Frequently Asked Questions
We want to be your trusted guide on your senior living journey. Explore the topics below to discover the answers to some of our most common questions.
Don’t see your question here? Reach out to one of your local communities for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Care and Services FAQs
What care options does Sunrise offer?
Sunrise offers assisted living, memory care for those living with Alzheimer’s disease, another form of dementia, or memory loss, short-term stays, skilled nursing, independent living, and care coordination with third party providers such as hospice and home health. Not sure what type of care you need? Take our Care Questionnaire and discover what might be the best fit for you or your loved one.
How is a resident’s level of care determined?
We start by having one of our nurses do a comprehensive assessment (our nurse will visit the prospective resident in their home, hospital, other healthcare facility, or remotely if needed). From there, we create an individualized Service Plan (SP) based on the assessment, which outlines the specific care and services that best meet the resident’s care and service needs.
What happens if the resident’s care needs change?
We take great care to personalize each resident’s experience. We review each residents’ individualized Service Plan (SP) regularly to make any necessary adjustments to the care and services we deliver while also coordinating with their family members.
Can Sunrise help if my mom or dad has experienced falls in the past?
We develop an individualized Service Plan (SP) for each resident that details their specific care needs and preferences and addresses safety concerns. If a fall risk is identified during the nurse’s assessment, the Service Plan may include interventions and special precautions for our care team to follow to reduce the risk of falling. Even with the highest quality care as provided by Sunrise, some falls can’t be prevented. Our Fall Management Program teaches our care team what to do in the event of a fall to optimize resident safety outcomes. In addition, many of our daily programming and activities offer exercise classes that focus on strength and balance.
Do you have a medication management program?
Yes, Sunrise has a medication management program, which may be added to a resident’s individualized Service Plan (SP). Residents participating in Sunrise’s medication program may choose their own pharmacy or use Sunrise’s preferred community pharmacy provider. If a resident prefers to use an alternate pharmacy, the resident and pharmacy must comply with certain requirements. In some circumstances, residents may be able to manage and self-administer their own medications. If a resident can safely manage their own medications as determined by the nurse’s assessment and has the desire to do so, steps can be put into place to support resident self-administration of medications. Reassessment at regular intervals to ensure resident safety with self-administration of medications is provided.
Do you offer short-term stays?
Yes, we do offer short-term stays at many of our communities. A short-term or respite stay is a convenient option when planned or unforeseen circumstances occur, such as an extended family vacation or recovery from an illness. Guests can receive assistance during an illness or rehabilitation after a hospital visit, and some of our communities offer skilled nursing for those needing more care. It can also serve as a great opportunity to try out life at Sunrise.
Do you offer rehabilitation or skilled nursing?
Skilled nursing and rehabilitation care are offered in some Sunrise communities. Our skilled nursing care is ideal for those who have undergone surgery or hospitalization, received a joint replacement, or sustained an injury and want to recover in a warm and friendly environment. Another option is our all-inclusive Road Home program, which provides personalized care and services in the assisted living setting to help you get on the road to recovery and back home.
What is your staff-to-resident ratio?
Our staffing ratio is variable, and we adjust based on the needs of our residents in each community. Every resident’s individualized Service Plan (SP) outlines the type and frequency of care they need, which is delivered by a team of care managers who learn each resident’s likes, dislikes, and preferences—helping to anticipate a resident’s needs before they arise. Our residents and their care managers build very strong bonds.
Can you help to provide a doctor?
Residents may keep their current physician or our team can help them find physicians near the community. Some doctors make regular visits to our communities, but a resident is not obligated to use them. We may also provide scheduled transportation for our residents who need a ride to a doctor’s appointment for an additional fee.
What training do Sunrise team members receive?
We provide a structured onboarding program and regular continuing education and training to help ensure our team members can safely care for our residents’ needs in a dignified and respectful way. Sunrise clinical care programs, industry standards of care, and quality assurance measures are integral to this training and reinforce Sunrise’s strong standards of care. Sunrise’s extensive training programs have been developed throughout our 40-year history and include classroom, online and hands-on training, and employee shadowing and mentoring.
What are the typical services provided in Sunrise’s Assisted Living?
Some of our residents in assisted living simply require general oversight and reminders, while others need various levels of care and assistance. We can assist our residents with all of their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as showering, dressing, grooming, and even dining. Each resident has an individualized Service Plan (SP) that details his or her plan of care, which is regularly updated to meet evolving needs.
What are the typical services provided in Sunrise Independent Living?
Our independent living communities offer restaurant-style dining, an array of activities and outings, housekeeping, and transportation.
What kind of transportation do you offer for doctor visits and activities outside the community?
