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

Faced with the decision of having to consider a nursing home for their mother, one family decided to give BEELONG Adult Day Services a try. As it turns out, her nursing home admission was delayed by three years! This is just one of the many success stories attributed to this program. BEELONG exudes a very positive and happy environment where seniors seem to thrive. Facilitating increased socialization is a passion for the staff; they start by engaging participants in conversation, and provide lots of motivation and encouragement. At the time of our visit, the smell of mouthwatering brownies filled the kitchen. Participants and staff worked as a team to mix and bake them. Activities are tailored to participants levels of functioning; offerings range from reminiscence, lightweight bowling, shuffleboard and sing-alongs to bingo, tie-dying and visits with furry friends from the SPCA. A guitarist plays at BEELONG monthly. Participants are encouraged to exercise twice a day in the Ambulation Motion program. A Falling Star program is also in place, alerting staff to participants more prone to falls. This modern building is located in an industrial park alongside a fitness center. The inside is bright and newly remodeled, although even more improvements are planned, including a "Florida" room to compensate for the lack of natural light. The appetizing menu includes hearty choices such as lasagna, chicken, crab cakes, barbecue ribs and hot turkey sandwiches. A smaller group room has a satellite TV. BEELONG is considering making this room multisensory, which would include tactile, aromatic and sound experiences. A staff nurse is available five days a week to help administer medications. We were delighted to learn that participants will often be "ready" to go to BEELONG even on weekends when the program is closed—a telling testament to the warm environment, great staff and quality of programming.