FAQs - Top Independent, Assisted & Memory Care

Getting Started

Is it possible to do a “trial stay” at one of your communities?

Yes! We encourage potential residents to do a “Rest and Test.” Come live with us for a few days, and see how you like it! You’re welcome to stay in one of our furnished guest rooms. Join us for activities. Come to the dining room, and put our chef to the test. Meet the managers and staff. Spend time with the residents. We want you to know all about a community before you make the decision to move in permanently.

Can I take a tour of a Sunshine community?

We’d love to have you! Simply choose the community you’d like to visit, and call to make an appointment or just stop by. Our managers are available from 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week, and can show you around, introduce you to the staff and residents, and treat you to lunch. Ask us questions, go back for seconds on dessert, and chat with our Life Enrichment Director to learn more about the social and fitness programs we offer! We want you to really get to know the community you’re visiting!

How do I learn more about Sunshine Retirement Living?

Stay CONNECTED!

LIKE Us: Facebook.com/SunshineRetirementLiving

Join Us: LinkedIn.com

Community Life

What size apartments do you have?

Every community offers different floor plans with varying square footage, including studios, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, and even 1- and 2-bedroom cottages, many with patios, balconies, and beautiful views! When you tour the community nearest you, ask to see the unique layout options, or view floor plan drawings on your local Community Welcome Page.

Are pets allowed?

Positively! We welcome small cats and dogs at all of our communities.

Can I bring my own car?

Of course! We have well-lit designated parking available for your vehicle.

What is your policy for visitors?

Visitors are always welcome to visit you and stay in your apartment. We also offer guest room accommodations, subject to availability.

Is complimentary transportation available?

Yes! We provide local transportation for shopping trips, doctor’s appointments, and other scheduled activities and events. Each community has a designated bus driver, or residents can enjoy a special excursion with their Life Enrichment Director in the driver’s seat. Whether it’s a weekly shopping outing or a special dinner out with the Managers, we’ll get you there comfortably and on time.

What is the cost to live at a Sunshine community?

We offer our residents a high-quality, resort-living lifestyle, at an affordable, all-inclusive price. There are never any costly buy-in fees or long-term contracts. You simply pay your rent month-to-month. Rental deposits collected guarantee placement on the priority list, and will be deducted from your first month’s rent. To learn more about our pricing structure, and the services and amenities specific to each community, check out our Cost Calculator or Click Here to find the nearest Sunshine community.

Can I decorate my apartment with my own furnishings?

Certainly! Bring all the furnishings from your current home with you. In fact, many of our communities offer a “Pack & Move” special, where we pack up your old home and unpack it all in your new apartment. Call the community nearest you to inquire about their current move-in special. We want to make it easy to make your living space your own!

Amenities, Activities, Programs, And Services

Do you really do all the cooking for me?

That’s right! Enjoy restaurant-style dining in our elegant dining rooms where our trained dining services team takes your order, including amazing desserts! Every chef-prepared meal features an extensive menu of healthy and delicious food served at your table. You can also enjoy our coffee bar 24/7. Many communities also offer leisure dining, a soup and salad bar, or soft serve ice cream!

What if I have a specific diet I have to follow?

Our weekly menu guide indicates meals that are low in fat, low in sodium, or not appropriate for those who are diabetic.

What activities do you offer at your communities?

Here at Sunshine we want our residents to enjoy each day to the fullest, and we are extremely proud of our robust Activities and Wellness Program. We strive to fill each monthly calendar with interesting social activities and outings, as well as pack the day with everything from organized games, to exercise, to movie screenings. Feel free to take part in fitness classes, informational seminars, Bingo, card games, happy hours, birthday celebrations, day trips, and more. Make each day as fun and social as you want!

What services are on-site in your communities?

The services vary by community, but most independent living communities include a hair salon, fitness center, library, computer center, coffee bar, card rooms, movie theater, and even a home health care service, in case there is a need.

Do Sunshine Communities have an emergency system for residents?

Yes! All Sunshine apartments are equipped with an emergency system, either an easy-to-access pull cord system that places the emergency cord in the bathroom, bedroom and living room area, or by a wireless pendant system, which provides residents with a pendant to wear, providing that 24/7 safety, security and peace of mind. Your safety is our priority.

Care Levels

What is “Independent Living”?

“Independent Living” is a multi-unit senior housing community that provides all the services and amenities you need under one roof — such as meals, housekeeping, social activities, and transportation. Independent Living encourages socialization by serving delicious and well-balanced meals in our central dining room, hosting a robust calendar of social programs in shared common areas, like card rooms, an activity room, fitness center, library and computer center, outdoor gardens, and more. It may also be used to describe housing with few or no services (55+ Senior Apartments). At each of our Sunshine Independent Living communities, you can continue to enjoy your independence with a carefree lifestyle in your own residence, while enjoying the luxury of having a staff at your attendance, along with added perks and benefits. It’s all about choices. You can choose to enjoy a chef-prepared meal in our dining room or a meal in your apartment. You can choose to use the complimentary transportation provided or you can use your own vehicle. It’s completely up to you!

What is “Assisted Living”?

“Assisted Living” is a long-term care option that combines housing support services and health care. This includes medication reminders as well as assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Care is available around the clock. We recognize that as individual health needs become more complex and the ability to maintain a self-sufficient lifestyle begins to ebb, the additional support of an Assisted Living community is required. Our Assisted Living communities offer a safe, comfortable environment where individuals can receive 24-hour assisted and health-related services. It’s a positive lifestyle change with enhanced choices for the greatest level of independence possible. Find an Assisted Living option near you!

What is “Memory Care”?

“Memory Care” is a specialized form of long-term skilled nursing that specifically caters to the unique needs of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other types of memory problems. Memory care units usually provide 24-hour supervised care within a separate wing or floor of a residential facility. While some loved ones with memory loss may need the intensive, complex medical care of a traditional skilled nursing facility, we provide 24-hour assisted and health-related services in a safe, secure, relaxed environment. Our program harnesses the power of music, as well as unique activities and techniques, to create an environment of trust. Find a Memory Care option near you!

When you say “all-inclusive”, what does that cover?

We want to make your life as carefree as possible. Your monthly rent covers all utilities (except for your personal telephone), weekly housekeeping, and any apartment maintenance. It also includes meals and access to the community coffee bar with daily snacks and refreshments, local transportation, and activities. Many of our locations also have a front desk concierge service that will schedule appointments for you.

MISC

What Is “These Eyes Have Seen”?

These Eyes Have Seen is a special storytelling project created by Sunshine. Over the years, we have been so moved by the touching, fascinating life stories of our many residents, that we decided to create an ongoing series spotlighting these captivating stories to share with the world. Each month, a new group of residents will take center stage. You can join our storytelling community on the web at www.TheseEyesHaveSeen.com, or visit us on Facebook at the new These Eyes Have Seen page and click LIKE. If you have any questions, or would like to participate by sharing your own story, please contact us TheseEyes@sunshineret.com.