Sunrise Assisted Living will add its 200th property with the opening of its Mount Vernon facility on June 20. It will also mark Inova Health Care System's fourth affiliation with the senior living management firm in Northern Virginia.
Located at 8033 Holland Road, immediately adjacent to Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, the 83,000-square-foot complex is one of the largest in Sunrise's 25 state collection, according to Joan E. Miller, director of Community Relations. At a cost of $11 million it is also one of the most expensive.
"This is a complete facility. The only thing we cannot provide is skilled care," Miller explained. "That is defined as the administration and maintenance of life support systems such as intravenous."
The new facility is owned by Inova Health Care Systems and managed by Sunrise Assisted Living. It joins three other Inova affiliated properties located in Fair Oaks, George Mason, and Reston Town Center, Kathleen Thomas, Inova media relations manager, explained.
In addition to its 92 suites, which can accommodate 112 residents, the three story edifice houses a wide variety of amenities. The main level has two large dining rooms, an area for private dinner parties, two living rooms, bistro area, a wellness center, and rehabilitation center.
THE SECOND LEVEL contains an activities center, screened terrace, life skills center, hair salon, and second wellness center. On the third level is a large entertainment lounge connected to a terrace area, plus another living room/dining room area.
Living quarters come in three categories. The companion suite is a two room accommodation designed for sharing. There are also one and two room private suites. Price begin at $89 for the companion suite, $106 for the one room private suite, and $140 for the two room private suite. Each amount is per person/per day.
"We are also able to accommodate people who just want to move in for a short period for whatever reason," Miller noted. People are encouraged to bring their own furnishings in order to maintain an emotional continuity, according to Sunrise management. But, there is a basic furniture package available.
All suites have their own small refrigerator/freezer, Pullman kitchen area, and area for a microwave oven. There are no stoves. The bathrooms come in both a standard size with shower or an enlarged version to accommodate wheelchairs. Each living area is equipped with a cable television outlet and each floor has its own laundry room with washers and dryers.
THERE IS A SPECIAL section for those suffering from Alzheimer's
Disease, dementia, and related memory impairments. Those residing
in this area are given special care and attention. "If only one spouse or companion is afflicted, the other may reside in another area of the facility," Thomas pointed out.
Each wing of the "X" shaped structure is decorated in a particular theme. Outside each suite hangs a shadow box for personal mementos pertaining to the occupants.
Among the services provided by Sunrise are three meals per day, daily snacks, providing reminders and supervision with the activities of daily living, daily spot cleaning, weekly housekeeping, weekly linen service, scheduled transportation, and the Sunrise Wellness Program.
Prior to move-in by permanent residents there is a one-time charge of $250. Known as a community fee, it is fully refundable up to 30 days after the occupant arrives. It covers the cost of maintaining the common areas such as parlors, dining rooms, porches, and activity rooms. It also goes toward the cost of refurbishing suites when they are vacated, according to Sunrise.
There are a variety of health provision categories offered to potential residents. Each care increases the basic fee depending on the services required or desired.
"Prior to residency, each occupant must complete a comprehensive Physician's Report giving that individual's complete medical history and requirements," Miller explained. The report covers all conditions previously diagnosed, general physical condition, medical history, dietary requirements, and a tuberculosis screening evaluation.
Based in McLean, Sunrise Assisted Living, Inc., is an international provider of assisted living. It addition to its facilities throughout the United States it also maintains properties in Great Britain and Canada.