Sitting within a large campus marked by interwoven walking paths, Sunrise of Exton offers lots of space for outdoor relaxation. Pine trees and large potted plants border the cement and brick walkway. A white picket fence surrounds a patch of land to the left, while woods blanket the right. Rocking chairs line the wraparound porch, dotted with hanging plants. Porches and terraces abound throughout the facility. Residents appear to feel at home within their surroundings. When we first entered, we found a small, peaceful group—including Bear, the trusty house dog—relaxing in the main room. Fish, birds and other pets also hold a firm place in the Exton family. Another cluster of residents congregated in the activity room for a prayer meeting. We were told the facility is highly family-oriented, which was reinforced when the activity director’s young niece squealed playfully while trying to smell the silk flowers. The activity schedule includes exercise, games, slide shows and shopping at the nearby mall.
The interior features sophisticated Sunrise décor with soft accents, like flower arrangements and framed art. Hunter green and maroon, in floral and plaid patterns, ornament the furnishings, window treatments and carpet in the common rooms. Apartments incorporate the same color motif and have large windows. Glass-covered lace tablecloths top the dining room tables. The spacious area is illuminated by a wall of windows. On the day of our visit, lunch offerings included pan-seared tilapia, lemon rice pilaf with mixed vegetables, sloppy joes and vegetable soup. Alternatives are always available. The daily afternoon social offers treats like ice cream or cheese and crackers. Snacks are also available in the bistro.
The Reminiscence Neighborhood houses twenty-three residents in rooms surrounding a core of common areas. The living, dining and activity spaces, as well as the kitchen, are arranged in a semi-open layout, with half walls between them. The thematic décor pays tribute to bygone days with baby dolls, wedding dresses, and assorted tools and gadgetry. The program focuses on soothing tactile experiences, including hand massages, aromatherapy and bread baking. We were impressed with staff’s ability to provide individualized attention while maintaining order within the unit.
