Sunnyside Gardens

Jane C.

2015-01-19

Wonderful mid-sized place--combines best of a board and care home's intimacy and the professionalism of a larger facility. My mother-in-law, who lived in the memory care unit, was cared for in dignity until the end of her life by a caring staff.  Clean, lots of activities to keep residents active and engaged, good medication management and family communications.  Owners even have one of their own elderly relatives living there, which says a lot about their standards.  Having dealt with many different living arrangements in two different states, Sunnyside Gardens was the best.  I highly recommend it.

millie k.

2020-05-11

When my husband's dementia and physical condition needed more care than I could deliver at home I was fortunate enough to be recommended to Sunnyside Gardens. From my first visit I was so impressed with the care and personal attention every resident receives. The facility is clean,well-maintained and each room has a private patio and lots of light. Before he entered the facility the executive director, the resident care director and the memory care director came to our home to meet him and determine a personalized plan. The staff was extremely helpful in making the transition easy. Once in the facility the caring staff and competent med techs took such good care of him.He was always clean and attended to. The atmosphere was very much family oriented and upbeat. Even the food was delicious! I highly recommend Sunnyside Gardens

Connie B.

2020-04-16

At age 94 my dad decided he wanted to change from a 24 hr live in caregiver in his own home to a place where he could be around more people- people who may have similar limitations (he was in a wheelchair). After checking out several board and care and other assisted living facilities we choose Sunnyside Gardens.From the first moment we walked in we were surrounded by caring, helpful staff and caregivers. My dad enjoyed a lunch out with other residents and sitting out on the patios in the sunshine. He was looking forward to the summer barbeques-unfortunately he passed away after only a few months at Sunnyside. (he had multiple chronic health concerns).Because of the coronavirus lockdown and living in different states, my brother and I were unable to get to my dad in his final days. Molly, one of the managers, made sure we were able to FaceTime with dad.Our entire family knew he was getting very good care which made not seeing him bearable. Everyone involved with dads care-from the management to the medtechs-seemed to sincerely care for him. Our family recommends Sunnyside Gardens without reservation. Your family member will enjoy the homey atmosphere and gentle care.

Carol B.

2020-01-26

I had a chance to visit a friend here and I was very impressed with how beautiful the community is. The residents were very friendly and involved in an activity and the staff and management were very professional and welcoming of me during my visit. I would recommend this place to anyone looking to live in a community with many amenities.

Seamus G.

2019-06-10

My father recently had to be admitted to a care facility after suffering a stroke. He is in need of 2 person assistance and my mother's home just can't provide the things that he needs and the search began. I knew it would be challenging, especially since my mother is older and I live out of town, but so far, Sunnyside Gardens has provided me great comfort in knowing that my father is being well taken care of. Karen, the "director" of the facility has been great. She is in constant contact with me whenever my mother or I have a question/concern, and she has been more than gracious in helping my father, as well as my mother, during this tough transition. I have had no issues or concerns that haven't been addressed and all the workers seem very pleasant, and my dad has not had one negative thing to say when I visit. The food is good, they have an abundance of activities, and the staff encourage the people in "memory lane" to participate and join in, rather than sitting in their rooms and watching the world go by. The facility is clean, and of course, Ed rocks!!!!! You'll know who Ed is if you ever visit M-F 9:00-5:00. So far it's been working out great!!!!!

Jeanne D.

2019-04-15

There are gardens outside every door! While the weather is wet and chilly it's lovely just to look at all the gardens. When it's warmer and the sun is out it'll be great to commune with all the lovely foliage! The care staff is active, friendly, kind, and numerous! The food is a surprisingly interesting menu and quite tasty too. There are activities on most days and this is where the staff especially shines! The caregivers ramp up the fun by joining in on a dance, singing along, and rounding up the residents to join in the festivities. There are also live performers every week to entertain at Sunnyside. I put a deposit down months before Mom got there to reserve a spot. It was the best move ever to place Mom in the loving environment of Sunnyside Gardens.

Jean L.

