Sunrise Senior Living of Abington houses both independent and assisted living residents. The two handsome connected buildings resemble a posh Victorian compound. The property abounds with outdoor accents such as a gazebo, a picnic table and various wraparound porches with rockers and hanging plants. An area called Serenity Garden is partially enclosed by a trellis and contains shaded seating and a small fishpond. A brownstone building, built as a school in 1888, houses the physical and occupational therapy programs. The neighborhood is safe and residential.
A sunporch leads to a dramatic foyer with a spectacular chandelier. The furnishings and décor are tasteful. The 24-hour bistro, TV room and living room, warmed by a crackling fire, all incorporate intricate embellishments. Framed reproductions could easily be mistaken for originals. The communal tub room is unique and inviting; soothing music and lighting make for a luxurious bathing experience. One common room contains a game table, a slot machine and two gorgeous caged birds. There are two dining rooms—one in the independent living area, and the other in assisted living. Tables are cloth-covered, decked with cutlery, glassware and floral centerpieces. Chandeliers and wall sconces augment the upscale décor. The trained chef creates mouthwatering offerings supplemented by a salad bar. During our visit, the lunch menu offered rotisserie chicken, steak, Caesar salad, roasted potatoes, broccoli and beets. Kosher food is available on request. The private dining room, enhanced by a chandelier, framed prints and a china cabinet, seats eight.
Two secure units serve the dementia population: the Terrace Club, for residents in the early stages of memory loss, and the Reminiscence Neighborhood, for those with more advanced forms of dementia. The neighborhood pet is a friendly cat. The facility has a Snoezelen room in place to provide comfort and sensory stimulation. Residents are surrounded by memorable and familiar objects including typewriters, adding machines, cameras, picnic and sewing baskets, and antique wedding gowns. Activities reflect the varying cognitive abilities of its inhabitants and include stretching, sing-alongs, memory games, movies, chair dancing, baking, and sharing stories. A secure outdoor area on the third floor provides a lovely view of the property.
Some resident rooms have living rooms. All come equipped with homey furnishings and small refrigerators. New residents receive a fresh floral bouquet, delivered straight to their door. Activities for the non-dementia community are varied, including morning stretching, rosary, daily happy hour, fruit and vegetable socials, mah-jongg, yoga, birthday celebrations and music appreciation. Outings to local stores, restaurants and local art galleries add variety to the routine. A rabbi visits weekly to conduct services. Our overall impression was that people are happy to be part of this community. The staff member who led our tour even went so far as to say, “If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d continue working at Sunrise. It feeds my heart.”
