Sunrise of Madison

$4,140 /month

My first impression upon driving into the parking lot was of a charming and pleasant community. Pretty flower beds, a wrap-around porch, and a stone wall along the roadside give it a very homey feeling. Inside spaces are well maintained and look comfortable. The seating arrangements throughout the community provide ideal locations for small gatherings. Some of the furniture is worn from frequent use and could use replacing.

Planned activities in the community include many games, socials, and clubs. The daily social provides a different snack each day of the week and a chance to gather with your neighbors. Walking club meets six times a week, the Domino's Club is scheduled every night, and there are a few game clubs each week. Other events like documentaries on TV, sing-alongs, and baking groups fill out the calendar. Residents can fit in about seven events on a typical day. Even though some run at the same time, I found enough opportunities for different activities to keep residents busy. The memory care calendar is not as engaging as I like to see. Many days have one or two movies, and other activities are repeated too often to stay interesting. Sing-alongs, Bingo, and "Popcorn Time" are each scheduled many days a week.

Sunrise communities recognize the importance of keeping your pets with you in a new home. At Madison there is no fee to bring your furry little friends along. Housekeeping, laundry service, and meals are also included without extra charges. Snacks are on hand all day in the bistro. Visitors will have to purchase their meals if they dine with residents, but the fee is quite reasonable. Apartments don't have full kitchens, so residents are largely dependent on the planned food choices.

The community shuttle makes weekly trips for shopping, attending Sunday services, and fun excursions. However, there is nothing available for appointments or others errands outside of the schedule. The concierge will help with some needs, but residents may have to find a ride once in a while.

In an assisted living community, medical care is not provided with residency. Third party doctors do visit for appointments so that residents may access care. An RN is on duty during the day to assist with any medical needs and respond to emergencies, as well. Five caregivers provide the daily assistance residents need as determined by their care plan. Memory care is a separate, secure section of the building with its own outdoor space for residents to enjoy. Another RN and five caregivers are on staff for memory patients.

Sunrise Senior Living communities are often very similar in appearance and services. Most include weekly laundry, group transportation, and all meals and snacks for residents. My two favorite aspects of life at Sunrise are their pet policies and the Dedicated Care Managers. Most locations have pets common to all of the residents. Often a cat and a dog can be found enjoying the company of residents or lounging in a patch of sun in the common areas. Residents are usually welcome to bring their own pets along as well, often without any additional fees. This is a comforting policy for pet lovers looking for a new home during retirement.

Residents at Sunrise are often assigned a Dedicated Care Manager who is the primary staff member to support daily needs. They are the primary person in charge of responding to the resident and they get to know the person quite well. They are in a position to be aware of changes in behavior or mood and contribute to care plans as needed. If a resident misses their usual activities or a meal, the caregiver is responsible for noticing and making sure everything is alright. They also serve as a point of contact for family members reaching out to the community.