The Benefits of Navigating Life in a Senior Living Community During COVID-19 | Senior Apartment SouthPark
January 18, 2022
It’s difficult to recount the many ways life has changed since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. For the more vulnerable populations, including adults 65 and older, keeping safe meant—and still means—taking extra precautions. The vaccine provided a sense of hope after many long months of uncertainty and heartbreak. According to the CDC, “people 65 and older who received both doses of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines showed a 94% reduced risk of COVID-19 related hospitalization.” So what has life been like for residents at The Barclay in the midst of a global pandemic? Keep reading for a glimpse into how our community of senior apartments in SouthPark has managed during COVID-19.
Keeping Safe
The health and safety of our residents is always paramount to us; throughout the pandemic, we’ve followed the safety precautions based on recommendations from the CDC, The CMS, and both state and local health departments. When leaving home, our community is encouraged to follow the 3Ws closely:
- Wearing a cloth mask over your nose and mouth.
- Waiting six feet apart and avoiding close contact.
- Washing your hands or using hand sanitizer often.
We also instituted a mandatory vaccine requirement for all employees of The Barclay with a deadline of November 1, 2021, allowing for medical or religious exemption. For a detailed timeline of our response to the virus, please visit our COVID-19 page for updates.
Staying Close
In such isolating times, communal living, such as our senior apartments in SouthPark—with safety precautions in place—has been an incredible blessing for our residents. We know how harmful life in isolation can be, especially for older adults. The National Institute on Aging reports, “research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death.” Our Life Enrichment Director does an exceptional job in putting together a calendar of events while also keeping everyone’s safety a priority. There are countless ways to spend time with friends and neighbors, from yoga to pickle ball, art classes, billiards, bridge, shopping days, and livestream events.
Looking Ahead
As we map out our 2022 community calendars, our goal is to provide our residents with an array of engaging activities. Being a part of you feeling your best in all areas of wellness—physical, social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, occupational/sense of purpose and environmental—as you thrive in retirement underlies every decision we make. The National Institute on Aging shares some positive news: “People who engage in meaningful, productive activities with others tend to live longer, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose.” We’re looking forward to the many blessings next year holds for each of you!
The Barclay at SouthPark is a remarkable new retirement community in North Carolina with unparalleled offerings, including elegant independent living apartment homes, high-end amenities, distinctive dining options, concierge services and an engaging lifestyle that emphasizes whole-person wellness. Request your free brochure online or contact us at 980-224-8540.