Sunrise History

1981

Paul and Terry's personal experiences with senior living inspired them to begin Sunrise. The concept of assisted living was familiar to Paul, whose grandmothers both lived in comfortable senior homes in Holland, where the care and assistance they needed was brought to them, delivered in a residential environment. As a teenager, Terry and her father struggled to care for her terminally ill mother at home, after they discovered the only long-term care options were impersonal, institutional settings. As a result of their experiences and belief that seniors can be cared for and enjoy a quality life, they opened the original Sunrise in Oakton, Virginia. Paul and Terry Klaassen lived in the first Sunrise home from 1981 to 1982 and cared for the first residents, learning how to care and provide for seniors.

2003

Under the continued leadership of its founders, and growing from a single residence to a portfolio of nearly 350 in the U.S. and abroad, Sunrise has stayed true to its roots while pioneering many innovations.

1982

Paul and Terry design the first Sunrise training programs around the now well-established Principles of Service: nurturing the spirit; enabling freedom of choice; individuality; encouraging independence; preserving dignity; and involving family and friends. These go on to become the hallmarks of the assisted living movement.

2003

Sunrise offers its training programs through Sunrise University - which offers a continuous learning curriculum and provides team members with a career track within the organization. An active, organization-wide mentoring program is used to provide support for team members in new positions.

1988

The first Sunrise prototype home is designed and opens in Arlington, Virginia. The model is embraced by residents and their families and quickly becomes the most successful design in the industry. High quality, award-winning architectural and interior design continues to be an important part of Sunrise’s success. This building wins the first of dozens of awards for design that Sunrise will win in the following years.

2003

Sunrise's prototype model is very flexible, allowing the company to meet the architectural preferences of consumers in different areas of the country and the challenges associated with limited development space. Sunrise's long-standing relationships with Victor Regnier, FAIA, professor of Architecture and Gerontology at the University of Southern California and architects such as Beery Rio & Associates has ensured the continued success of the building design, complemented by the impeccable designs created by Sunrise's interior design group, Martha Child Interiors, Inc.

1990

Recognizing that the assisted living industry needed a voice as the movement continued to grow, Paul Klaassen helps found the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), serving as its founding chairman from 1990 to 1994. ALFA's original headquarters was located in Paul and Terry's garage.

2003

In little over a decade, the industry's leading trade group has grown from four members to more than 7,000. The original office has grown to a large national office with 40 state affiliates representing 41 states and the Caribbean. Throughout its history, ALFA has promoted the interests of assisted living, senior housing and care providers dedicated to enhancing consumer choice and quality of life.

1995

Having served residents with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease since opening its doors in 1981, Sunrise formalizes its care program and names it the Sunrise Reminiscence Program. The Reminiscence Program becomes a signature service of many Sunrise communities across the country.

2003

Sunrise's Reminiscence program has helped thousands of people living with dementia by creating "pleasant days" and comfortable, safe and secure environments that preserve the resident's dignity. Sunrise also offers support for the family members of Reminiscence residents.

1996

Sunrise completes its initial public offering. Its common stock is quoted and traded publicly on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol SNRZ.

2003

Sunrise's solid business model and results and unwavering commitment to its mission have helped attract stockholders, lenders and institutional real estate investors. The Company's continuing ability to raise capital from various sources has been instrumental to its growth. These successes and Sunrise's leadership position within the long-term care field contributed to the company's transfer to the New York Stock Exchange in May 2001.

1999

The first international Sunrise Assisted Living residence opens outside of London. While the concept of assisted living is new to the United Kingdom, the first British Sunrise is well received and performs very well as residents and family members enjoy this new alternative.

2003

Our international growth continues to expand. Additional U.K. and Canadian residences also are under development/ construction. Sunrise is planning additional international growth.

2000

Sunrise develops At Home Assisted Living, a new care alternative for seniors who need some assistance with activities of daily living, but aren't yet ready to move. Seniors select the options and services most appropriate for their needs and Sunrise schedules, coordinates and provides those services for seniors in their own homes.

2003

Sunrise continues to offer At Home Assisted Living in multiple markets across the U.S. As the program expands, the services will be available in most of the markets where Sunrise operates communities.

2003

Sunrise acquires Marriott Senior Living Services, adding over 120 communities with more than 30,000 residents and a broader scope of service offerings to its portfolio. With projected growth in new developments both nationally and internationally, Sunrise Senior Living continues to meet the needs of seniors and their families. With all the benefits of experience and loyalty to its original principles of service, Sunrise Senior Living remains a champion of quality of life for all seniors.