Sunflower Gardens

Pros

• The facilities are very nice.
• The reviewer was impressed by the 55+ residence apartments.
• The apartments are great in a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
• The grounds are well-kept and well-managed.
• The place is pretty, clean, and quiet.
• A resident is very pleased with living there.

Cons

• The manager and another staff member were rude and not very nice.
• They claimed visits were by appointment only, but that policy wasn't on the website.
• KDHE may need to check the welfare of residents if this is how the place is run.
• Sharon Hogan was extremely rude and unprofessional.
• Visitors were not greeted and treated like a bother; a resident appeared to run the show and was unprofessional.
• One staff member refused to help, provided no brochures, and insisted information was online, which is not helpful for many elderly residents.
• They were told it would be years before they could have a chance to be there.
• The worker would not get out of her chair to greet or talk, appearing completely rude and unprofessional.
• The outside push button doesn't work unless it is repeatedly pressed.
• Maintenance repairs took 2-3 months to complete.

Review

A collection of impressions about this community reveals a striking split in experiences, with some tenants and prospective residents raving about the setting and amenities, while others recount encounters that left them frustrated, discouraged, or outright offended. At a glance, the property comes across as a quiet, well-kept place that many people appreciate for its grounds and age-friendly atmosphere. But beneath the veneer of well-manicured lawns and calm surroundings lies a recurring thread of dissatisfaction tied to customer service, communication, and accessibility.

On the negative side, one visitor recounts a particularly painful attempt to schedule a walk-through for their mother. They describe a manager and another staff member as rude and uninterested in helping, characterizing the interaction as if they were a nuisance rather than potential residents. The sign on the door allegedly indicated "appointment only," yet the same person notes that this policy wasn't clearly reflected on the website, creating confusion and a sense of being misled. The reviewer even raises a stark concern: if staff behavior toward prospective families is so curt, it might prompt regulatory attention regarding the welfare and treatment of residents. In this narrative, a specific staff member - Sharon Hogan - stands out as "EXTREMELY rude and very unprofessional," with the observer emphasizing that she would not greet visitors, would not extract any brochures, and insisted that all information was available only online, a notion the reviewer found unhelpful for seniors who may struggle with digital access.

Further detail in the same account paints a scene of authority collapsing into a kind of resident dominance. A resident is described as effectively running the show, stepping into staff spaces, closing office doors, and directing visitors to return with an appointment. When the inquirer finally did speak with a staff member, the same resident allegedly redirected them again, telling them to come back later or with an appointment rather than offering assistance. The overall impression from this portion of the narrative is that the environment feels unwelcoming, with staffing issues that make it hard for outsiders to obtain information or get a timely response. The person concludes with a blunt warning: this facility isn't worth pursuing, suggesting a strong deterrent message to other potential residents.

Beyond these charged encounters, there is a contrasting pair of threads that acknowledge more routine maintenance and access issues, as well as the positives of the living environment. One reviewer notes that after moving in, it took a lengthy two to three months to address various problems, stressing that "everything takes time here at Sunflower Gardens." They also mention a functional annoyance - the outside push button for access doesn't work reliably and requires repeated effort to gain entry. This portrait highlights a process-oriented frustration that can affect everyday life, even as other aspects of the property remain functional and acceptable.

Amid the complaints, a more upbeat stream of comments emerges that paints Sunflower Gardens as a pleasant place to live for adults 55 and older. Several reviewers describe the facilities as very nice, with well-kept grounds and a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. They praise the overall management and aesthetics, using terms like "pretty," "clean," and "quiet." These voices convey genuine satisfaction with the ambience and the basic living environment, suggesting that the property can be a great fit for residents seeking peace, cleanliness, and a visually appealing setting.

In addition, a number of residents express personal contentment with their decision to move in. One describes becoming a resident and feeling pleased as they acclimate, despite not knowing everything yet. Another notes that, overall, they enjoy living there, even as they acknowledge ongoing adjustments. Taken together, these testimonials emphasize that the community's strengths - its serenity, charm, and 55+ orientation - can deliver a truly positive experience for many residents, particularly once they settle in and become familiar with the routines and offerings.

Ultimately, the picture that emerges is nuanced and multifaceted. The property has a clear appeal: attractive grounds, quiet living spaces, and the amenities expected of a retirement-oriented community. Yet there are consistent concerns voiced about interpersonal interactions, the speed and transparency of information, and the response time to maintenance or onboarding needs. Whether someone's visit ends in warmth and helpful guidance or in a frustrating encounter depends heavily on the day, the staff member involved, and perhaps the stage of tenancy. For prospective residents weighing this option, the message is to approach with eyes open: the environment can be wonderful, but it's wise to verify current procedures, meet multiple staff members, and get a clear sense of how the facility handles tours, communications, and resident-to-staff interactions before committing.

This part of Valley Center, Kansas offers a variety of amenities that can cater to the needs and preferences of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment. The area features several parks nearby, such as Mc Laughlin Park, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure activities. Additionally, there are numerous cafes and restaurants within a short driving distance, including Tequilas, Elderslie Farm, and Applebee's, offering diverse dining options. For medical needs, there are several physicians' offices and pharmacies in close proximity, ensuring easy access to healthcare services. In terms of entertainment, seniors can enjoy movies at Warren Movie Theatres or AMC Northrock 14. Overall, this neighborhood provides a mix of amenities that cater to various aspects of senior living, making it a desirable location for older individuals seeking a comfortable and convenient lifestyle in Valley Center.

Parks

• Mc Laughlin Park (0.5 miles)

Cafes

• Tequilas (0.6 miles)
• Elderslie Farm (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (7.9 miles)
• HomeGrown Wichita (8.8 miles)
• Starbucks (9 miles)
• Starbucks (9 miles)
• Panera Bread (9.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Applebee's (3.3 miles)
• Taco Bell (3.4 miles)
• Cracker Barrel (3.5 miles)
• Taco Bell (7.7 miles)
• Braum's (7.8 miles)
• Connie's Mexico Cafe (7.9 miles)
• Arby's (8 miles)

Places of Worship

• First Presbyterian Church (5.1 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (5.6 miles)
• Ark Church (6.6 miles)
• AGK Ministry Network (7.7 miles)
• Galilee Church of God in Christ (8.9 miles)
• Eagles Nest Fellowship Phc (9.4 miles)
• Chapel of the Sorrowful Mother (9.6 miles)

Physicians

• Kansas Foot Center (6.3 miles)
• Bird Sarah Moeller Dermatology (6.5 miles)
• Medical Plaza of Sedgwick (6.5 miles)
• Mid-Kansas Ear, Nose & Throat (6.6 miles)
• Heartland Women's Group - West (6.8 miles)
• Oberhelman Stephanie V Do Stephanie V Oberhelman Do Kansas Surgical Arts Wichita (7.1 miles)
• Rock Ridge Family Medicine (7.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Hospital of Hope International (6.4 miles)
• Davita Kidney Care (7.6 miles)
• Via Christi Hospital On St Francis (9.5 miles)
• Kansas Heart Hospital (9.6 miles)
• Wesley Rehab (9.6 miles)
• Via Christi Clinic on Emporia (9.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (8.1 miles)
• Walgreens (9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (9 miles)
• Consumer's Pharmacy (9.4 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (9.4 miles)
• Walgreens (9.5 miles)
• Community Pharmacy (9.7 miles)

Theaters

• Warren Movie Theatres (9 miles)
• AMC Northrock 14 (9.5 miles)