Carnegie East House is a nonprofit facility on the Upper East Side. The surrounding neighborhood offers shopping, cultural opportunities and convenient public transportation. The modern building maximizes space and light. All of the common areas boast high ceilings. The elegant lobby, like the rest of the facility, is brightly lit with overhead and recessed lighting. Green and burgundy add bold color to the mainly pastel décor, which includes floral and striped upholstery and drapes. The numerous seating areas evoke intimate living room settings, with comfortable seating surrounding wood coffee tables. Brass and ceramic lamps and knickknacks decorate the end tables. French doors access the sunny dining room, where restaurant-style service and attractive table linens add to the inviting atmosphere. Resident’s three daily meals are included in the monthly rate. The library’s dark green palette provides a refreshing change from the pastel décor outside its doors. Perhaps best of all, however, the facility features a large outdoor terrace equipped with patio furniture—a true luxury in Manhattan!
Sconces provide dim lighting in the hallways. Sunrooms at the end of the halls supply additional brightness; residents can often be found reading or visiting in these areas. Residents enjoy great flexibility in decorating their bright, spacious apartments: they may paint the walls in addition to replacing the carpet if they wish. Grab bars provide a practical touch in the fully equipped bathrooms.
A large activity room hosted an author who had come to read from her book and have a discussion with the residents. When the residents saw us peeking in, a few called for us to join them. Afterward, many eagerly discussed the author’s visit amongst themselves. The impressive roster of activities includes poetry, opera, exercise, religious services, tai chi and theatricals. Residents also take part in memory training and word games. Nurses are present around-the-clock. If needed, residents receive assistance with medication management and activities of daily living, as well as escorts to appointments.
