I have an old relative with no children, whose wife left this plane of existence over 10 years ago. Although he always ate kosher food (except for his time in WWII Concentration Camps under the German Nazis), he is not particularly Orthodox, though he tries to attend Orthodox shulls. Being in his late 90s, still very sharp of mind but not in the best physical condition, it was time to find him a place where he could take care of as many things as possible – by himself – while knowing there would always be someone there when he needed them.
I wanted him close by so it would be easy for me to see him regularly. I found quite a few assisted living facilities in Brooklyn, including some where all or the majority of the people are yidn. Each one had some good points but most also had some things that would not quite suit his particular needs. After a few months I found a place that has a nice shull on premises, lots of activities to keep an active mind active, great kosher foods (as attested by their menus and the residents themselves), but also a varied crowd from all walks of life.
That place is Harbor View (3900 Shore Parkway; Brooklyn, NY 11235; Tel: 718.769.9700)
The welcoming driveway, the greenery, the warm colors of the building, the beautiful entrance lobby…
All the above made him feel welcome right away.
His room is quite spacious with a superb view of the ocean…
…such perfect quarters for someone who values his privacy, his ability to still function fairly indepently and whose mind still admires the beauties of this world.
The hotel like dining room looks out to the outdoor patio and the ocean, The outdoor patio is a great place to sit in the summer sun or one of those warmer sunny winter days.
All in all between the activities, the shiurim, the view and the helpful staff there is no question he will be happy there. In fact, in speaking to him the last few days, he sounds far chipper than I’ve heard him in many a year.
CS
The Kosher Scene 
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