Sunnyside Manor

Pros

• The staff at Solstice Senior Living is caring and watchful.
• Residents quickly adjust and enjoy life at Solstice.
• There is a good balance of activities and free time for residents.
• All the residents and staff feel happy and kind.
• The meals are nutritious, delicious, and well balanced.
• The facility is clean, beautiful, and located with vineyard views.
• The executive director and team provide a safe and comfortable environment.
• The on-site caregiving services offer needed levels of care at an affordable price.
• The apartments are spacious and well maintained.
• The dining room provides restaurant-style service and engaging, varied meals.

Cons

• The staff were described as invasive in families' private business and judgmental of both residents and visitors, making for an uncomfortable environment.
• The hallway carpets were described as disgusting.

Review

Solstice Senior Living at Santa Rosa has earned a reputation among families and residents as a place where care, community, and comfort come together in a thoughtful, well-rounded way. Several families describe the community as a welcoming environment that feels more like a close-knit neighborhood than a traditional care facility. The setting itself contributes to that impression: the hillside location offers vineyard and wine country views, a tranquil atmosphere, and grounds that encourage a peaceful, relaxed pace. For many who toured and later moved in loved ones here, the combination of scenery, spacious living spaces, and a culture of warmth set the tone for what follows.

A core strength cited by multiple reviewers is the staff and leadership. Residents and their families repeatedly highlight care-minded, watchful, and genuinely kind teams. The executive director, Greg Veal, and his accompanying staff have been described as approachable and devoted to creating a safe and comfortable senior environment. The on-site team that handles daily needs and activities consistently earns praise for being friendly, patient, and attentive. Families note that the personnel are not only professional but also willing to engage with visits, meals, and conversations, which helps everyone feel welcome and included. The sense that staff go above and beyond to support both residents and their families shines through in many testimonials.

The living spaces and amenities play a big role in the appeal. Reviews emphasize large, updated one-bedroom apartments that give residents room to settle in and feel at home. The overall design and atmosphere are often described as open and inviting, with references to attractive interiors and even architectural details described as Italianate in style by some guests. Pets are mentioned as an allowed feature, contributing to a homelike feeling for those who have pets. In addition to private accommodations, there's a broader sense of cohesion - residents gather for meals, activities, and social events, and families are welcome to participate or simply visit. The combination of comfortable housing and a pleasant, low-stress environment helps residents adjust more easily to new surroundings.

Activities and dining are consistently highlighted as standout components of Solstice Senior Living at Santa Rosa. Families describe a robust calendar that includes arts and crafts, bingo, movies, word games, trivia contests, and a wide range of other options designed to engage residents across different levels of ability. The dining experience receives frequent praise for its restaurant-style service, light-filled dining room, and flavorful, well-balanced meals. The culinary program is a particular point of pride, with many noting tasty, nutritious options and daily homemade soups that contribute to a feeling of home-cooked care. The presence of a dedicated culinary services director signals ongoing attention to quality and variety in mealtime offerings.

An important practical consideration for many families is affordability and the scope of services included. Several reviewers specifically commend Solstice for competitive pricing and good value, noting that meals and activities are included in the overall package in ways that make the monthly cost more predictable and manageable. The site's ability to bundle independent living with on-site caregiving services, when needed, is described as a major plus. Families appreciate that if a resident's needs evolve, there is a seamless path to additional support through an on-site caregiving company, often at an affordable rate. This combination of value and flexible care options contributes to the sense that Solstice offers a sustainable long-term home rather than a temporary arrangement.

Community and social connections are repeatedly described as strong and meaningful. Several people recount encounters where tours were conducted by residents themselves, offering a genuine sense of the living experience beyond what staff-only tours could convey. The feel of the community is often described as inviting and inclusive, with residents and staff described as happy, engaged, and supportive of one another. The social fabric appears to be aided by programs designed to foster friendships, such as buddy systems to help new residents acclimate and feel connected from day one. In short, Solstice is portrayed as a place where people are encouraged to participate, form connections, and thrive together.

While the overwhelming consensus is positive, there are a few cautions noted by a minority of reviewers. One former visitor pointed to experiences where staff were perceived as invasive in families' private matters and judgmental toward both residents and visitors, which understandably can create discomfort. It's important to acknowledge this perspective alongside the many endorsements, as it highlights that experiences can vary and that ongoing attention to privacy and respectful interaction remains important for any senior living community. Taken in context with the broader pool of experiences, this single critique serves as a reminder that even highly regarded communities must continually balance openness with respect for personal boundaries.

Overall, the sentiment across the board is one of confidence and appreciation. Families describe Solstice Senior Living at Santa Rosa as a place that lives up to its promises: a caring, attentive team; comfortable and updated living spaces; a rich menu of activities and dining options; and a supportive environment that respects family involvement and personal independence. Residents commonly speak of it as a home away from home, a place where they can enjoy daily routines, make friends, and feel secure in the knowledge that help is readily available when needed. For many, Solstice has become the benchmark against which they measure other senior living choices, a testament to the combination of thoughtful care, engaging programs, and a community that truly feels like family.

This part of Santa Rosa, California offers convenient access to a variety of essential services and amenities for individuals considering senior living. With multiple hospitals nearby, including Kaiser Foundation Hospital and MarinHealth ENT Clinic, residents have access to quality healthcare options. There are also several pharmacies in the area, making it easy to fill prescriptions and manage medications. In terms of dining options, there are diverse choices ranging from fast food chains like Jack In The Box and Chick-Fil-A to local favorites such as La Texanita Restaurant. Additionally, cafes like Taylor Lane Organic Coffee provide a relaxing spot for socializing or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee. For leisure activities, parks like A Place To Play offer green spaces for outdoor relaxation, while theaters such as the Roxy Stadium 14 provide entertainment options not far from home. Public transportation options are also available with the Santa Rosa - SMART Station and Santa Rosa Transit Mall within a short distance. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment with convenient amenities for seniors looking to settle in Santa Rosa.

Hospitals

• Kaiser Foundation Hospital (0.6 miles)
• Kaiser Foundation Health Plan (1.9 miles)
• MarinHealth ENT, Head & Neck Surgery | A UCSF Health Clinic (2.8 miles)
• St Joseph Health System (2.9 miles)
• Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital (2.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Super Chavez Market (0.8 miles)
• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (1.2 miles)
• Jack In The Box (1.3 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (1.5 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.8 miles)
• Ike's Place (1.9 miles)
• La Texanita Restaurant (1.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Rayles Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Peace In Medicine (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Kaiser Pharmacy East (1.8 miles)
• Creekside Managed Care Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Herbal Pharmacy (2.5 miles)

Physicians

• Sonoma County Indian Health (0.9 miles)
• John Dr - John Y Hau Hau MD (1 miles)
• Eric Lee M.D. (1 miles)
• North Bay Sleep Medicine Institute (1 miles)
• Jennifer Williams, MD (1 miles)
• Elyse Rae Eisenberg (1 miles)
• Jeremy C. Mesches, MD (1 miles)

Cafes

• Taylor Lane Organic Coffee (1.1 miles)
• Aroma Roasters Coffee & Tea (1.9 miles)
• Starbucks (2 miles)
• Cafe Des Croissants (2.1 miles)
• Dierk's Parkside Café (2.5 miles)

Parks

• A Place To Play (1.2 miles)
• Old Courthouse Square (2.2 miles)

Transportation

• Santa Rosa - SMART Station (1.9 miles)
• Santa Rosa Transit Mall (2.2 miles)

Theaters

• Roxy Stadium 14 (2.3 miles)