Overall sentiment across the reviews of Sunrise of Paramus is predominantly positive, with many families emphasizing a warm, home-like atmosphere, caring staff, and a higher level of attention than expected for the area. Repeated strengths include an intimate, non-hospital layout that many reviewers found comforting, dementia-friendly design elements, and leadership described as hands-on and empathetic. Several reviewers explicitly credited the directors and named staff (Brie, Lisa, Jamison Delgado, and others) for advocacy with hospitals, thoughtful admissions, and personal involvement in care transitions. Many families reported that their loved ones made meaningful progress or regained comfort after moves to Sunrise, and hospice/end-of-life care was repeatedly praised as being handled lovingly and respectfully.
Staff quality is a major theme with mixed nuance: a large number of reviews applaud compassionate, professional, and well-trained caregivers, constant supervision in memory care, individualized attention, and high responsiveness from certain RNs and care managers. However, multiple reviewers also noted variability in staff performance (high turnover was cited), with isolated incidents of impatience or rudeness. A few specific negative staff interactions were mentioned, and several families felt they had to be vigilant about medical follow-up or escalate issues themselves. This creates a pattern where core leadership and many frontline caregivers receive high marks, but staffing consistency and continuity can be uneven.
The facility and physical environment are often described favorably. Comments highlight cleanliness, well-ventilated and well-lit rooms, attractive Victorian exterior, porches, patios, and balcony access. Studio and apartment-like units with kitchenettes or shared kitchenettes were appreciated, and reviewers liked the domestic feel rather than an institutional one. At the same time, several people cited limitations due to the building's size: dining and activity spaces can feel small or crowded, outdoor walking space is limited (little grassy areas), and the memory care/dining areas can seem cramped. These spatial constraints affect activities programming and dining experiences for some residents, particularly those with mobility or vision impairments.
Dining and activities receive mixed but generally positive feedback. Many reviewers praise the food quality, variety, accommodating meal options, and specific praise for the food service leadership (mentions of Connor Institute chef and a fabulous food services director). Multiple families enjoyed social dining and nightly/regular activity options (movies, arts & crafts, bingo, music performances, holiday parties). Conversely, some reviews describe inconsistent mealtimes, rushed dining service, late meals, or limited lunch choices, and a small dining room making service feel hurried. Activities are plentiful but may be less vibrant or less accessible in practice for residents with sensory impairments or when space is constrained.
Management, admissions, and operations are a recurring topic. Pros include responsive admissions staff, thorough tours, helpful move-in assistance, and advocacy during hospital transitions. The facility has tools for family engagement such as apps or photo updates, and some reviewers highlight helpful support navigating insurance or Medicaid. On the negative side, multiple reviewers raised concerns about pricing—Sunrise of Paramus is often described as more expensive than nearby options, with additional fees for services and occasional perceptions of nickel-and-dime billing. Several families felt pressured during sales encounters or reported disorganized move-in processes. A small but serious subset of reviews recounts inadequate medical response during acute events (for example, reports of no nurse on-site during an emergency and reliance on 911), billing for services that families say were not actually delivered, and inadequate follow-up with physicians. Those particular accounts were among the most critical and should be weighed carefully alongside the many positive testimonials.
Safety and medical care are a nuanced picture. The facility is commended for on-site medical providers, psychiatric visits, immediate crisis responses in many cases, and for taking an active role in hospital advocacy. Memory care staff and supervisors are praised for monitoring and supervision by many families. Nevertheless, a few reviews describe troubling gaps in clinical availability—lack of first-aid or CPR capability on-site during incidents, and families reporting being required to chase medical orders or medications. Such reports stand in contrast to numerous accounts of strong nursing care, suggesting variability by time, unit, or specific staff shifts.
In sum, Sunrise of Paramus appears to be a small, well-regarded community that offers a homelike atmosphere, strong culture of compassionate caregiving, and a variety of amenities and activities. It often delivers superior hospice, memory-care attention, and family communication compared with other local options, according to multiple reviewers. The most consistent concerns center on cost, occasional administrative and staffing inconsistencies, physical space limitations (especially dining and outdoor walking areas), and a few isolated but significant reports of lapses in medical response and follow-through. Prospective families should weigh the facility's strengths in personalized care, cleanliness, and leadership advocacy against its higher price point and the possibility of variability in staffing or space-related limitations. Visiting in person, asking pointed questions about staff-to-resident ratios, medical coverage during off-hours, billing practices, and accommodations for sensory or mobility impairments will help determine if Sunrise of Paramus matches an individual resident's needs.