Transportation to and from activities and outings are a staple at Sunrise. While the calendar of events varies at each of our communities, most communities include one day in each week where they take our residents shopping or sightseeing in the area. Many communities schedule outings to local grocery stores, pharmacies, or retail stores so that residents can check errands off their list. Communities may also be able to provide local transportation including for doctor visits for an additional fee.
Assisted Living FAQs
What are the typical services provided in Sunrise’s Assisted Living?
Some of our residents in assisted living simply require general oversight and reminders, while others need various levels of care and assistance. We can assist our residents with all of their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as showering, dressing, grooming, and even dining. Each resident has an individualized Service Plan (SP) that details his or her plan of care, which is regularly updated to meet evolving needs.
What is the average age of residents in assisted living?
While age varies by each community, in general, our residents are in their mid-80s.
Independent Living FAQs
What are the typical services provided in Sunrise Independent Living?
Our independent living communities offer restaurant-style dining, an array of activities and outings, housekeeping, and transportation.
Can independent living residents also receive care?
Our Monogram Collection communities are independent full-service senior living communities that offer independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, short-term respite stays, and memory care. By having access to a full slate of care, you can feel secure knowing that, should your needs change, you can continue living in your community.
Memory Care FAQs
How does memory care work at Sunrise?
Our Reminiscence program is specially designed for people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and memory loss. These neighborhoods are engaging and secure areas that are purposely designed to encourage social engagement, meaning, and purpose. Our memory care services feature separate areas, memory-focused activities led by life enrichment managers who are trained in memory care techniques such as the Validation method and other special memory care techniques. Several of our communities also offer Terrace Club, a specialized neighborhood for those experiencing early to moderate memory loss.
What are life enrichment managers?
Reminiscence residents have a life enrichment manager who consistently engages them in familiar routines of daily living through personalized life skills. Life skills are familiar tasks that residents enjoyed doing in the past that can still bring a sense of success, meaning, and purpose. The life enrichment manager is responsible for designing life skills to reflect each resident’s past interests and providing them with encouragement, prompts and hands-on support. Reminiscence residents benefit from a variety of engaging programming that focuses on memory strengthening exercises and enriching activities to keep them active and connected.
What is the Validation method?
The Validation method is a method of communicating and meeting our residents in their own reality. This approach seeks to help restore a sense of self-worth, reduce anxiety, enhance dignity, and increase overall well-being. Validation is built on an empathetic attitude and a holistic view of each resident. Sunrise is an Authorized Validation Organization.
Short-Term Stays FAQs
Do you offer short-term stays?
Yes, we do offer short-term stays at many of our communities. A short-term or respite stay is a convenient option when planned or unforeseen circumstances occur, such as an extended family vacation or recovery from an illness. Guests can receive assistance during an illness or rehabilitation after a hospital visit, and some of our communities offer skilled nursing for those needing more care. It can also serve as a great opportunity to try out life at Sunrise.
What is considered a short-term stay?
A short-term stay is considered 30 days or less.
Can caregivers use a Sunrise community for respite care?
Yes. When caregivers need to take a trip or simply take a break, they can find a place for their loved one at Sunrise. Short-term residents have access to all the care and services offered at their community.
How will a short-term stay help me recover and get back home?
We offer the Road Home program, a 30-day program specifically designed for guests coming to Sunrise directly from a hospital or rehabilitation center. The Road Home program provides assistance both during an illness or after a hospital visit. From medication management to around-the-clock care, you will experience all of the additional services that aid in a full, speedy recovery.
Skilled Nursing FAQs
Do you offer rehabilitation or skilled nursing?
Skilled nursing and rehabilitation care are offered in some Sunrise communities. Our skilled nursing care is ideal for those who have undergone surgery or hospitalization, received a joint replacement, or sustained an injury and want to recover in a warm and friendly environment.
What services are available at Sunrise skilled nursing communities?
Our skilled nursing residents benefit from services such as 24-hour nursing care, rehabilitative therapy, respiratory care, GU/GI care, musculoskeletal and skin care, medication management, wound care, treatment for specific medical conditions, and much more.
Senior Living Costs FAQs
How much does senior living cost?
The cost to live at Sunrise is based on several factors, some of which include the residents’ assessment and their specific identified care and service needs, room charges, and other factors that can vary by location and other circumstances. Learn more about financial options for senior living.
What is included in the costs?
Our base rate in assisted living and memory care includes three meals a day, housekeeping, one load of personal laundry and fresh linens and towels each week, an emergency safety alert system, wellness checks every 30 days performed by a nurse, transportation to community programs, and all of our in-house activities.
What financial options are available to make senior care more affordable?
Many state and federal programs offer financial assistance for certain senior living expenses. For instance, in the U.S. there is a federal benefit, Aid and Attendance, which both veterans and their spouses may be eligible to receive to assist with assisted living fees. Some long-term insurance policies may also cover part or all of the costs for assisted living care. We encourage you to speak with your financial advisor and explore more about financial options here.
