Sunrise Assisted Living of Santa Monica is located near several medical buildings. White roses and alyssum grow near a bed of lush plantings and palm trees in the front yard. Potted impatiens flank the glass-paned entrance. Residents sit in teak chairs out front, and at umbrella-topped tables on the garden patio. The patio hosts frequent parties and barbecues. The hallways, with settees, tables and lamps, provide spatial opportunities for residents to converse with each other. Nautical décor permeates much of the first floor—pictures of boats and oceans line the walls. The second floor has two themes, with sports-related collectibles on one side and Hollywood memorabilia on the other.
The lobby has dark green carpet and high ceilings and leads to the bistro, a hallmark of Sunrise facilities. This hopping spot features a popcorn machine, a jukebox, drinks and snacks. The large dining room overlooks the patio. The day’s entrées are displayed at the entrance. On the day we visited, the lunch offerings were turkey with stuffing, carrots and soup, or baked ziti. Tables are covered with lace overlays over green cloth, and are set with china and fresh flowers. Entertainers perform here on a regular basis. We saw several residents relaxing in the first-floor lounge in front of the big-screen TV. The community room upstairs opens to an intimate terrace furnished with wicker tables and chairs. A large planter overflowing with greenery provides some privacy from an adjacent building.
In addition to a craft area, there’s a large TV and ample seating in the activity room. Lectures, council meetings, bingo, poetry readings and brain games are hosted here. The group often takes supervised walks and trips to restaurants, shops and museums. Staff members encourage socialization so residents don’t remain in their rooms for too long. Since living spaces are small within each unit, the community often gathers in the common rooms. Some resident rooms overlook the patio, while others have balconies. Shadow boxes for personal mementos and bronze nameplates hang outside each door.
