The Verandah Retirement Community, part of the Sunshine Retirement Living network and a premier provider of independent living, assisted living and memory care in Southwest Louisiana, has been recognized as Best Assisted Living and Best Retirement Community in the People's Choice Awards of Southwest Louisiana. To be published in the Fall 2025 issue of 706 Magazine, the honors underscore The Verandah's continued leadership in delivering exceptional care, vibrant community living and innovative services to older adults.
The Verandah's recognition comes as no surprise to residents and families, who have long appreciated its warm, supportive environment and commitment to excellence. As part of family-owned Sunshine Retirement Living's nationwide family of 40 senior living communities, The Verandah embodies the company's mission to offer person-centered care, independence and peace of mind in an environment where seniors can thrive socially, emotionally and physically.
Located at 5851 Gray Market Drive in the scenic Graywood neighborhood of Lake Charles, The Verandah offersindependent living, assisted living and memory carein a warm, engaging and person-centered setting. Highlights of the community include:
— Programs inspired by Blue Zones principles that promote longevity through natural movement, stress reduction, social connection, and purposeful engagement.
— A smoke-free, safe environment enhanced by ionized air filtration, 24/7 gourmet dining, full-service amenities (Wi-Fi, utilities, housekeeping, concierge, and transportation), and a robust activity calendar featuring fitness classes, clubs and events.
— Seamless transition from independent living to assisted living and memory care, allowing residents to remain in the community they love while receiving additional levels of support as needed.
Innovation in Senior Living and CareAlways striving to meet the evolving needs of its residents, The Verandah Retirement Community has earned a reputation for leadership and innovation in Southwest Louisiana's senior living landscape. Earlier this year, the community became thefirst and only retirement community in the region to launch an on-site health clinicin partnership withCurana Health, a leading provider of value-based care for senior living residents. The clinic offers convenient, physician-led care not only for residents but also for staff and their families. Services include preventive care, urgent care, comprehensive care coordination, palliative care, 24/7 access to care teams, and coordination of on-site diagnostics, all billed directly through patients' health insurance.
This partnership has already shown measurable success at other Curana Health communities, including a39% reduction in hospital readmissions, a30% reduction in falls and95% resident satisfaction.
The Verandah has also partnered withDr. Zachary Ryder, MD, a respected local psychiatrist specializing in geriatric mental health, to make mental health care more accessible and stigma-free. With nearly one in four older adults experiencing a mental health disorder in their lifetime, and two-thirds never receiving care, The Verandah is ensuring that support is delivered directly in the community, eliminating transportation barriers and reducing stigma. Residents are already experiencing improvements in mental, emotional and social well-being through this innovative approach.
“At Sunshine Retirement Living, our mission is rooted in creating vibrant, caring communities where seniors can truly feel at home,” saidLuis Serrano, CEO of Sunshine Retirement Living. “The Verandah exemplifies this vision with its welcoming atmosphere, innovative partnerships and commitment to excellence. Being recognized by such a reputable organization in the community truly underscores the incredible work being done by our dedicated team in Lake Charles.”
Executive DirectorTammy Friesenechoed the sentiment: “We are honored to be recognized among the best in Louisiana. At The Verandah, we are not only dedicated to delivering excellent care and services but also to cultivating a vibrant, welcoming community where residents can celebrate independence, build friendships and thrive. Partnerships like those with Curana Health and Dr. Ryder demonstrate our ongoing commitment to staying at the forefront of senior living innovation.”
The Verandah's selection as the best in the region also reflects Sunshine Retirement Living's core values: caring with compassion, focusing on wellness, supporting independence, and enriching lives. With meaningful activities, dedicated staff and a culture centered on dignity and respect, The Verandah Retirement Community has become a trusted choice for seniors and their families in Southwest Louisiana.
About Sunshine Retirement LivingBased in Bend, Ore., Sunshine Retirement Living manages 40 retirement communities in 17 states, offering senior apartments, independent living, assisted living, transitional assisted living, and memory care. A family-owned business with 20 years in the senior housing industry, Sunshine Retirement Living's mission is to be the preferred senior living provider offering value, choice and independence while promoting health and social interaction that exceeds residents' expectations and enriches the lives of both residents and staff. By providing meals, housekeeping, activities, transportation, utilities and in-house management staff, Sunshine Retirement Living continues to build an unparalleled community feeling in each property. For more information, visit www.sunshineretirementliving.com or connect socially.
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SOURCE Sunshine Retirement Living
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