Sunrise Senior Living 1551 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta Ga

Sunrise Senior Living, an assisted living and dementia care facility is located in Marietta, Ga. in the eastern part of Cobb County. The building is located on approximately 3 acres on a main thoroughfare. It is surrounded by office suites, neighborhoods and shopping centers. It provides easy access for families and to doctors’ offices and medical services.

Purpose of Sunrise Sunrise Living was created 25 years ago to provide a model for senior care that centered on the resident. They believe in the sacred value of human life and aim to provide dignity, independence and nurturing to that end. A number of choices are provided for residents and their families that support this vision.

Levels of Care Assisted Living Independent Living Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Nursing & Rehab Care At Home Assisted Living Hospice Care Short-term Stays

Physical Description This classic-style facility is beautifully landscaped and well maintained. As you enter the two story foyer you are met by one of the concierges who greet and assist you. The traditional furnishings are warm and comfortable, with a number of sitting areas. Books, games, music and TV are readily accessible. This classic-style facility is beautifully landscaped and well maintained. As you enter the two story foyer you are met by one of the concierges who greet and assist you. The traditional furnishings are warm and comfortable, with a number of sitting areas. Books, games, music and TV are readily accessible.

Comfortable seating areas are scattered throughout the building.

In addition to the public areas, there are 78 apartments on both floors. The main floor contains nine assisted living units, the REM area as well as the kitchen, dining rooms, parlor, spa and laundry. Staff offices are also located here. The second floor is primarily apartments, the activity room, nursing office, a beauty shop, and an open seating area. The census varies weekly but is presently at 80% capacity. Most apartments are occupied by one person, although there are a few couples. A number of porches, garden areas and walking paths surround the building.

A typical residence hall… personably decorated, seating areas and even room for bowling!

REM area The secure Reminiscence (REM) area is for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia; entry is gained through a keyless touchpad. Twenty- four apartments and large common areas are attractive and comfortably furnished. Two kitchens and eating areas are in the center of the unit. Residents also have access to a secured garden area and screened porch. Currently there are 20 residents in this unit.

Services The services at Sunrise include three well- balanced meals a day with snacks available all day; housekeeping and laundry services are also provided. A nurse visits monthly to check vitals and monitor medications. Social, devotional, recreational and education programs are available as well as scheduled transportation. Monthly support meetings are offered to families in addition to educational programs for better understanding of challenges faced by their loved ones.

In keeping with the goal of treating each individual uniquely, Sunrise conducts and maintains resident assessments. Specific services are then provided that include: Personal hygiene & grooming Bathing & dressing Medication coordination Socialization and activities Mobility and transferring Assistance with eating Continence management

Special Features “Sunrise Signatures” are the special actions taken by the facility to express their commitment to the well- being of their residents. Some examples are: Exec. Director serves beverages during a meal to interact with the residents and oversee quality. Each resident is assigned a Care Manager. Birthday cake and card for each resident Fresh flowers, family photos displayed throughout Fresh snacks and drinks always available Personal pets are allowed and two dogs are in the REM and AL areas during the day for the residents.

Staff The staff at Sunrise consists of a General Manager, Community Relations Director, Activities & Volunteer Coordinator, Director of Nursing, Concierge, Secretary, Nurses, Aides, Cooking and Housekeeping Staff. A number of part- time therapists and nurses are also employed.

Activities A monthly calendar of activities and events is given to each resident. They are able to choose how they want to be involved. There are bingo games, socials, crafts, exercise sessions, Bible studies, trips to eat out, shopping or just sightseeing. Special events in the area are also attended and enjoyed.

The activities of the residents, as well as coordination of volunteer services is under the direction of Sheila Henderson (Phone: ). She arranges a number of field trips, doctor visits, activities, shopping excursions each week for the benefit of the residents.

The activity room includes seating for movies, games and refreshments. It is also where Sheila’s ‘office’ is located. She works with a number of distractions, but remains patient and friendly.

Success Stories The successes are seen in the positive, caring attitudes of the staff. They seem to genuinely enjoy working at Sunrise and are involved in the patient’s lives. The patients also reflect the success of the program. They are happy to be living there, enjoy the programs, facilities and food. Sheila Henderson sees her success in the feedback of the families. They feel that their loved ones’ health and well being are maintained, outings are enjoyed and has often heard, “now Mom is smiling again since moving in”.

Problems & Issues There are no extraordinary problems that the staff faces other than the ones that come with working with seniors and memory impaired residents. There is some burnout by staff, but not an excess turnover of employees. Extra patience is always required, especially in the REM area. Theft, a common problem is these facilities does not seem to be an issue.

Potential Improvements When asked what she would do with unlimited funds, Sheila said she would build a larger facility filled with a caring staff. She would love a bowling alley! She would also offer more programs and activities (with more staff). Regarding changes within the budget, she replied that she could not think of anything she would change.

Volunteer Experience My volunteer service included: Leading exercises in REM area Accompanying residents to shopping and lunch Coordinating Bowling and Golf Calling for Bingo games Talking and walking with residents Any jobs to help relieve staff’s workload such as flower arranging, paperwork, errands

References  – A national organization to promote and protect the interests of seniors.  – The Gerontological Society of America provides research and information about aging to professionals and general public.  - Agency for Health Care Policy and Research offers information for informed health care decisions and best practices in the field.

Credits Microsoft Office Clip Art Sunrise Senior Living