Sunrise of Willowbrook

Sunrise of Willowbrook is a three-story senior living community that provides a range of care options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, short-term stays, and hospice coordination, so if someone just needs a little help after surgery or wants to live there long-term, the staff's trained for all of those situations, and they've got well-trained caregivers around the clock in case something comes up, with nurses and even an RN living across the street, which gives families some peace of mind, and the care team helps with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, medication, and health checks. Residents who live with Alzheimer's or other dementias can benefit from memory care services that include specialized programs like the Reminiscence Program and Terrace Club, secured building features, technology to prevent wandering, and activities suited for keeping minds active, and the staff has special training for tough situations like incontinence, major behavior issues, and non-ambulatory needs, including mechanical lifts, plus they help diabetic residents manage insulin and use sliding scale therapy if needed.

People living there can choose different apartment styles, including studios, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms, suites, or companion apartments, and the building welcomes pets, so you'll sometimes see the community's three dogs or several cats around, which a lot of people say makes it feel more like home. Amenities include indoor and outdoor gathering spaces like lounges with fireplaces, a TV lounge, a library, a cafe/bistro, patios, an outdoor garden, and even raised garden beds where folks can do some planting if they want, plus there's an enclosed courtyard, swimming pool/hot tub, and a beauty salon for easy access to hair care, and housekeeping and laundry services make life easier for everyone.

Dining at Sunrise of Willowbrook includes flexible meal times with options for different diets, including vegetarian meals, and they host themed happy hours with appetizers, wine, beer, and cocktails three times each week, along with group ballroom dancing when the big band plays, and there's a full calendar of things to do-exercise classes like yoga and tai chi, weekly shopping trips, live entertainment, classes in floral design and jewelry making, and plenty of social events to keep up with friends and neighbors. There are Protestant, Catholic, and devotional services in the community, and the staff helps organize trips to area churches, so religious life can continue at any comfort level.

Transportation options include both complimentary and for-cost rides, plus parking for residents and visitors, and the community is built for aging in place with features like wheelchair-accessible showers, full tubs, hospice options, and care for people at higher risk of wandering (known as elopement risk). Five physicians make visits to the community, and there are in-house therapy services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and massage therapy is also popular with many people there. Family members can visit any time, day or night, so folks don't have to worry about seeing their loved ones when it works best for them, and residents must be at least 55 years old to move in.

Sunrise of Willowbrook has earned a Bronze National Quality Award from AHCA/NCAL, and many hear positive things about the staff through word of mouth in the area. People who want independence can keep as much of it as they want, but the staff's ready to help when needed, and care plans are made together with residents and their families, adjusting as situations change over time. The culture encourages everyone to get involved, try new things, and stay active, and you'll often see groups gathered in the common areas, sharing meals or conversation, or out in the sunshine on the patio or working in the raised beds, and there's a certain warmth to the place, maybe because of the community pets, maybe because of the friendly people or the way the staff gets to know everyone and makes sure no one feels alone.

Sunrise of Willowbrook is managed by Sunrise Senior Living.

Sunrise Senior Living is one of the largest senior care operators in North America, managing over 270 communities across the United States and Canada with approximately 22,000 employees. Founded in 1981 by Paul and Terry Klaassen in Oakton, Virginia, Sunrise pioneered the Victorian mansion-style senior living community design, inspired by Dutch senior care models and European hospitality concepts. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Sunrise offers a comprehensive continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and hospice coordination.

The company's signature memory care programs include Terrace Club Neighborhoods for residents with early to moderate memory loss, and Reminiscence Neighborhoods for those with advanced Alzheimer's and dementia. As an Authorized Validation Organization, Sunrise practices the Validation Method—which they call "exquisite listening"—using empathy-based communication techniques to reduce anxiety and improve quality of life for memory care residents. Their Live With Purpose™ programming engages residents through personalized activities aligned with their interests and life experiences.

Sunrise leverages advanced technology including Sunrise CareConnect, an electronic health record system built on PointClickCare technology that enables real-time documentation, comprehensive health tracking, and remote access for healthcare providers. The Road Home Program offers specialized 30-day transitional care for seniors discharged from hospitals or rehabilitation centers, providing medication management and 24/7 support.

The company has achieved notable sustainability certifications, with facilities earning WELL Health-Safety Rating, WELL Equity Rating, ENERGY STAR® certifications, and LEED Silver designation. Sunrise communities feature Individualized Service Plans, Designated Care Managers, and welcome pets, with many locations maintaining community cats or dogs. After celebrating 40 years in 2021, Sunrise continues its mission to champion quality of life for all seniors through their resident-centered, holistic approach to senior care.