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

A former elementary school on the western edge of Norristown is home to a very active senior center as well as an adult day care for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia. The outdoor garden is fantastic. Originally landscaped by a senior, it is now maintained by staff and volunteers, as participants are not allowed outside for safety reasons. Inside, numerous windows add cheer to the brightly colored space. The senior center and adult day care are housed in the same facility, so both groups join for meals and activities like monthly parties and outside entertainment. Senior volunteers fashion bouquets from the fresh flowers routinely donated by a funeral home to the adult day care participants. Pathway, the nearby special education school, brings a class in for weekly intergenerational activities. On our visit, a piano player had about 95 percent of the audience singing along or listening intently. We were struck by how the activity director and staff were so engaged with participants. Exercise programs aid both fine and gross motor skills, while reminiscing, music and pet therapy programs keep residents' minds lively. A staff RN administers medications. During our tour, we spoke with some of the participants' caregivers; all agreed that participation in the program has delayed their loved ones' move to a facility. They were also adamant that it gave them a much-needed break from caregiving. The program works to create realistic and achievable goals for families balancing the health issues of an elder with dementia. A caregiver support group meets monthly—and in order to curb absenteeism, staff thoughtfully provides a pizza dinner during the evening meetings.