Sunrise Retirement Community

Sunrise Retirement Community sits on a 33-acre campus in Sioux City and is the only community-based, not-for-profit retirement community in the area, and what's different about it is you'll see all sorts of living options, like independent living, assisted living, memory care, and even nursing care through to end-of-life, and folks can move to different levels of care as their needs change, which means residents don't have to leave the campus if their health gets worse, and there's priority admission for those already living on site. Sunrise has served over 6,000 people since 1959 and is managed by a local volunteer board, a CEO, a Director of Independent Living, and a Director of Fund Development and Marketing, and everyone running things tries to focus on what each resident wants and needs-this idea of "freedom of choice," where people have some say in the way they live, which makes it pretty different from more rigid places, and from what's described, their philosophy is mainly about letting people make their own choices and feel at home. There are all kinds of rooms for both singles and couples, and the restrooms are ADA-friendly and quite roomy, and for memory care, there's the Sunshine Center for folks with Alzheimer's or dementia, so residents have help if they're facing chronic confusion or long-term illnesses. The community works closely with area hospitals, so medical care is nearby, and on the nursing side, there is around-the-clock nursing staff, with skilled and rehab care covered under Medicare or Medicaid, and 5 out of 74 certified beds open in June 2025 according to the latest info. The campus has things to keep people busy, like community events, wellness programs, concerts, and special activities all month, and a chapel and indoor park are there for quiet time or gatherings, plus a Sunrise Shop seems to be around for shopping needs. Residents and families have councils to raise concerns or ask questions. You'll find the Bernstein and Sunlight Centers for specific medical and memory concerns, and they do accept Medicare and Medicaid, keeping senior care more accessible. Meals are planned monthly, dining rooms are set up so folks can eat together whenever possible, and transportation to outside shops, restaurants, and banks is easy since Sunrise is close to many city services. Sunrise Retirement Community really focuses on community living and keeps things centered on the needs, choices, and well-being of each person, and with all the different care types and buildings on one campus, people can stay with friends and neighbors as they age or if their health needs grow, which helps families worry less about big moves later on.

Sunrise Retirement Community 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.