Touring and Visits FAQs
How do I arrange a tour?
To set up a tour, simply call your nearest Sunrise community at 888-434-4648 or find a community and schedule a tour. You will then speak with one of our expert National Senior Resource Counselors, who will evaluate your needs and connect you with the best community for you. During your in-person or virtual visit, we’ll talk to you about your personal circumstances and how we can best meet your care needs and lifestyle preferences.
What happens during a tour?
We will set up an in-person visit, Zoom meeting, FaceTime chat, or phone call to connect—we will work with you to determine the best option for you. Tours typically last about one hour to 90 minutes. We will go through a care needs discovery process to determine the individual needs and preferences of you or a loved one. You will learn about our care levels, suite options, and team members. We will take you on a tour or share a virtual tour of our community. Find your local Sunrise community to book a tour today.
Are there restrictions on visiting hours?
We welcome visitors and work with our family and friends to visit their loved ones at a time that works best for them.
Activities and Programming FAQs
What types of activities do you offer?
Sunrise Live With Purpose™, our signature programming, is specially designed to help keep residents active and engaged through eight focus areas: exercise, excursions, art, music, education, intergenerational mentoring, community service, and spirituality. Our mind activities include brain teaser games, language study, and discussion groups—just to name a few! We offer daily programming that helps our seniors stay physically active with activities like chair yoga, tai chi, walking clubs, and much more. In addition, residents love our music programs, poetry classes, and variety of religious offerings. We also plan fun and engaging activities outside of the community, such as a trip to a local park for a barbeque lunch, a scenic bus ride tour, or an art gallery exhibit visit. There’s always something to look forward to! Find your local Sunrise community and view its weekly activity calendar.
How do you design activities to engage residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia?
Our life enrichment managers, who are dedicated to providing residents with a sense of purpose, along with our activities and volunteer coordinators and designated care managers, coordinate activities for each resident based on their personal history, interests, and needs. They help make every resident’s experiences meaningful and engaging while also focusing on activities that strengthen memory.
Can residents request events or activities?
Yes! In fact, activity calendars are different at each community because each one is tailored with the goal of meeting its specific residents’ requests and passions. Our communities also hold monthly resident council meetings so we can get insight as to everyone’s preferences and interests to help guide the community’s activities offerings.
Dining Program FAQs
How does the dining program work? Are residents given three meals a day? Are they able to eat only at mealtimes?
We serve three meals a day and our dining services coordinators serve our residents restaurant-style. Our dining program is all about encouraging choice. In addition to the unique entrees featured at each meal, we also offer an “always available” menu for our residents. There is also a bistro in each community, where our residents can grab a snack or beverage throughout the day.
Can you provide special meals for residents with modified diets?
Yes, we can tailor our meals to each resident’s nutritional needs and personal preferences. We offer a wide variety of modifications to address several dietary needs, including diabetic diet plans, pureed foods, fortified diets, no salt added diets, and more.
Move-in Process FAQs
How quickly can you help?
We work with each family to support their needs as best we can, including accommodating urgent move-ins when possible if the resident’s current situation indicates that it is necessary. Residents must receive a full assessment prior to moving in, which helps our care team develop their individualized Service Plan (SP).
Can I bring my own furniture?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own furniture with you. We encourage you to design your suite to be as comfortable and familiar as possible
Can Sunrise provide me with furniture?
Yes, there are furnishings available should you choose not to bring your own furniture. Contact a Sunrise community near you for more details.
Can I personalize my suite?
Yes! In fact, we hope you will make your space your very own. Our design team is dedicated to creating safe, comfortable, and inviting living spaces, and we have a number of floor plans to choose from. Take a look at our design guides and tips to personalize your space.
Do we have to sign a long-term agreement for the suite?
No. Our assisted living and memory care communities do not require long-term commitments. However, most of our communities require a deposit/move-in fee upon signing the residency agreement. We also require 30 days written notice prior to moving out of the community. Get in touch with your local Sunrise to learn more.
Can we move in as a couple?
Yes! At Sunrise, couples can live together in their own suite surrounded by their familiar belongings. Alternatively, suites can be shared by friends or companions who simply enjoy each other’s company. Find a Sunrise near you to view their specific companion suite options.
Life at Sunrise FAQs
Do you allow pets?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own pet with you! If you are capable of caring for your pet and they are an appropriate pet for the community setting, we would love for them to join our Sunrise family. Plus, you’ll find a community cat or dog in most of our locations. Read more about pets at Sunrise.
How often do you communicate with family members?
Family members can expect to hear from their loved one’s community team frequently, through biweekly executive director letters, monthly digital newsletters, and calls after the resident’s monthly wellness visit. We also have a family engagement app that allows you to conveniently see photos and videos of your loved one, as well as view the community activities calendar, menu, announcements, and more.