At Sunnyside Communities, compassion and person-centered care are at the heart of everything we do. That commitment extends beyond medical treatment and daily support — it includes ensuring that each resident’s personal wishes are heard, honored, and respected throughout every stage of life.
We are proud to share that all chaplains across Sunnyside in Harrisonburg, Summit Square in Waynesboro, and King’s Grant in Martinsville have completed certification in POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment).
POLST is a nationally recognized program designed to help individuals make informed decisions about the types of medical treatment they wish to receive in the event of a serious or life-limiting illness. The certification process ensures that those facilitating these important discussions — including chaplains and other care partners — are trained to guide residents and families through these conversations with clarity, compassion, and respect.
“These conversations can be deeply emotional, but they are also sacred,” said Sunnyside Lead Chaplain Cynthia Long. “Completing our POLST certification allows us to walk beside residents and families with confidence and care, helping them understand their options, express their values, and make decisions that honor their faith, their wishes, and their dignity.”
King’s Grant Chaplain Bonnylee Witt added, “Faith plays such an important role in how individuals and families approach medical decisions. This training helps us create space for meaningful dialogue — where choices are made thoughtfully and with peace of mind.”
Through this training, our chaplaincy team is now even better equipped to assist residents and families in understanding the POLST process, collaborating with healthcare providers, and ensuring that each person’s preferences are clearly documented and upheld.
This achievement represents another step in Sunnyside Communities’ ongoing mission to provide exceptional, holistic care — supporting residents not only in living well but also in planning well. We extend our deepest gratitude to our chaplaincy team for their dedication to continuing education and their unwavering commitment to those we serve. Their compassion and professionalism embody what it means to truly love where you live.
