Not far from the Rodeo Drive sits this handsome pink stucco building complete with its own underground garage. A small outdoor patio allows residents to enjoy comfortable chairs and watch the goings-on. The interior is reminiscent of many other Sunrise facilities: a staircase carries on to the second floor, while a bistro packs in residents with its snacks, popcorn machine and Wurlitzer jukebox. The small living room boasts fluffy couches, chairs, magazines, artwork, collectibles and a large TV. The entire facility is clean, comfortable and welcoming. In fact, the only reception we received that was less than warm was from the lethargic house dog, Frosty.
Each resident’s door has a bronze nameplate and a shadow box that residents personalize. Inside, rooms are spacious with high ceilings. Some have small patios, others have windows. Small kitchenettes and residents’ own furnishings create a homey touch. The dining room is redolent of a grand tea room. Dark green carpet and matching tablecloths work in concert with the two-tone china, fresh flowers and hanging lamps. Many entertainers visit the facility and perform in this room. A private dining area is available for special visits with family. The food is fresh, healthy and appealing. Residents have two entrée choices at each meal. On the day of our visit, swordfish and chicken were on the menu. Other common areas include the multiple TV lounges and a small gym with equipment and comfortable chairs and couches for watching others work out. Two private massage rooms are adjacent. The fifth-floor patio is small, but manages to entice residents outdoors with its wicker furniture, umbrellas, tables and potted plants.
Book clubs, bingo, card games and movie-watching augment classes in crafts, exercise and flower arranging. Outings to ballets, operas, plays, the zoo, casinos, museums and shopping areas are well attended. The majority of residents are Jewish. Shabbat services are held on Friday evenings. Residents are active and seem to have strong bonds with each other; we saw many hanging out and playing board or card games with each other. Management does a good job of running the facility smoothly. We noted that resident complaints were handled quickly and easily. Our tour guide explained that one resident moved in a few months before our visit, shortly after which her friends came to visit. When the ladies saw her living quarters, they immediately lost some of their preconceived notions about assisted living. Six of her friends now live on the same floor!
The Reminiscence Neighborhood, or dementia unit, is on the fourth floor. Rooms are similar in appearance to the rest of the facility. The small dining room is attached to a kitchen where residents sometimes help cook. The living room is home to a TV, whereas a smaller reminiscence room is popular with female residents for its dress-up clothes, old photographs and items for infants. Staff and residents here will have dress-up shows where both will change into period wear. The small patio is glass-enclosed; a Snoezelen room boasts a downy rug and pillows, a soothing moving picture of clouds, relaxing music and softly colored lights. A resident cat has the run of this floor.
