The end of 2018 marked some big transitions for Sunset Communities. Fieldstone Villas grew its neighborhood with the opening of a 10,000 square foot Clubhouse. The expansive clubhouse provides a special gathering place for Fieldstone Villas residents

Topics: Fieldstone Villas, Facility News, Active Living, Events, Independent Living

Family members often express concern to us about the safety of their elderly loved ones who live alone at home. With aging comes higher risks for serious injuries resulting from accidents, so making sure a home is a safe living space is essential. Here are some around-the-house tips for making any home safer.

Topics: Aging, Physical Therapy, Senior Living, People, Independent Living, Safety

Since 1871, Sunset Communities has adapted and evolved to meet the changing needs of those we serve. Our newest project, the Fieldstone Villas Clubhouse, is the latest example of that ongoing commitment.

Topics: Fieldstone Villas, Why Sunset?, Senior Housing, Independent Living, Facility News, Continuing Care Communities, Active Living

Walking through the front door of the Burgoon-style design at Fieldstone Villas for the very first time, you’re bound to experience an immediate sense of coming home. The most popular layout among Fieldstone’s newest construction phase, the Burgoon features a covered front porch that leads into an inviting entryway. Laminate floors spill into an open dining room that’s flanked by a modern kitchen on one side and a cozy living room on the other. It’s clear that great care went into designing this space.

Topics: Fieldstone Villas, Independent Living, Facility News, Planning, Senior Housing, Senior Living, Why Sunset?

As many people know, animals are capable of incredible things. Whether they are saving lives as integral members of a police force, guiding the visually impaired through their daily routines, or showering those around them with unconditional affection, animals positively impact their human companions in ways that we often overlook.

So it should come as no surprise that there are many benefits to allowing care community residents to have pets reside with them. Clinical studies have shown that elders living in residential facilities with animals exhibit less stress than those who do not have a companion pet. Overall wellness is heightened for dog and cat owners, and their quality of life improves as a result.

Human contact with animals triggers an increase in serotonin production, causing a "feel-good" effect and making heart rate and stress levels drop. Lower blood pressure, increased physical activity, and reduced cholesterol have also been linked to pet ownership.

Topics: Why Sunset?, Senior Housing, Senior Living, Residential Care, Long-term Care, Independent Living, Pets

Here’s an interesting quandary: while experts estimate that today’s retirees face a 69 percent future risk of needing long-term care, six in 10 middle-aged adults consider themselves unlikely to ever require assistance living their lives. Those numbers indicate that aging adults are overly optimistic about their future living needs—and their confidence is causing many to postpone or forgo planning for long-term care.

Topics: Active Living, Articles, Independent Living, Long-term Care, Nursing Homes, Planning, Senior Housing, Senior Living

If you’ve been considering moving to an assisted living community, autumn is an ideal time to act. With winter fast approaching, settling into one of Sunset’s living communities holds a special appeal to anyone wishing to avoid the frigid, snowy hassles that accompany the season’s arrival.

Topics: Active Living, Articles, Continuing Care Communities, Independent Living, Nursing Homes, Residential Care, Senior Housing, Senior Living, Why Sunset?

The first Fieldstone Villas are nearing completion, and soon our founding residents will be moving into the Life Plan Community (formerly known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community). Located in a beautiful park-like setting—with walking paths, ponds, and well-appointed landscaping—Fieldstone Villas redefine the traditional setting of a retirement facility.

Topics: Active Living, Articles, Facility News, Independent Living, Senior Housing, Senior Living

For many older adults, transitioning from home to assisted or supported living involves making tough decisions. More often than not, affordability is the most important consideration. When it comes to comparing costs between options—moving to a skilled nursing facility versus an independent living community, for example—understanding the various charges involved is critical to making informed decisions.

Topics: Active Living, Articles, Continuing Care Communities, Independent Living, Memory Care, Nursing Homes, Residential Care, Senior Housing, Senior Living

Do you understand the difference between Active Living and Assisted Living? Do you know how a Continuing Care Community differs from a Nursing Home? Unless you’ve been around the senior housing industry for a while, you’re likely to be confused about all the various care alternatives available. Just learning the different names from one living option to the next can seem overwhelming. So, if you’re setting out to research living options for a loved one, learning the terminology is always a good place to begin.

Topics: Active Living, Articles, Continuing Care Communities, Hospice, Independent Living, Inpatient Rehabilitation, Memory Care, Nursing Homes, Residential Care, Respite Care, Senior Care Terms, Senior Housing, Senior Living