Sunrise of Oakland Hills

I visited this facility

I was a volunteer for this assisted living provider; usually I worked in the dementia unit, which is downstairs and separated from the upstairs area where most of the residents live. However I have also visited the main area of the retirement home as well - usually with a school group (many years ago) for short "concerts." The staff is very friendly and works actively to plan events for residents and provide entertainment. The dementia unit is locked off, and the residents of the unit certainly have a wide range of debilitation - which could be very frustrating for a high functioning person with dementia. Some of them needed assistance eating, bathing, etc., while others could still care for themselves and carry on basic conversations. I think it would not be the best place for someone with dementia in the early stages. The staff is very understanding, patient, and kind; which is certainly helpful. The center as a whole usually has a few volunteers, but they are usually short-term positions and part of a "service-learning" requirement. However the volunteers are respectful to the residents. One thing this center is particularly good at doing is bringing in groups of children of varying ages to sing (usually for St. Patrick's day, Valentine's day, and Christmas). Although I know that they did once hide Easter eggs and encouraged local kids to come over and look around.

I visited this facility

I went on a tour of Sunrise of Oakland Hills because it's in my neighborhood and I was thinking of possible future homes for my dad, who has dementia. The location is lovely -- high in the sunny oakland hills with a few of the bays. It's peaceful and the best thing about the place is a garden space. Staff were all super friendly and while it was just one visit, I had the sense that the place is well run. I visited during what I think was a sort of family activity hour on the lower floor. The scene was lively. Residents sat chatting with their relatives while a staff person led some kind of trivia game referencing cultural touchstones that were, certainly, before my time.

Very beautiful building in the Oakland hills with a view of the San Francisco Bay. The whole place has a warm feeling—not at all sterile—and both the building and staff make for a dignified and sweet environment for the residents. The regular staff seem to know all the residents and are familiar with details about them. In the assisted living area, residents are encouraged to be out of their rooms, involved in activities or just enjoying the living room and fireplace. There is a room with a jukebox, with music of the era, and a lot of activities, including a wide variety of outings. The hallways have street names that are familiar to the older generation. There is also a memory care unit—and the staff there is also well-trained. Residents are out of their rooms, with lots of appropriate activities provided. There are even items for the residents to engage with that are familiar from earlier stages of their lives such as work tables with tools (plastic, of course) for those who enjoyed working with their hands and baby dolls for those who valued being parents. There are also some special touches for all residents, such as freshly baked cookies provided as treats.

Friend or relative of resident

I was so surprised when I first visited Sunrise to determine if it would be an appropriate place to leave my father while I was on vacation for 12 days as a resident in their respite care program. It is an absolutely gorgeous facility that is perched on a hill top with 360 degree views of the San Francisco Bay Area. The decor is elegant and tasteful. They have 2 sections, one for independent living in apartment style units and one secure area for residents with dementia, which is where my father stayed. That section was decorated with "memory corners." Some were dolls and dress-up apparrel,some military memorabilia and other items in which the residents might make a connection. The residents could also go outside in a beautiful garden area with the 360 degree views of the Bay Area. The staff was friendly and courteous and the smell of popping popcorn from an old fashion popper filled the air every afternoon as a way to stimulate the appetites of the residents. In the assisted living areas, they offer delicious menu selections, which are posted outside the elegant dining room, cocktail hour with virgin drinks and wine, afternoon cookies served on silver platters, all types of activities and live music, frequent fun outtings and a van with a driver available for use. One observation in the secure area was the staff seem to just let the patients roam and do as they pleased. Personal grooming could have been a bit more attentive, but one good thing was there was no smell of urine that lingered in the air. Overall, I would highly recommend it, especially the assisted living section which seemed to be very comfortable and appealing.