When searching for the right senior living community, families want to know their loved ones will be treated with compassion, dignity, and personal dedication. Sunrise at West Essex has demonstrated that standard once again by earning the 2026 U.S. News & World Report awards for Best Assisted Living and Best Memory Care.
Alongside those honors, the senior living community in Fairfield, New Jersey, received accolades for Activities & Enrichment in Assisted Living, as well as "Feels Like Home" across both Assisted Living and Memory Care, as reflected in its U.S. News Best Senior Living profile. While each of these awards highlights a key aspect of community life, this feature focuses on their recognition for Caregiving across Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Trust Built on Longevity and Communication
A major pillar of exceptional caregiving is consistency. Executive Director Maryssa Seminerio has been with Sunrise for 15 years, starting her career as a concierge. Several leadership team members and care managers have been at West Essex for over a decade, creating a deep sense of familiarity. That longevity creates a seamless transition when new or returning residents move in.
As Maryssa recalls, "We had a reoccurring resident that used to come frequently on respite, and she moved in full-time. Immediately, our care managers flocked to her and her family. The family was so happy to see them again, and you could just see their sigh of relief."
Personalized Senior Care in Every Detail
The caregiving team treats residents with the same thoughtfulness they would offer their own families, paying close attention to their daily routines. In the Reminiscence memory care neighborhood, caregivers take personal pride in helping residents get ready for the day. They assist with hair styling, makeup, and favorite jewelry, even holding friendly "dressing competitions" among staff to help ensure every resident feels confident and well-cared-for.
These gentle, skilled techniques create breakthroughs for families. The team noted when one new resident moved in, her daughter was amazed to see her mom freshly showered with her hair washed on day one; a task private home aides had struggled to accomplish for months.
Encouraging Independence Without Limits
Strong caregiving enables residents to maintain their independence and keep enjoying the activities they have always loved. Whether caregivers are actively playing alongside residents during bi-monthly balloon volleyball matches against Sunrise of Wayne or organizing resident-led projects, they help ensure every individual stays connected.
That support extends well beyond the building. When residents expressed a desire to attend a New York Yankees game, the team made it happen seamlessly. Caregivers navigated wheelchairs, managed logistics, and brought portable battery backups for oxygen tanks so residents could enjoy the stadium experience comfortably. As one resident wrote in a thank-you note afterward, "It provided me with so many great memories I will enjoy for the rest of my days at Sunrise."
At Sunrise at West Essex, award-winning senior living and caregiving means empowering residents to live fully, safely, and happily every day.
We invite you to experience the award-winning warmth, dedication, and joy at our assisted living and memory care community in New Jersey first-hand. Schedule a tour of Sunrise at West Essex today to see what sets our neighborhood apart or explore other senior living communities in New Jersey to learn about nearby Sunrise locations. If you are searching for a community outside of New Jersey, you can use our locator to find a Sunrise Senior Living location near you.