Frequently Asked Questions

The application process for admission is described here in detail. Our expectation is that you are relying solely on God and Christian Science for healing and you are expecting healing; you are actively working with a Christian Science practitioner listed in The Christian Science Journal; and you are free from the use of medication.

For patient admissions, call 253-813-2096 or 800-641-1718. You may also email general questions to our This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

We must have your Social Security number, so if you can't find your card, do get your number from your tax forms (or other files) and write it down for us.

We must have your Medicare card; if you cannot find it, we can give you the phone number to call and order a replacement. You must make this call yourself; we cannot do it for you.

Yes, you will have your own room with a private bathroom. Take a photo tour of our facility.

Sure. Visitors are welcome any time, though we do like to know ahead of time that they are coming. Children are welcome and there is a lovely park next door they might enjoy visiting while they're here.

Of course, you do not have to see anyone you do not wish to see.

Yes, for a minimal fee, and if we have a room available.

We do require you to engage a practitioner listed in The Christian Science Journal for prayerful treatment of your case. You may obtain the current issue of the Journal at any Christian Science Reading Room. You may also view the Journal directory on-line. Click on "Journal Directory" and follow the link to Christian Science practitioners and teachers.

No, church membership is not a requirement for admission to Sunrise Haven.

We expect quick and whole healing. There is no time limit for an individual who is working out a challenge to remain in our facility, as long as there is consistent expectancy of healing.

Be assured, having a medical history does not prevent you from coming to Sunrise Haven. We ask the same questions of everyone who seeks admission, both for Medicare purposes and for our own information. We ask so that our discussion will cover every aspect of your care at Sunrise Haven.

When you are admitted to Sunrise, you are asked to sign an election form indicating you wish to use Medicare benefits in a Christian Science nursing facility. The form tells Medicare that you choose Christian Science for your health care and that medical treatment is inconsistent with your religious beliefs.

Medicare requires that specific guidelines be followed. To be eligible for Medicare coverage, your care must require the judgment, skill, oversight, observation, or direct care of a Christian Science nurse listed in The Christian Science Journal.

For more information about using Medicare at Sunrise Haven, please call us. View or download (in pdf format) our document "Eligibility for Medicare at Sunrise Haven".

Neither Medicaid nor HMOs cover the costs of care at Sunrise Haven.

Whether or not to insure, and to what extent, are matters for each individual's demonstration, which can only be reached by prayer and listening for divine guidance. We have no expertise in the field of health insurance; therefore we cannot give advice concerning health insurance coverage or a recommendation for or against companies offering such policies.

If you contact a prospective insurance provider, we do recommend that you ask specifically whether or not the company covers a stay in a Christian Science nursing facility. And, if you decide to purchase health insurance, we recommend that you require the prospective insurance provider to put in writing any specific provision for coverage of Christian Science nursing.

Yes, the confidentiality of all information concerning patients and other guests has always been of the utmost importance to us. The ethical standards upheld by Christian Science nurses and all staff comes from the teachings of Christian Science, with its emphasis on the confidential relationship between Christian Science nurse and patient, as well as Christian Science practitioner and patient.

Maintaining that confidentiality is now a federal law known as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996). This law requires that all organizations such as ours protect the privacy of patients in a variety of ways. Sunrise Haven adheres to the letter and spirit of this law. Upon admittance to Sunrise Haven, you will be asked to review and sign the document "Sunrise Haven Patient Privacy Information/HIPAA Privacy Notice," which describes how information regarding the services received at Sunrise may be used and disclosed to others. View or download (in pdf format) our patient privacy notice.

No, Sunrise Haven offers temporary Christian Science nursing care only; it does not offer custodial care or assisted living. If you are considering moving to housing that offers personal assistance or care, we can provide the names and phone numbers of residential facilities in Western Washington that acknowledge the wishes of Christian Scientists.

Fundraising materials are accurate, truthful, and candid and meet federal and state law requirements. Fundraising costs are kept reasonable.

Contact our executive director to request this information for the last 3 years.

Yes. Contact our executive director.