2016-04-10

This is a review I wish I didn't have to write. Writing from anger and the fire of injustice is easy. One is fueled by a sense of righteousness. Writing from heartache because of callous indifference and neglect from others is much more wrenching. I can now write about what led to my mother's death because the investigation of Sunnyside Gardens has been completed, even though not all the findings have yet been posted on the Community Care Licensing Facility Search ccld.ca.gov/PG3581.htm This is the government site one checks when looking into violation reports on assisted living facilities for the elderly in California and are now available on line.My mother had been a resident of Sunnyside Gardens until her death, which resulted from the third fall she experienced at this facility. Two days before this sentinel event, I had reminded, pleaded, and discussed the need for precautions for my mother, who was at risk for falls. I had reminded the nurse in charge of the second fall that sent my mother to the hospital with cracked ribs and a bruised lung. I pointed out that preceding the second fall I had even purchased a gait belt--an item the facility should have already had--on the specific suggestion of the outpatient therapist who had been working with her. This is a web belt that provides an extra measure of safety when ambulating or transferring an individual. Allegedly, it was in use on this third and last fall, but not on the previous two, even though it was readily available in her room.On that fateful afternoon in September of 2015, I was informed of my mother's final fall but reassured that she was fine, that she had "been lowered to the floor and hadn't hit her head". The one time I did not make the 2-hour drive to check on her myself was a terrible mistake. I continued to get reassurances that though she had some leg pain, she was fine. Alerted by one of her private caregivers, I realized that she needed medical attention. Sadly, this was 5 days after her fall. I arranged for ambulance transport to the ER, and staff there informed me she had a broken leg. After 5 days in the acute hospital, the attending doctor discussed the gravity of her overall condition and advised hospice care. Even though Sunnyside Gardens offers hospice care, my mother was denied returning to her room and was told to leave. I had to seek a new facility on short notice. At no time during any of her hospitalizations or even after her passing did I ever get a phone call asking about her, or even receive a condolence card. Why, you might rightly ask, would I have chosen such a facility for my mother in the first place? When she first moved there, it was not what it too soon became. After the departure of the warm and gracious community liaison staff member, whom I will only identify as T.A., things went rapidly down hill: increased staff turnover, staff cutbacks, a reduction in amenities, complaints that my mother was "difficult" because she would have liked some say in choosing her clothes and "too demanding" because she would not tolerate long waits for bathroom assistance. There were even complaints about her private caregivers when they sought assistance from the regular staff. These were caregivers that the facility had required I hire as a condition of her being allowed to stay. I will leave you with this: Do not be taken in by the lovely, light-filled surroundings. What you want are answers to the hard questions: staff numbers and competency, length of employment, medical and medication management, development of care plans--use the many checklists available on line to help you formulate your assessments before signing anything. The cold and uncaring atmosphere flows from the top.

Ronny T.

2015-10-27

I moved my father here from another facility which was not meeting his needs, and right away I could see how special Sunnyside Gardens is:- Clean and comfortable facility with lots of natural light and pleasant places to sit and watch what's going on- large and pleasant rooms with private bath. You can opt for a private room or to share, to lower the cost- 3 levels of assisted living care, including memory support- wonderful staff.  The caregivers engaged my father with respect, care, and kindness. Even when he was unpleasant, they were patient and helpful.  They worked as a team to cover the needs, change hands when needed in order to succeed in guiding the residents, etc.  Right after he moved in, they were able to coax him into a shower (the other facility has been unable/unwilling to do this during the three months he was there)The driver was very gentle and positive, and could get my father out to appts where I had a difficult time.The entire staff was friendly, caring, and personable.  Everyone knew my dad, and knew who I was.   When I arrived to visit, staff would point out where my dad was (even caregivers from the other unit!).  The staff has a Can Do attitude--whatever help I needed for my dad, they tried to find a way to make it happen.- great food.  My father faced about the meals, and regained 10 pounds in 2 months.  I enjoyed the meals I ate with him--well planned, attractive and delicious.My father considered Sunnyside Gardens to be his home.  I'm grateful that he had such a pleasant, peaceful environment where he felt secure and at home.  I'm thankful that he was surrounding by caring and skilled staff, who truly enjoyed and cared for my father.

