There are turns of phrase that many of us will forever connect with the 2020 global pandemic. “We are all in this together.” “These are unprecedented times.” “Stay safe. Stay at home.” In Trinity Health Senior Communities’ (THSC) Sales Offices, that last catchphrase could sometimes be problematic. As Sales Counselors encouraged prospective residents to move in to their Independent or Assisted Living settings, they were often faced with a litany of concerns. The very reasons that once drew seniors to a Life Plan Community – socialization, Club-style dining, group fitness classes among them – had now become liabilities. “I’ll think about it later,” the counselors heard over and over again. “Right now, I think it’s safer for me to stay at home.”
It was incumbent on the counselors – and on the whole team working in THSC Life Plan Communities and Villages – to make it clear that there were distinct benefits to making the move to independent or assisted living during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given THSC’s policies and procedures for sanitizing spaces and surfaces, residents could be assured that the environment they would move into would be given careful, constant attention. We put in place guidance for movers, ensuring that they wore proper personal protective equipment, were screened before entry into our communities, limited the number of movers entering the building at any time, and followed the most direct possible route when unloading and delivering residents’ personal belongings. We created “Transition Suites,” so that if a resident wanted to move into one of our communities to complete his or her 14-day quarantine before fully moving in or while work on their residence was being completed, we had safe, comfortable spaces ready for them. Residents had access to tablets so that they could virtually communicate with professional staff and their new neighbors from the Transition Suite. They would be cared for, they would be welcomed, and they would not be alone.
These facts gave peace of mind to prospective residents and to their families. Anna Sheehy moved to The McAuley in April 2020. She says that she felt safe in the West Hartford, Connecticut Life Plan Community, and that, “I would have had to deal with the same CDC restrictions no matter where I lived. It didn’t feel like an overwhelming transition.” Despite the fact that they couldn’t yet visit with her inside her new surroundings, Anna’s daughters and son were relieved to know that their mother was living in a community designed to meet her physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. In retrospect, Anna has no regrets. She loves the friends she has made, the staff who support her, and best of all: “I was able to get vaccinated in my own home” this winter.
Echoing the “no regrets” comment, Cathy and Larry Stanley would move into Woodland Village in Brighton, Michigan all over again…even amidst a pandemic. “We moved in because Woodland had zero cases and were very vigilant about their screening. We knew it was also safer to be where caregivers were able to keep an eye on us if we did get sick.” The Stanleys had long planned a Woodland Village lifestyle for themselves, and would not let the global pandemic derail them. “My mother moved to Woodland Village in 1998 at age 79 and lived in Independent Living for seven years, and then one year in Assisted Living,” Cathy explains. “Larry and I were here at least two days a week helping her with laundry, shopping, and medical visits. She loved it here and we were happy for her. We continued to keep in touch with Woodland after she passed and were so impressed with life here over the years. We loved Trinity, the activities, and the caring staff. We felt this would be a safe and comforting place to spend our time. We look forward to COVID being over and entertainment to resume soon. Life will get even better as we get through this!”
Patricia Workman also selected Woodland Village for retirement living, and credits the professional team with making it a good choice during difficult times. “The staff are always ready for our needs,” she says. “I feel comfortable because they always seem knowledgeable about the rules and regulations with COVID. I know we all gripe and groan about all the rules, but I’m truly thankful for the safety we are provided.”
Dr. Joan Matula describes the move she and her husband, Dr. Martin Matula, made to Saint Joseph of the Pines, a Life Plan Community nestled in beautiful Southern Pines, North Carolina, as “life altering” – in a good way. She remembers that they actually moved up their plan to select their residence in the Belle Meade independent living community by two years. She says: “We were enticed by an apartment with the room we needed and a beautiful view. Then COVID hit. With the guidance of a supportive and helpful Marketing Team and the assistance of Caring Transitions moving company, we were able to move in on April 29, 2020.”
Just one week later, she recounts: “…Marty was able to have his re-scheduled elective back surgery, and after the initial recovery time, he realized the advantage of being able to join many other people with leg and/or back problems…in enjoying the well-maintained sidewalks around the putting green, croquet court, wellness park, and three beautiful ponds on his daily walk.” In addition, Dr. Matula shares: “…as restrictions were lifted, we have taken advantage of daily fitness classes and the excellent equipment in the fitness center managed by a fine and helpful trainer.”
The Matulas mention their appreciation for clear, comprehensive updates during the pandemic by phone, e-mail, and paper. They are grateful for meal delivery directly to their residence during the height of the pandemic this winter, and are even more excited about the ability to enjoy the Ascot Dining Room upon its reopening. They deem the maintenance team “exceptional,” and say that they have been extremely responsive to their individual needs as new residents despite the demands brought on by the pandemic. According to Dr. Matula: “We truly enjoy our living experience at Belle Meade. We can only imagine how much better it will be when we have the opportunity to socialize with the many friends we have made and will make in the future. We feel safe and cared for. Life is good!”
Like the Matulas, John Michalski knew a little bit about his future home before moving in, yet his expectations were exceeded. On February 8, 2021, he became a member of the St. Paul’s Life Plan Community in South Bend, Indiana. “I had visited St. Paul’s in the past for another family member and liked what I experienced during our visit. When my wife passed away, I remembered Michelle in the Sales Office and reached out to her about moving to St. Paul’s myself. It was time for me to be with others, have some oversight and security when needed, and the freedom to live life,” he explains. Any trepidations about transitioning to community living quickly vanished. John says: “I am impressed with the precautions to keep us safe and virus free! It was a great decision to move to St. Paul’s. I truly feel protected and cared for all through this COVID situation.”