Sunrise of Alexandria

    3520 Duke St, Alexandria, VA 22304
    • Assisted Living
    • Memory Care

    Warm attentive staff, clean community

    I toured Sunrise of Alexandria and was reassured by warm, knowledgeable, and attentive staff who explained everything and made my loved one feel at home. The community is clean, well-maintained, offers good food, varied activities and convenient location - overall a very good experience I'd recommend.

    Loved one of resident
    Aug 2026

    Pricing

    Prices shown are estimates and subject to change. Contact your senior living advisor for current pricing.

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    Amenities

    Healthcare services

    • Activities of daily living assistance
    • Assistance with bathing
    • Assistance with dressing
    • Assistance with transfers
    • Coordination with health care providers
    • Hospice waiver
    • Medication management
    • Mental wellness program

    Healthcare staffing

    • 12-16 hour nursing
    • 24-hour call system
    • 24-hour supervision

    Meals and dining

    • Diabetes diet
    • Meal preparation and service
    • Special dietary restrictions

    Room

    • Air-conditioning
    • Cable
    • Fully furnished
    • Housekeeping and linen services
    • Kitchenettes
    • Private bathrooms
    • Telephone
    • Wifi

    Memory care community services

    • Dementia waiver
    • Mild cognitive impairment
    • Specialized memory care programming

    Transportation

    • Community operated transportation
    • Transportation arrangement
    • Transportation arrangement (medical)
    • Transportation arrangement (non-medical)
    • Transportation to doctors appointments

    Common areas

    • Beauty salon
    • Computer center
    • Dining room
    • Fitness room
    • Gaming room
    • Garden
    • Outdoor space
    • Small library
    • Wellness center

    Community services

    • Concierge services
    • Fitness programs
    • Move-in coordination

    Activities

    • Community-sponsored activities
    • Planned day trips
    • Resident-run activities
    • Scheduled daily activities

    Reviews

    3.95·(94)

    Overall rating

    1. 5
    2. 4
    3. 3
    4. 2
    5. 1
    • Care

      3.6
    • Staff

      4.1
    • Meals

      3.5
    • Amenities

      3.8
    • Value

      2.1

    Pros

    • Friendly, attentive nursing and caregiving staff
    • Private apartments with bathrooms and kitchenettes
    • Restaurant-style dining with varied menu options
    • Active activities program and frequent outings
    • Clean, well-maintained common areas and grounds
    • Welcoming, home-like community atmosphere
    • Engaged activities staff and memory-focused classes
    • Flexible apartment floor plans and renovated units
    • Multiple communal spaces (library, game room, party room)
    • Strong on-site security presence during evening hours
    • Responsive admissions and follow-up communications
    • Accessible, convenient location with onsite parking

    Cons

    • Inconsistent staffing levels and coverage
    • Unclear 24/7 clinical nursing availability
    • Complex and opaque pricing, billing, and fee changes
    • Inconsistent medication management and billing practices
    • Variable food quality and meal-service continuity
    • Inconsistent implementation of activities calendar
    • Maintenance and move-in readiness delays
    • Cleanliness and odor concerns in some areas
    • Security and sign-in system gaps after hours
    • Communication gaps between management and families
    • High leadership turnover and ownership-change instability
    • Allegations of theft and financial misconduct

    Summary of reviews

    Sunrise of Alexandria elicits a mixed but specific set of impressions. Many families and visitors describe a warm, home-like atmosphere with welcoming staff and active programming. Strengths commonly cited include personable caregiving and nursing staff, private apartment layouts with bathrooms and kitchenette-style features, restaurant-style dining with menu choices, varied activities and frequent outings, and well-maintained common areas. Admissions and tour interactions are often characterized as professional and accommodating, and several reviewers highlighted renovated, bright rooms and accessible location and parking.

