A circular driveway curves beneath the canopied entrance to Long Island Living Center, adjacent to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital. A chain-link fence edges an expanse of trees, trimmed shrubs and green grass. Tall first floor windows flood the lobby and adjoining seating area with light. In the lobby, a chandelier casts a soft glow. The common area features a baby grand piano, big-screen TV, billiards table and colorful aquarium. A lovely mural depicting a beach scene brightens the room. Contemporary furnishings are set among a soothing blue backdrop in residents’ moderately sized rooms. Table lamps and wall fixtures supplement the natural light from the windows. Drapes on the large windows in the dining area help soften the glare of the sun. The lunch menu featured noodles and cheese, sour cream and broccoli and chilled pears on our visit. For dinner, residents chose between chicken and hamburgers. Daily midday and evening snacks include cookies, cakes and an assortment of coffee, tea and juice. Each floor has its own sunny lounge. Outside, the concrete patio is shaded by an overhang; residents often relax in this green and fragrant setting of trees and shrubs.
The center’s residents are an energetic group. The varied social calendar includes exercise, table games, field trips and musical performances. Among the favorites are morning news group, cooking club, “glamour time,” dancing, painting and picnics. Onsite health care services include internal medicine, podiatry, dermatology, ophthalmology, ear nose and throat services, psychiatry and dentistry. The administrator and our guide, the case manager, went out of their way to socialize with residents, making the environment a cordial one.
