A Sunrise Celebration

The parking lots overflowed, and cars were lined up down the street as people arrived to help celebrate the 50 th Anniversary of Sunrise Terrace Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Winfield, Iowa. Family and friends and those eager to see the facility came from near and far to make the Open House celebration an overwhelming success. Lindsay Remick, Administrator of Sunrise estimated over 175 people attended the event held on Sunday, October 19 th.

The first thing a visitor notices when entering the facility is the fresh smell and inviting atmosphere. It is easy to see that staff members take pride in their work to make it a place where residents are made to feel like family. Jeanne Binkele, a familiar face from the Business Office, was one of the first contacts with the guest book and secured their interest by engaging in conversation and inviting them to enjoy a bite to eat, join their live entertainment, check out all new updates, entering prize drawings, and to save room for cheesecake at the end.

As advertised on their Facebook page, guests enjoyed being some of the first to see their newly remodeled dining room that was completed just days prior. In the new rustic farmhouse theme, painted a shade of amber with a corrugated steel base, hand selected decorations, and new window treatments, guests sat and visited while enjoying a beautiful charcuterie spread and a glass of sangria punch prepared by the staff.

For 50 years Sunrise has been one of Winfield’s most celebrated businesses. With multiple awards under their belt over the years, most recently they were awarded American Health Care Association’s 2024 Silver – Achievement in Quality Award (also in 2017), have been a CMS rated 5-Star facility for 10+ consecutive years, had a six-year streak of deficiency free annual health inspections, and are currently ranked the #1 facility in Iowa by American Health Care Association’s Top Line report. While the accolades are a great recognition for their hard work, they are most proud of what shows off their high-quality care best, their residents.

“I love it here,” said one resident who preferred not to be identified. She did not specify exactly why, but, like several other residents, she said the care and food was good!

Bernice Lee who has been a resident at Sunrise for approximately a year and a half, said she came to Sunrise because her sister, Wanda, had lived there, and she was familiar with the facility. She admitted that she doesn’t participate in many of the activities, but she enjoys the atmosphere adding, “I like being able to sleep whenever I want to! “Yes, oh yes,” was her enthusiastic answer when asked if she would recommend the facility to others.”

Resident Warren Burns a WWII veteran who was in the service three years and served 17.5 months in Italy, said he came to the facility when his family didn’t think it was safe for him to live alone. “I kept falling,” he explained. “My son and his wife checked out various facilities and decided Sunrise was the best place for me. I started farming at the age of 11 with help from my mother.” Warren admits, “It was hard to leave his lifelong home on the farm near Mt. Pleasant, but he has adjusted and feels Sunrise is a good place to be.” I like the tours they take on the bus – crop tours and casino trips.” He too thinks the food is good!

Robyn Buffington is living in one of the “Get Well, Go Home” suites and is very satisfied with all aspects of living at Sunrise. Her overall assessment of Sunrise is nothing but positive. She enjoys the privacy of having her own room. “I’m a night owl” she explains and likes being able to set her own sleep schedule. “The staff are always caring and helpful!”. She hopes to be able to return home in a few weeks after she heals, but until then she is enjoying her stay and the care she is getting at Sunrise. She said she should go to more of the activities as she liked the ones she has attended. She attends church services regularly. “I like the food, the people and having a room with two windows,” she concludes.

Shirley Huson is one of the newest residents. She arrived two months ago because it was becoming too difficult for her husband Ed to care for her at home. “It’s wonderful here” she exclaimed when asked how she liked living at Sunrise. “The staff is wonderful, and I like being with others”, she added. She has made friends with Poppy the mini bernadoodle and enjoys attending various activities.

The celebration’s enjoyment was contagious, hearing the laughter and seeing the smiles up and down the halls. All who browsed the “sneak peek” of their new shower room were in awe! The new epoxy flooring and gorgeous tile work brought many positive comments! Guests, residents and staff are eager to see the final product and utilize the new spa-like space that is nearing the finish line.

As guests approached the “Get Well, Go Home” area they explored historical documents aging back to 1975. A Winfield Beacon newspaper, Sunrise’s first brochure of services, the original Open House & Dedication Service brochure, and newspaper articles were a few of the items to look at and take as a souvenir. Of course, there were new informative items, as well, shared with pens, notepads, refrigerator clips and koozies. Also available for purchase were 50 th anniversary cookbooks, filled with delicious recipes as well as memories of people from Sunrise’s past and present.

These items were a great reminder as to why Sunrise Terrace has had the success and well known reputation for years – from the founders and original board of directors who began the project in 1973 to all the former and current board members, residents, family members, employees, and volunteers – it takes dedicated individuals who share a passion for the elderly and strive to make a positive impact each and every day.

If you or a loved one is anticipating needing more care, be sure to check out Sunrise Terrace Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Winfield! It’s easy to understand why residents from near and far choose Sunrise as their home away from home!

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