    Care quality and staffing present contrasting themes. While numerous accounts praise compassionate, attentive caregivers and effective follow-up by supervisors, there are persistent operational concerns about staffing consistency and clinical coverage. Reviewers raised questions about around-the-clock nursing availability, occasions of delayed clinical response, and broader medication-management and billing practices that families found confusing or inconsistent. For individuals who require higher-acuity clinical oversight or specialized memory-care supports, these operational limitations warrant careful verification prior to move-in.

    Dining and activities are frequently noted as selling points: many residents enjoy menu-driven meals, varied programming (bingo, live music, memory classes, exercise, and outings), and an active social environment. At the same time, there are recurring comments that the posted activities calendar is not always implemented as written, and that activity quality and frequency can vary between days or units. Transportation and appointment coordination were also identified as uneven, which can affect access to off-site medical care and specialist visits.

    Physical facilities generally receive positive feedback for cleanliness, décor, and multiple communal spaces; private apartment configurations and accessible bathrooms are seen as strengths. However, reviewers also described episodic maintenance and move-in readiness issues—stained or worn furnishings, appliance problems, and isolated odor concerns—that suggest uneven attention to unit-level upkeep. Room sizes vary by floor plan, and some couples may find certain apartments compact.

    Management and administrative practices are an important area of divergence. Positive experiences with engaged directors and staff are offset by concerns about pricing transparency, sudden rate increases after move-in, deposit and discount practices, and billing disputes. There are also allegations of theft and financial misconduct in a small number of accounts, and several reviewers called out high director turnover and the effects of ownership changes on service continuity. Security impressions are mixed: an evening receptionist and locked memory-care zones are welcomed by some, while others reported sign-in system gaps, night-time lockout incidents, and restrictive evening policies.

    Bottom line: Sunrise of Alexandria appears to offer a socially active, well-appointed assisted-living environment with many examples of thoughtful caregiving and strong programming. Prospective residents and families should weigh those strengths against operational concerns around staffing consistency, clinical coverage, billing transparency, and maintenance reliability. Recommended next steps before committing include an in-person visit during evening and weekend hours, direct questions about 24/7 nursing coverage and medication billing, written clarification of fee-change policies, and a review of recent leadership continuity and security procedures.

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    Location

    Map showing location of Sunrise of Alexandria

    Sunrise of Alexandria is located at 3520 Duke St, Alexandria, VA, 22304.

    About Sunrise of Alexandria

    Sunrise of Alexandria sits at 3520 Duke Street in Alexandria, VA, and has 76 beds for seniors who need daily help, whether that's with bathing, dressing, eating, or taking medicine, and you can see they thought about the basics with big and small touches, like indoor and outdoor spaces where folks can socialize or relax, an enclosed courtyard for safe walks, and wheelchair-accessible showers for easier use. You've got resident parking as well as access to nearby bus lines, which makes coming and going pretty straightforward, and inside, you'll notice practical things like fireplaces in the gathering areas, a TV lounge, a meeting room, a bistro cafe, a beauty salon, a barber shop, and Wi-Fi to keep things connected. The dining room serves meals cooked by a professional chef, offering special diets-low or no sugar, low sodium-and even some international foods, with guest meals, room service, and private dining rooms if you want to share a meal with visitors. Staff can help with laundry, housekeeping, and transportation for a fee, plus special care is available if you need skilled nursing, memory care through the Reminiscence Program or Terrace Club, respite stays, Dignity Home Care, or hospice care, so families don't have to worry if needs change.

    The staff are there around the clock, and there's a focus on person-centered care that aims for dignity and independence, with plans to suit different health needs, including aging in place-so if someone needs more help over time, there's support for that without a move. Community life involves group activities designed to keep people social and active, with light therapy, cognitive exercises, and devotional services of different faiths-Catholic, Jewish, Protestant, and chaplains make regular visits. You'll find a resource directory with over 26,000 programs thanks to links with organizations like VirginiaNavigator and SeniorNavigator, so residents or their advocates can find extra support if needed. Residents can walk outside, use the garden patio, listen to music on the piano or organ, or join reminiscence therapy groups-things made to support physical and emotional well-being.

