Sunrise Assisted Living of San Mateo

I can’t speak to other people’s experience but, for us, Sunrise San Mateo, was a godsend. I have nothing but good things to say about our experience there.
We moved my father in law there after he entered hospice care and needed more care than family members were able to give. We all knew he didn’t have much time left and after a really bad experience at a local long term care facility were looking for a peaceful supportive environment for this last phase of his life. Rowena and her staff took us in and did everything they could to support us through a very difficult time.
My father in law was not the easiest of patients but they treated him with real kindness and respect.
He had a lovely room and the place was kept spotlessly clean.
We had the opportunity to speak with many of the other residents and they all seemed very content and happy to be there.
For my part, I’m just very grateful to them for all they did to support our family through such a sad time.

As I read these reviews, it is clear that people who live here have a bad experience, but it’s a nice building, and they hire nice sales people to show you around their clean and newish facility. After watching my family member’s stay here, and talking with many residents, I wholeheartedly agree. Nice tour, superficially nice place, but that’s it.
My advice, after having a relative who lived in Sunrise, and talking with other residents and their families, enjoy the tour, and don’t return. Ask them to stop calling – they will call for years.
My father’s experience here was what I can only characterize as storage.
Very expensive storage.
They have an activities room, and if you fit their schedule and format, you may enjoy it.
There is zero personalized attempt to find what your relative enjoys, or makes them thrive. ZERO.
The food has been described by all residents I’ve spoken with as horrible.
There is ZERO concern on nutrition generally, and no resident-​specific health needs. Here you are in the heart of California, where great produce and food is readily available, spending a lot to live here, but being fed as though you’re in the mess hall.
I’ve seen behind the curtain, spoken with many who lived in Sunrise, including my own relative, and many others, and none say they are happy living there.
During his stay, many families moved their relatives elsewhere, despite the potential upheaval & cost.
And if you’re considering it, please note that you don’t get the community fee back – a free bonus for them if you do move.
This is a corporate company with only one motivation – profit.
I’ve spoken to one woman at their corporate office who I would designate as one of the nastiest people I’ve dealt with on my many years on earth… many of those years spent dealing with the public.
There were several lies told by local management, and one level above them.
My father’s wallet was left on their shuttle to the doctor with a good deal of cash, and of course it was never returned. Money left him on other occasions from his room.
The local locations get some reasonably nice people who come and go, but go they do.
Turnover is high, which would indicate it’s not only a bad place to live, but likely a bad place to work.
The name should be changed to «Sunset senior dying» as the people living in Sunrise are more motivated to die than they would be if they lived somewhere where compassion and care were the top priorities.
Move somewhere where you or your loved ones will be treated with dignity & care, not to here or ANY Sunrise.

I sing with a choir at my work that visits senior homes in the San Mateo area every holiday season. Sunrise is one of our stops and we always have a pleasant experience. The facility is bright and comfortable, the staff is always smiling and appreciative of our visit. Pets seem to be welcome as each year there have been birds and this year there was a sweet dog that greeted us as we entered. It’s a lovely place.