When my mom moved into my home and I became her primary caregiver, I was so focused on meeting her physical needs that I overlooked some of her social needs.
The friendships and connections she made at Sunflower brought her happiness and helped her stay engaged and active. She loved the music, the trivia, the activities, but most importantly, she loved being part of a social circle again.
I’ll always be grateful for the kindness and compassion the staff showed my mom. Sunflower made a meaningful difference in both of our lives, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to any family looking for a place where their loved one can stay active, connected, and cared for.
Chad S. Salina KS
Sunflower Adult Day Services was a blessing for our family. At first, my sister Peg was not completely comfortable going to Sunflower, but over time she became fond of the staff and new friends she engaged with. Before long she was totally engaged and was often the first to respond to the quiz games they played to help stimulate their thought process. It was always the same answer, regardless of the question. They never corrected her and I know that provided her with a brief moment of satisfaction and pride.
My sister had dementia and Sunflower helped her meet her many challenges and provided meaning to her day. Getting out of the house, engaging with others besides just family, participating a variety of activities, and addressing new challenges helped her journey through those long days. Peg never lost her smile, and her face would always light up when she saw someone. That smile became her only way of communication, as the dementia stole her ability to speak for the last two years. I have no doubt that her remaining days at Sunflower helped develop her new way of communicating.
One of the most challenging decisions we make is who to partner with in the care of our loved one who has so much trust in us. The decision is not an easy one, and we will often agonize over what to do. We don’t want to leave them every day in a babysitting environment. Trust me, Sunflower Adult Day Services is loving, nurturing, caring, motivating, protective, and extremely professional. Sunflower really addresses the needs of our loved ones. Sunflower helps them find joy in their final days.
My sister enjoyed the days she was at Sunflower Adult Day Services. I am convinced that her time spent there made it possible for her get through many difficult days. We lost Peggy on an early December morning in 2024. I still feel her spirit every time I drive by the red brick building on the corner. Just like she always did when riding with me, I look over at the entrance, hoping to catch a glance of the coming and going of individuals and reflect on happy times for those patrons of the “Sunflower”.
William B. Salina KS
It is a good place to go. I enjoy it very much. It’s a place I can go so that I do not follow my wife around like a puppy dog. It is relaxing. We play games. The staff is there for you all the time. It is a wonderful place for adults.
Ed B. Salina KS
I am a retired (SGM) US Army Veteran and was informed about the Sunflower Program through Veterans Affairs (VA).
There is a variety of things that keep me attending 3-5 days a week.
There are programs that keep me alert and challenged.
The Care Givers are very professional and helpful with our needs. The meals are very adequate and Sunflower abides by safety standards.
Jerry N. Salina KS
Frank and I were living 45 miles from Salina when he started coming to Sunflower two days a week for 4 to 5 hours a day. Frank had dementia and had become obsessive about me being at his side constantly. When I would occasionally try to have a family member stay with him so I could be away for 2 to 4 hours he became anxious asking where I was and when would I be home. Before dementia Frank had a strong personality and was a very social person who never knew a stranger and was the first to greet and welcome a new person in any situation.
When we visited Sunflower the first time I knew it was just what we needed. There were activities throughout the day for brain stimulation and that was one of the things I had struggled with at home -keeping him engaged and doing things all day long. But the activities were only one part of what kept us going to Sunflower. There was a very stable staff there so after many trips to Sunflower he began to recognize them saw them as friends not necessarily care givers. They were kind and patient with him and were always willing to hear the same story over and over again. It was his social club and I always told him he had dinner reservations there. He interacted with others on his own and as a result he gained confidence in being able to function without me at his side. This also gave me time to do things on my own without calling on a family member to be with him and provide activity for him. It became part of our weekly routine.
I valued Sunflower for their programming, safe space, social interaction and most of all the loving and patient staff who were way more than caregivers for my husband.
Shirley M. Salina KS
Sunflower Adult Day Services has truly been a blessing for both of us. Living with dementia is challenging, but the care, compassion, and patience the staff show him every day mean more than words can express. They make him feel valued, safe, and included, and I can tell how much he enjoys being there. The activities and social interaction keep his mind engaged, and when he comes home, he is happier, calmer, and more alert. Seeing that difference gives me so much comfort. Just as importantly, knowing he is in such loving hands gives me the chance to rest, take care of errands, and simply recharge. That respite has helped me be a better caregiver for him. I am deeply grateful for everything Sunflower Adult Day Services does for our family.