Sunrise at Huntcliff Summit II

My father lived at Sunrise Senior Living Huntcliff Summit II while receiving hospice care for advanced dementia. After my mother passed away 18 months earlier, we had to move him into memory care quickly during an incredibly difficult time for our family. There were positive aspects of our experience. Marc Anthony in sales was kind, compassionate, and helpful throughout the admission process. The front desk staff were welcoming and professional, and several caregivers and medication technicians genuinely cared about the residents and worked hard to provide quality care. One of the brightest spots was the Resident Care Coordinator. She was compassionate, approachable, and genuinely cared about both residents and their families. We are grateful for her support during a very difficult time. It was particularly unfortunate that she was out of state when the facility made the decision to send my father to the hospital and subsequently refuse his return, as we believe she would have been a strong advocate for him during that process. Unfortunately, we found significant challenges with the leadership and management of the community. The Executive Director was rarely visible, and the Resident Care Director was often difficult to approach when concerns were raised. My grandmother lived in this same facility about 15 years ago, and the quality of care and resident engagement was noticeably better at that time. In our experience, many of the caregiving issues appeared to stem from a lack of active management and oversight. We frequently observed staff sitting idle rather than engaging residents, and on some occasions staff appeared to be sleeping while on duty. Memory care residents require consistent interaction and engagement, and that culture starts with leadership. As my father's dementia progressed, we felt the facility was not adequately prepared to manage his increasing needs. Rather than having an honest conversation about whether his care requirements exceeded their capabilities, his symptoms were often characterized as behavioral issues. Despite our hiring private 24-hour caregivers in addition to the care provided by the facility, Sunrise ultimately called 911 against hospice guidance, transported my father to the hospital, and then refused to allow him to return. Hospital staff advised us that his condition was consistent with the normal progression of advanced dementia. This decision left our family scrambling to find an appropriate placement on short notice, and my father was without a permanent place to live for nearly two weeks while we arranged alternative care. Memory care is challenging work, and we appreciate the caregivers who genuinely tried to help. However, families considering this community for a loved one with advanced dementia should ask detailed questions about staff training, leadership involvement, staffing levels, and how care transitions are handled as a resident's condition progresses. Our experience was disappointing, and we believe the community would benefit from stronger leadership, better staff support, and greater transparency when residents require a higher level of care.

Our family’s experience with the memory care unit at Huntcliff Sunrise II was deeply disappointing. Our father had advancing dementia and required a higher level of support than their staff appeared prepared to provide. Rather than communicating clearly that his needs may have exceeded their staffing capabilities, his symptoms were framed as “behavior” issues. We often observed that staff did not appear adequately trained or supported to manage the progression of advanced dementia care. Ultimately, the facility called 911 and discharged him to the hospital rather than working collaboratively with our family on an appropriate care transition plan. At the hospital, we were told his presentation was consistent with dementia progression, and we were advised to file a complaint with the state regarding our experience. We understand memory care is extremely challenging work. However, families considering this facility for advanced dementia care should ask detailed questions about staff training, support, and how care transitions are handled when a resident’s condition progresses. We also encourage families to spend time getting to know the leadership team and care philosophy before making a decision about placement.