Sunflower Lane is the highly acclaimed specialized dementia care unit on the campus of Larksfield Place, Wichita’s premier retirement community. With private beds, specially trained staff and community member-directed care, Sunflower Lane is a secure, inviting home for those facing the challenges of dementia-related illness.
Community members from Larksfield Place, including spouses and friends, are frequent visitors, and participate in many of Sunflower Lane’s daily activities.
We are focused on the individual needs of each person and are also dedicated to helping families remain connected to their loved ones. Through assessments, transition plans and ongoing attention, Sunflower Lane meets and exceeds the expectations of families searching for exceptional care.
- Located within the Larksfield Place Health Care Center, Sunflower Lane features 33 private rooms, one community member per room. Private and public spaces are uniquely designed to enhance stability and lessen confusion.
- Sunflower Lane features décor that is bright and refreshing. A secure courtyard just off the common area is available 24 hours a day.
- Laughter punctuates the daily routine. Hot chocolate and comfort foods contribute to our “homey” atmosphere. A sense of belonging and self-worth creates security.
- Visitors and community members are greeted by KC the Kalico Cat, or “Kitty Cat”, and Peanut the Parakeet. The presence of the friendly animals is a calming influence for those on Sunflower Lane.
As a recognized leader in dementia care, we routinely educate others about the community member-directed model, a concept Sunflower Lane helped pioneer. For those experiencing loss and confusion, it is vital to help those in our community make safe choices so they feel more control over day-to-day routines. Community members choose from three menu items at each meal, decide with whom they prefer to eat, what to wear, and what activities they enjoy.
Creating a sense of rhythm, security and safety is key. Each part of the day includes three activity components: music, physical exercise and cognitive stimulation. The daily routine at Sunflower Lane is based on a social model, not a medical model, with activities available 12 hours a day, seven days a week. The behavioral intervention program is designed to promote quality of life and prevent self-isolation without over-stimulation.
Our goal is to help each person reach the highest level of functioning, with special attention to individual needs and challenges.
- Sunflower Lane’s specially-trained nurses, nurse assistants, and activity coordinators are a family of caregivers who feel privileged to care for your loved one.
- Staff members at Sunflower Lane enjoy their jobs, with very low turnover rates and high morale, making our care truly exceptional.
- Each community member is served by the same LPN day in and day out. A specific name may no longer be recalled, but community members recognize the familiarity of mannerisms and voice, building a sense of trust and comfort.
- Staff receive specialized, ongoing training in dementia care. Each member of the Sunflower Lane team is familiar with “sundowning behaviors” and is well equipped to help manage behaviors associated with every stage of dementia.
