Sunrise at East 56th

Last week, Director of Sales Paige Albano gave me the most pleasant and informative tour of Sunrise at East 56th. Although we’ve decided to place our mom at The Apsley, another Sunrise community on the Upper West Side, mostly due to proximity reasons, I know we would’ve been very happy at East 56th, and Paige set the most wonderful tone at the outset.

I recently moved my best friend's mother, who suffers from advanced Alzheimers, into Sunrise at East 56th Street in NYC. She was previously at another Sunrise in another state. The difference between the two locations can not be described in words. The entire staff at East 56th St. is AMAZING! My friend's mother is more happy than I have ever seen her. She looks 10 years younger and now has a constant smile on her face. She is now singing, playing piano again after many years and is remarkably healthier as well. I do want to give a special shout out to one of their employees at East 56th St. His name is Edwin Perez and his title is Maintenance Coordinator. He is amazing in every way! I have asked him to receive and install a bunch of things for my friend's mother's room, some of which were his idea, including peel and stick fabric head board tiles which now make the room look incredibly elegant. Besides his mechanical brillance, Edwin is also extremely responsive to all of my requests, which makes him invaluable in my book. I know that if I ask Edwin to do something, he will go out of his way to make sure that everything is perfect, no matter what it is. Edwin is a special employee, and more imporantly a special caring human being. Sunrise is VERY lucky to have him!

Our 95 yo mom just celebrated her one year anniversary at Sunrise. We, her immediate family, live in Northern New England. We anticipated a challenging transition moving from independent living in NYC to Sunrise, and in fact, it has been, on multiple levels. It is always the human connection that makes the real difference. While the practical aspects of life at Sunrise are well coordinated and the staff is kind and supportive, I want to single out one member of the leadership team, Alyssa Friedman, LCSW, Program Director, as an exceptional person and professional. Alyssa has developed a very meaningful and compassionate relationship with our mom and with us. She has provided prompt support and insight for all of us in negotiating a changing situation over time, especially from a distance. Her understanding of the psychosocial aspects of aging and her advice along the way has been absolutely invaluable to all of us. Sunrise, and all those associated with it, are very fortunate to have her!

I first visited Sunrise at East 56th in October 2025, accompanying a relative who was interested in possibly moving there. From the outset, I was impressed by the physical plant, the depth of the resources available (including daily activities both on campus and in the city), and the quality of the food. Most importantly, I was struck by the professionalism and commitment to their clientele of every staff person I met: the person at the front door, the receptionist on the main floor, the wait staff and chef in the dining room, the sales representatives, and the Executive Director. Every question I asked was answered in detail. The relative I accompanied ultimately made the decision to try Sunrise for a 30-day trial. Moving into an assisted living facility after a lifetime of independence and professional success can be stressful, and the trial period is therefore a wise investment. It serves as a "shakedown cruise" -- a period in which staff and prospective resident can become used to each other. It is characteristic of the client-focused approach at Sunrise that they offer this option.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Sunrise at 56 while exploring assisted living options for my father, and I can’t say enough wonderful things about Paige, the Director, and her team. While we ultimately chose another facility due to affordability, our experience at Sunrise was truly exceptional, and Paige played a huge role in making it so memorable. From the moment we arrived, Paige went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. She personally arranged for my father and me to be picked up from his home, which was such a thoughtful gesture. Once we arrived at the facility, we were invited to stay and watch a Knicks game together. They even provided us with a delicious dinner, and we ended up staying late into the evening enjoying the game and chatting with staff. It felt less like a tour and more like spending time with family. The facility itself is stunning—beautifully designed with warm, inviting spaces that immediately make you feel at ease. But what really sets Sunrise at 56 apart is Paige’s leadership and the incredible care she inspires in her team. Her kindness, attention to detail, and genuine passion for creating a nurturing environment for residents are unmatched. She took the time to understand our needs, answer every question, and ensure we felt supported throughout the process. Even though we ultimately chose another place due to financial considerations, I can confidently say that Sunrise at 56 would have been an amazing home for my father. Paige’s dedication to her residents is truly extraordinary, and it’s clear she goes out of her way to make every individual feel valued and cared for. If you’re looking for a place where your loved one will be treated with compassion and respect—and where the staff truly go above and beyond—I highly recommend Sunrise at 56. Thank you, Paige, for your warmth and for making this transition such a positive experience for my family!