A Unique Program for Seniors with Unique Needs

Sunrise recognizes the special needs of people with Alzheimer disease and other related memory impairments. Offering a fresh approach, we begin with understanding the stories and details of a senior's life so we can help them attain what we call "pleasant days." This means finding ways to involve residents in everyday activities they enjoy and can feel successful at, in specially designed surroundings that are both safe and stimulating. Providing care for seniors with Alzheimer disease and other memory impairments can be challenging, but Sunrise has created a care option that works.

Reminiscence Neighbourhood

The Sunrise Reminiscence Neighbourhood for seniors with Alzheimer or other memory impairments is based on the concept of "Creating Pleasant Days." Through reminiscence (i.e., remembering the past) and multi-sensory experiences, we can take our residents on a soothing journey to a place in life that was comfortable and pleasant. Designed to accommodate the unique needs of people with Alzheimer disease and other memory impairments, our Reminiscence Neighbourhoods provide a safe and stimulating environment for individuals to enjoy esteem-building activities.

With our life skill centres and Reminiscence kits, our staff involves residents in pleasant daily routines, such as gardening, sewing, infant care, office work and household chores. Our Memory Boxes are a big hit with residents and their families. Residents or their families decorate the box and display it outside the resident's room to celebrate their individuality.

Reminiscence Neighbourhood Highlights

• Includes multi-sensory experiences, daily exercise, daily outings, group activities, the joy of
  pets, and regularly scheduled visits with children
• Our Individual Service Plan is based on private meetings prior to move-in and is based on
  each resident's unique life history, and is sensitive to their own personal journey
• Dining ensures proper nutrition with three, delicious, well-balanced meals and healthy snacks
• Hydration program encourages water and juices six times a day to minimize illness and
  infection
• Initial and ongoing family partnership is encouraged
• Active volunteer programs further encourage family involvement
• Staff is extensively trained in disease processes through Sunrise University
• Caring professionals are dedicated to maintaining the dignity and individuality of every
  resident

Services and Amenities

• Therapeutic activities and specially trained staff to meet the unique needs of residents
• Living spaces designed to help residents function as independently as possible
• Private or companion suites with a choice of floor plans, comfortable quality furnishings and
  artwork
• Emergency call response system in each suite
• Variety of comfortable community areas including elegant community dining room, private
  dining room for family or guests, 24-hour cafe, sunroom and media, television and living room
  areas
• Beautifully manicured and maintained landscaping, gardens and grounds
• Secure outdoor terrace
• Fire safety system
• Full service housekeeping and laundry
• Social, educational, devotional and recreational programs
• Concierge services
• Trained staff available 24 hours a day
• Monthly wellness visits by a licensed nurse
• On-site hair salon and barber shop

Personalized Services & Assistance

We understand that each resident is an individual with unique needs and preferences. That's why we meet with residents and family and conduct an assessment—prior to move-in and at regular intervals afterwards—to understand the need for assistance and support in the following areas:

• Personal hygiene and grooming
• Dressing and clothes selection
• Medication management
• Continence management
• Assistance with eating
• Showering or bathing
• Socialization and activities
• Mobility and transferring
• Monitoring of safety

This assessment helps determine the appropriate care and service that preserves each resident's dignity, encourages independence and best enables freedom of choice.
Upon completion of the assessment, a team of our community professionals comprised of the executive director, assisted living or Reminiscence coordinator, health care coordinator, and our designated care manager prepares an individualized service plan that is monitored on a daily basis.

Staff

Caregivers Chosen with Care

Our staff is trained to help manage the unique needs of residents suffering from memory impairments. As part of the training, each staff member is assigned an experienced mentor who provides guidance and expert advice. 
Our staff looks for opportunities to help residents succeed at familiar tasks, whether it is making their bed or baking a sheet of cookies. These activities give residents the opportunity to experience the satisfaction of a job well done with the security of knowing a helping hand is always nearby.

Environment & Lifestyle

A Safe Haven for Seniors

We designed the Reminiscence Neighbourhood with the particular needs of the Alzheimer's resident in mind—to provide comfort and security in a separate, specially designed environment that looks and feels like home. We provide individualized attention and care through the use of dedicated care managers.

Families

Resource Library & Seminars

For the family and friends of residents with Alzheimer’s disease, and for the general public, Sunrise offers a comprehensive resource library and educational seminars on the care of those with memory impairments and the needs of the caregiver. An active volunteer program encourages family involvement in the residents' lives. In addition, each Sunrise runs a support group facilitated by a trained leader.