carries over here, and large windows blanket the rooms in natural light. One of two living room areas was filled with about twenty residents waiting for an activity to begin. A large dining room boasts an entire wall of brick and a beautiful fireplace. Residents who require extra help at mealtimes dine in this area. The second dining room sits adjacent and is bright and cheerful. Both dining areas are also used for activities. Brinton Manor is proud to have a music therapist as the activity director, who makes music a part of the daily schedule. A cooking club, garden club, bingo, bible study, exercise, arts and crafts and animal therapy sessions are popular pastimes. Even the house dog, Buddy, gets in on the action. When we spoke with the administrator, he mentioned the importance of a great caring culture among residents and staff, and is proud of a newly implemented program designed to nurture this special relationship. An outdoor patio features umbrella-topped tables and a long garden area with well-tended flowers and vegetables, thanks largely to John, a resident who is in charge of the gardening—from ordering seeds and seedlings to deciding what to plant. John takes great pride in instructing other residents on how to care for the various flowers and veggies he selects, and says he really enjoys the familial atmosphere here. Trees offer comfortable shade, making this a great spot for activities during pleasant weather. Several high-functioning residents told staff of their desire for a cocktail hour, like those held in upscale retirement communities. Staff in turn personally redecorated the onsite beauty shop with twinkling blue lights, tiny tables and chairs and decorations befitting a nice cocktail lounge. We were impressed—the staff really seems to make a concerted effort to accommodate residents' needs and wants, especially in something not normally associated with a skilled nursing facility—a bar!