Diane C.

2014-03-18

My dad, with a broken hip and advanced dementia was a changed man during his time in the Memory Care Unit at Sunnyside Gardens.  The high ratio of caregivers to residents, the level of social activities and appropriate daily excercise, helped him to be engaged all day.  In the Memory Care Unit, residents are in a comfortable "lounge" area all day to enable them to keep active.  All the staff we encountered were caring, compassionate and experienced with dementia/Alzheimer's patients.  The Activities staff were extremely good at dealing with residents who were difficult, resistant to activities, or constantly nodding.  No matter what the level of engagement from the resident, the Activities staff made sure to engage them appropriately - no one was left out.  Additionally, the staff were always positive and enjoying their interactions with each other and the residents.  In general, it was a "happy" environment.  Safety was a key request for us - dad was not allowed to stand until his fracture had healed, but constantly wanted to stand, walk, and was a wander danger.  The staff monitored him 24x7, including 30 minute bed checks at night, and never allowed him to be without a bed or chair alarm regardless of where he was and even when he was in the "lounge" area.  The food was outstanding and not even close to institutional style.  Management was wonderful and went over and above to accommodate us even before dad was in the facility.In general, we would highly recommend Sunnyside Gardens to anyone requiring assisted living, or high level memory care.

Linda A.

2013-11-11

Sunnyside Gardens was a great place for mom.  The staff was very thoughtful and treated her with much kindness, even though she did not show much appreciation.  Everyone was so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.They have many activities for all levels of participation and offer scenic drives with with a very personable driver.  Their medical staff and caregivers are very attentive and gave mom the best of care.  Mom's room had a garden view and the dinning room is very pleasant.I feel very fortunate we found Sunnyside Gardens.  I would highly recommend the facility to anyone.

Bob O.

2013-11-11

A little over a year ago we moved our Mom into Sunnyside Gardens when she was diagnosed with early Alzheimer's and she needed a place that could handle her difficult behaviors.  Sunnyside welcomed her with open arms.  The staff always treated Mom with great kindness and respect, and while they cared for her needs, they also cared for her as a person.  But last month, what I didn't expect (though I probably should have) was their reaction to her passing.  At different times, several caregivers asked to come into Mom's room, and with tears in their eyes, gave me a hug and said goodbye to Mom in words or silent prayer.  I could see that they really liked Mom, though often she was not easy to like.  I thanked Tanya for accepting Mom into Sunnyside just as she was.  I thanked Ed for taking Mom on bus rides and helping her in many other ways.  He said with tears in his eyes that he would miss Mom, and her feisty attitude.  Sunnyside made her their friend, and they fostered her friendships with three other residents, who will remember her and miss her.I'll miss arriving at such a beautiful place and receiving the smiles of such beautiful people like Tanya and Ed at Sunnyside Gardens. Thank you all.

Sylvia S.

2013-10-21

Anna, I understand that being the Executive Director of Sunnyside that you would want to oppose our negative comments.  I stand by what I have posted and have seen just how different my father is in his new community.  It's amazing how the new loving, caring, attentive staff has been able to make my father feel right at home.  They have done in 1 week what your facility couldn't do in 9 months, bathe and shave him.  I would really encourage anyone that is considering placing a loved one in an assisted living home to do their homework and go to the Community Care Licensing office to view the public records for the community being considered.  You will be amazed at what you will find out.  By law, Assisted Living Communities have to have a copy of all "Plan of Corrections" reports available for public review for 3 years.  Keep this in mind when visiting different homes.  Good luck!

Anna C.

2013-10-21

.Anna, I stand by my review to be completely accurate. I'm not sure what you are referring to by "State duly investigated your complaint and deemed it unfounded".  You must have confused me with one of your other complaints because my complaint was that my father escaped unnoticed for hours. We chose Sunnyside because your website advertises you have a memory care unit. If you are not trained or equipped to handle Alzheimer I would suggest you update your website to reflect this. I thank you for your concerns but my father is much happier now and I clearly see the difference.