    Sunrise of Alexandria holds a license as an Assisted Living Facility (ALF), offers continuing care for those moving from independent living to higher needs, and stays close to research in aging and memory. Ms. Rachel Jenson leads as the executive director, and staff get special training to help residents, including those with Alzheimer's or dementia, in a safe, secure environment. The facility encourages independence while providing necessary help, so people can keep as much privacy as possible, whether staying short-term for recovery, living long-term with memory issues, or choosing independent living with a little extra help. Dining programs focus on balanced nutrition, and support comes from friendly, attentive staff who help residents challenge themselves at their own pace. The place was built for seniors who can speak up or have loved ones who check in, and it's been around for over 35 years, offering experience, peace of mind, and options tailored for every stage of aging.

    About Sunrise Senior Living

    Sunrise of Alexandria 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.

    People often ask...

    Sunrise of Alexandria offers competitive pricing, with rates starting at a cost of $4,100 per month.

    Sunrise of Alexandria offers assisted living and memory care.

    There are 72 photos of Sunrise of Alexandria on Mirador.

    The full address for this community is 3520 Duke St, Alexandria, VA 22304.

    No, Sunrise of Alexandria does not offer respite care. Respite care in assisted living communities provides temporary, short-term relief for primary caregivers by offering professional care for their loved ones. It allows individuals to stay in an assisted living community for a limited time, giving caregivers a break while ensuring residents receive necessary support and assistance with daily activities.

    Safety & Compliance

    In Virginia, the Department of Social Services licenses assisted living facilities and publishes the results of its routine and complaint inspections.

    License number50165
    Facility typeAssisted Living Facility
    License class1yr
    Capacity110 residents
    Care servedAssisted Living, Non-ambulatory, Special Care Un
    ExpiresMarch 20th, 2027
    Special certificationAssisted Living, Non-Ambulatory, Special Care Un
    View the official license record

    Inspection Reports

    9

    Reports

    11

    Citations

    0

    Complaints

    3

    Years

    10 Mar 2026Inspection
    Identified multiple deficiencies in emergency planning, resident supervision, medication transcription, record retention, ISP oversight, and volunteer orientation.
    • 22VAC40-73-(9)-950-E
    • 22VAC40-73-(9)-990-B
    • 22VAC40-73-(8)-930-D
    • 22VAC40-73-(6)-460-D
    • 22VAC40-73-(6)-640-A
    • 22VAC40-73-(6)-560-H
    • 22VAC40-73-(3)-240-F
    12 Nov 2025Inspection
    Investigated the complaint and found no deficiencies.
    19 Feb 2025Inspection
    Identified deficiencies in emergency preparedness planning, including missing orientation and semi-annual reviews. The disclosure statement was not updated to the current VDSS form.
    • 22VAC40-73-(9)-950-E
    • 22VAC40-73-(2)-50-A
    • 22VAC40-73-(9)-950-F
    21 Oct 2024Inspection
    Investigated an allegation that a medical emergency was not properly addressed and found a failure to ensure residents' health, safety, and well-being.
    • 22VAC40-73-(6)-460-A
    16 Aug 2024Inspection
    Found no deficiencies. Evidence did not support the allegations of non-compliance.
    16 Aug 2024Inspection
    Found no deficiencies. The allegation did not show non-compliance.
    14 Feb 2024Inspection
    Observed residents participating in activities and meals during a renewal visit; no deficiencies cited.
    04 Dec 2023Inspection
    Found no deficiencies.
    11 Sept 2023Inspection
    Found no deficiencies identified during the initial inspection conducted on 2023-09-11.

    Disclaimer

    Mirador Living is not affiliated with the owner or operator(s) of Sunrise of Alexandria. The information above has not been verified or approved by the owner or operator. For exact information, please contact Sunrise of Alexandria directly. There is no cost for this service. We are compensated by the community you select.

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