It is particularly important that an institution like Silvercrest be focused upon its future, because we always envision a brighter future for those we serve. Our philosophy is that virtually everyone can do better. While for some, improvement will mean a return to independent living at home, those others who stay with us permanently can still increase their function, their skills and their enjoyment of life. To this end, exciting projects are always in planning or are underway.

The physical plant:

• Enhancement to the grounds are in planning, to include a "Healing Garden" intended to provide an outdoor nourishing environment
• A 9000 gallon oxygen tank will better address the needs of our 48-bed ventilator unit by increasing oxygen capacity by more than 5 times

Activities and Programs

• A gardening program in association with the Queens Botanical Gardens will offer a wonderful, new recreation for many residents
• A new hospice program introduced in late 2004 will grow in importance. Established in coordination with New York's Visiting Nurse Service, this program is a fitting addition to Silvercrest's continuum of care system.

Educational Initiatives

• The Continuing Care Leadership Coalition is a critical group of health care leaders that has been assembled under New York State grant to foster quality improvement in extended health care. As one of the contributing members of this important coalition, Silvercrest provides emissaries who contribute to the enumeration of the "Best Practices" developed by the consortium, and who in turn, bring helpful policies developed elsewhere home for assimilation.

The future is indeed bright as we pursue in ever more expansive ways our mission of "giving quality to life."