S D.

2012-08-18

My Mom has been staying at Sunnyside Gardens for the past year. She's doing really well there. The staff is great, very caring, and supportive. There are lots of activities, and the staff makes everyone feel welcome. I think because it's a smaller facility the residents get more personal care, and it seems like everyone knows them by name. I'll sit with my Mom and everyone that walks by will say hello, and most call her by name. She just smiles.  I know shes doing well because of the care she's receiving.  A great place for your loved one.

Suzette C.

2012-08-17

I definitely recommend Sunnyside Gardens for elder care. My 94 year old mother, a sweetie with Alzheimers, is finally in a place where she's content and engaged in a constant stream of activities with caring and patient staff. The facility is sunny, spotless and pleasant for family members to visit, and there is always some creative event going on to keep the residents stimulated and entertained. Staff seem very special and well suited to the challenge of their jobs. I am grateful!

James F.

2021-04-01

My Grandma loves this place! It's a well maintained and clean place. I found that the other residents there are great too. Really friendly staff and overall beautiful place. I really liked their cafeteria/activates area. Would recommend you check this place out if your considering a resident home. 5/5.

Mia Jandreau

2021-04-01

Pre-Covid I would come here often to visit a family friend and I have to say this place is absolutely stunning. They have multiple outdoor patios, wonderful food, and an awesome care staff. Not to mention plenty of activities to do! There is always something going on throughout the day. My friend loves it here! She's always saying everyone is so nice! This place truly feels like a home and not a hospital. I would recommend this place to anyone.

Judy Woodley

2018-01-01

My mother has been a resident at Sunnyside Gardens for over a year. The staff has been very understanding and caring with both of us through a difficult transition. It is very telling that when you walk into the facility, both the staff and the residents seem cheerful. What is most important is that my mom feels cared for and safe.

Michelle Chand

2018-01-01

I enjoyed working here for about a month until I was not so comfortable with the environment and team members. I worked PM shifts and NOC shifts. What really made me uncomfortable were the team members and how they always spoke a different language and I could not understand anything, even if there was an emergency situation, the caregivers and nurse would speak another language to each other and I would not know what to do. I was simply following other employees around and just mimicking their gestures. The communication between them and I was so poor. At one point I told them that I do not understand what you are saying because it is not English, which was leaving me confused and unknowledagle of what to do. Another huge "no no" was how some employees would make fun of the residents and state that they are being annoying because of how they keep asking questions. Who would enjoy being called such things while they have a disease?... It was appalling for me.For my shadowing process, I barely learned how to provide proper care for the residents because the team member did not speak English properly and I couldn't understand her. I was not even able to get to know the residents well since no one was explaining anything to me about the patient history and challenges that I may encounter with them. It was almost like a automated process care. It obviously looks as if everyone is just doing their job here and not really showing exceptional care for each resident. I really enjoyed getting to know the patients for the short time I was there but I did not learn anything effectively as a caregiver status.One of the issues I also faced was that there were not enough caregivers for NOC shift in order to attend to the residents for answering pendants and incontinence care. I witnessed so many residents falling when it can be avoided.I would like to work somewhere where I am happy and facing challenges so I can gain confidence in what I do. I do not enjoy sitting around in an environment where people are texting or talking to CO workers very loud while residents are asleep in the next room. It certainly isn't respectful to play in your resident's wheelchair and/or with their walker while you are on break or just have nothing to do also.I also did not like that the nurse in charge on NOC shift was also speaking another language, therefore making me feel uncomfortable and unwanted.I was seeking 8 hour shifts, in reality it was 7 hours and 10 minute shifts.I highly believe they hired me because they are in desperate need of caregivers at a low compensation.I did not feel like I was apart of the team. It felt like I was an outsider who was just passing time there.I wish all the best to the residents and I hope there are better care methods given to them. They do not know or understand much because they are going through a disease and can be easily taken advantage of.

Katherine Luotto

2018-01-01

While visiting an old friend, I was impressed by the cleanliness, the staff & the room itself. Lovely dining area and backyard area. Time will tell, but for now 5 stars!