Located on a busy major street atop a hill, Sunrise of Hermosa Beach has a gorgeous view of the ocean. The attractive U-shaped building resembles a resort. A circular driveway winds past myriad well-landscaped trees, flowers and plantings. The sheltered front porch—a hallmark of all Sunrise Senior Living facilities—provides ample seating for residents to enjoy the view or have a smoke. Inside, the open, two-story atrium awaits with its grand staircase and polished wood banisters. The concierge is at the ready. Fresh and silk flowers and plants permeate the interior. Several comfortable seating areas with lovely furnishings and artwork provide pleasant spots for relaxing and socializing. To the left of the atrium is a children’s play area complete with a toy chest brimming with playthings.
Moderately sized resident rooms are unfurnished, but can be furnished by the facility for a monthly fee. All rooms have large windows with attractive drapery—some even have ocean views! Shadow boxes filled with personal keepsakes and memorabilia hang outside each resident’s door, along with a shiny nameplate. Resident rooms surround a beautiful outdoor patio with various seating areas. A safety glass panel protects the patio from chilly sea breezes—rosebushes, plantings and small trees do their part as well. Residents may work in the garden, which features miniature fruit-bearing trees.
The dining room is elegant, with linen-draped tables complete with place settings and silk flowers. The food was presented well and appeared quite appetizing. Residents have at least two entrée choices at each meal—on the day of our visit, lunch included pork cutlet with roasted potatoes, vegetables, salad and dessert. The fireplace lends a homelike touch. The nearby bistro boasts a working jukebox, and provides snacks and beverages all day long. The bistro also hosts happy hours and socials. Residents enjoy fresh fruit grown in the outdoor garden.
We were impressed with the residents and staff at this facility. Residents seemed quite content and well cared for—one man even took the time to show us his drawing from that day’s art class. Another resident mentioned how much her pooch liked to ride the elevator! Staffers were professional, and we observed a number of them interacting with residents in a friendly manner. We also enjoyed the facility’s house pets. Spot the cockatoo is able to whistle the “Mayberry theme” tune from the Andy Griffith show! Jodi, a hound, and Charlie the cat are the other two pets.
An extensive variety of activities includes weekly shopping trips, scenic drives, lunch outings, movies, birthday celebrations, exercise sessions, card clubs, table games and religious services. The Reminisce Neighborhood houses residents with dementia in a secure wing. This unit looks mirrors the rest of the facility in décor and layout, with its own kitchen, dining room, activity rooms and secure outdoor patio. The residents here have their own specialized activity schedule, which includes life skills sessions like preparing meals, light housekeeping and laundry as part of their daily routine. Staff in this area is specially trained to work with residents with dementia.
