For Immediate Release
December 2024 — Deerfield Beach, FL: Watson Caring Science Institute (WCSI) proudly announces that Sunnyside Retirement Community in Harrisonburg, Virginia has been awarded the prestigious Lotus Recognition™, becoming the first ever retirement community to receive this honor. This accolade celebrates Sunnyside’s unwavering dedication to person-centered and directed care across all levels of senior living, from independent living to memory care, assisted living, and skilled nursing.
“Receiving the Lotus Recognition is a testament to our commitment to creating an environment where both residents and staff experience holistic care and compassion,” said Josh Lyons, President & CEO at Sunnyside Communities. “Our approach to care is guided by the belief that every interaction, whether with a resident, family member, or team member, should embody the principles of Watson’s Theory of Human Caring.”
Dr. Jean Watson, Founder/Director at Watson Caring Science Institute, shared, “Sunnyside Retirement Community has set a new benchmark for quality and compassion in senior living. Their dedication to fostering a culture of care, not just for residents but also for staff, exemplifies the essence of our Lotus Recognition.”
Sunnyside’s leadership and innovative practices have been pivotal in earning this distinction. Their Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement (QAPI) plan emphasizes excellence in care, ethical standards, resident satisfaction, and organizational well-being.
Beyond their commitment to residents, Sunnyside demonstrates care for their employees through robust wellness programs that prioritize mental, physical, and emotional health. Initiatives include:
- Healing Touch Energy Work and mindfulness programs.
- Health Fairs and Wellness Days for residents and staff alike.
- On-campus spa services and staff chaplain services for emotional support.
- Monthly staff appreciation events and opportunities for professional growth.
“At Sunnyside, caring isn’t just a value—it’s our way of being,” said Nancy Wayland, Executive Director, at Sunnyside Retirement Community. “We are deeply grateful to WCSI for this recognition and to our entire community for embracing a culture of compassion that uplifts us all.”
This recognition reflects Sunnyside Retirement Community’s enduring commitment to making compassionate care a cornerstone of senior living, ensuring that residents and staff thrive in an environment of respect, healing, and dignity.
WCSI created Lotus Recognition™ to celebrate real-life examples of the values, philosophy, and human caring theory guided by Watson's Caring Science and reflects the organization's caring-healing culture for team members, patients, and communities. For further information, contact Dianne Reid, Program Enrichment Director, at dianne@watsoncaringscience.org.
About Sunnyside Retirement Community: An award-winning not for profit Life Plan Community for those 55 and better, Sunnyside, located in Harrisonburg, VA, is situated on more than 150 scenic acres enfolded by magnificent mountain views, nature trails and fishing ponds. A pet-friendly campus, it offers selections such as villas, cottages, garden homes and apartments. And, the campus life is full of variety so there’s something for everyone! Visit www.sunnyside.cc to learn more.
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