Q. Who is eligible to live at Sunnymere?
A. Seniors 65 and over, who would benefit from living in a community environment. We provide a home for both Independent and Assisted Living Residents.
Q. What is the difference between Assisted Living and Supportive Living?
- Independent residents pretty much take care of themselves–but our staff is there for them when needed. (We are happy to do meds reminders at no additional charge).
- Assisted Living residents need our help to take care of their daily living–whether it be help to get out of bed, get dressed, take meds, bathe, help to go to the bathroom, etc.
Q. How does a resident reach the staff if they need assistance?
Residents wear a pendant call button to reach staff at any time (24/7). The monthly rental charge is under $10.
Q. What kind of living arrangements do you offer?
We offer either a single room (with a shared lavatory) or a two room suite with a private powder room. Please note–our residents live in the whole house of Sunnymere. There are no kitchens in any of the rooms (we do not have apartments). Walk-in showers are a few steps down each hall.
Q. How did I find out current prices?
A. Call us at 630-898-7844.
Does Sunnymere supply the furniture?
No. Each family creates the living space for their loved one. Most everyone has a bed, dresser, TV and comfy chair. A small refrigerator is fine.
Q. What is included with my rent?
A. Your own private room (s), 3 meals/day, housekeeping 5 days/week, we supply fresh towels, change your sheets and do your laundry once a week and provide activities most every day. Staff is on duty 24/7. Rent is due on the first of each month.
Q. Are there ‘Extra Charges’?
A. Phillips Line-Line Pendant, under $10/month (added to rent)
Q. If I wanted to have my meal in my room, would that be all right?
A. Meals are in the dining room. Eating with the other residents helps build ‘community’ and keeps loneliness away. There are times when a resident ‘goes out’ for a meal and has leftovers in his fridge. He could then eat in his room.
Q Are pets allowed?
A. No, we are ‘Pet-Free’.
Q Are there any entrance fees?
A. There is a $100 fee to submit an application. There are no ‘entrance fees’, but we do ask for a $500 security deposit for each room, and a deposit for the call button (to reach staff at any time).
Q. What are the lease terms?
There are no leases at Sunnymere. If a person is moving out, we ask that you give us 30 days notice.
Q. Do you accept Veterans Aid? How do we apply for it?
A. Yes, we have residents who receive Veterans Aid either because they were a veteran or they are the surviving spouse of a veteran. VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits provide monthly payments for qualified Veterans and survivors depending on their assets and income. Contact your county VA office to find out if you qualify.
Q. Do you accept Medicaid?
No. Sunnymere is strictly Private Pay.
Q. Is Sunnymere part of a large conglomerate?
A. No. There is only one Sunnymere–we are a non-profit, we have no owner.
Q. Do you accept residents with dementia?
A. While we do not have a ‘locked memory-care unit’, as long as the resident is not a ‘wanderer’, or a danger to themselves or others, they most likely could live at Sunnymere. Our building is not usually locked, so we have no way of keeping a wanderer in the building.
Q. What about Covid-19?
A. New residents would have to get the vaccine before moving in.
Q. What should I look for in a long term care community?
A. Visit several communities. Decide on what would be your ‘deal-breakers’, such as cost, location, 24/hr staff, pets allowed, kitchen, etc.
Look around. Ask questions.
- Read the mission (found on the website). Does it align with your values?
- Is the organization a ‘for-profit’ or a’ non-profit’? (Note– 82 percent of senior living residences are currently for-profit.) Sunnymere is a non-profit.
- What is your first impression of the environment?
- Is the staff friendly?
- Is the building clean?
- Find out about the costs and what is included in the monthly rental fee meals, laundry, cleaning, etc.
- Is it Private Pay or Medicaid?
- What is included in Assisted Living Care?
- Are there extra charges, and what is the cost, for other services?
- Are staff available 24-hours a day?
- Is there a buy in required and how much is it and how is this handled (invested, yearly dividends applied, etc.) and what part, if any, is refundable when the resident leaves?
- What type of activities are offered?
- Does it fit the needs of the person(s) who will be living there?
- If your elderly relative can mostly care for himself or herself (Independent) , is there availability to remain in place and receive more assisted, personal care as time goes on?
- Can you talk to the residents?
- Is visiting allowed at specific times?
- See if you can dine there with the residents.
