Community members staying safe and healthy while enjoying active lifestyle
During life's challenges, residents at Greenspring, a continuing care retirement community developed and managed by Erickson Living, find comfort in knowing they are part of a supportive and caring community. In recent months, as residents and staff have worked together to effectively respond to the coronavirus pandemic, that sense of community has become even more important.
"Based on the exceptional work of Greenspring's dedicated team of professionals, along with the support of residents, we have managed the challenges of COVID-19 very well," says Greenspring Executive Director Chandra Kumar. "For those looking for a safe environment to live and a community where essential services like security and medical care are right at your fingertips, there is no better time to call Greenspring home."
Connie Bubon, who lives Greenspring, agrees.
"The Greenspring staff is working so hard to keep us all safe while following medical guidelines," says Bubon. "I appreciate the efforts and all that it takes to find the best ways to meet all of our needs."
As a result of the community's support, people who live at Greenspring happily share their experiences with family and friends. In turn, the sales team has seen a significant increase in requests for information, reservations, and new moves.
"As our community members connect with friends, they share just how comfortable life is at Greenspring and the many efforts taken on their behalf to keep the community engaged and happy," says Greenspring Director of Sales David Taylor. "The shelter-at-home directive was by no means the easiest of times, but together we worked to make the best out of a tough situation."
Above and beyond
Throughout the community's response to COVID-19, every effort has been made to protect the health and well-being of all those who live and work on campus. Trained team members carefully screen all visitors at the community's secure gated entrance and thoroughly sanitize clubhouses, amenities, and other high-touch areas. Residents, employees, and visitors continue to wear masks and practice social distancing. All of these important considerations are clearly communicated to residents with flyers, phone calls, and updates on Greenspring's in-house TV channel, GSV-TV.
For staff at Greenspring, the goal is help community members continue to thrive in the new normal. Every effort is made to celebrate community spirit and provide opportunities for engagement that would not otherwise be available to the residents if they still lived in their former houses. Special holidays such as Mother's Day and the Fourth of July were recognized with new social-distancing celebrations, including parades, signs around campus, and hand-delivered gifts.
"The staff, community resources, housekeeping, resident services, security, GSV-TV, and so many others continue to go above and beyond to ensure the good health of our community," says community member Ginny Oehler. "Every gesture, directive, and proactive step taken has not gone unnoticed. I am very grateful."
Each Greenspring department works carefully to provide information and, in many cases, entertainment options to community members. The pastoral ministries department sends daily email devotionals to Village Church (Greenspring's nondenominational church), while resident life staff helps create programming for GSV-TV, including a line dance class led by community member John Carle, a Great Decisions lecture, a sing-along with staff member Amy Hewes, concerts from the Kennedy Center, museum tours, and cooking demonstrations from Greenspring chefs and residents.
"Management has done a super job of transparency and keeping us informed," says Carolyn Nagler. "There aren't enough words to thank the staff for their extraordinary efforts to keep us fed and safe."
Staying healthy
While the staff ensure that Greenspring community members remain engaged and connected during COVID-19, the on-site medical center, staffed by full-time physicians and other medical experts, provides a level of expertise in senior health that is invaluable to the community's COVID-19 response.
"I was able to complete my six-month wellness check with my medical center doctor using the Facetime app," says community member Roy O'Connor. "It worked well. I am in good health, so it fit the bill."
"Greenspring's on-site physicians review all federal, state, and local guidelines to make sure the community doesn't just meet their requirements, but often exceeds them," says Kumar. "So even now, when life has to operate a little differently, we're finding new ways to keep resident and staff well cared for and connected."
'Housing market remains strong'
As a result of the positive experiences Greenspring's community members enjoy during COVID-19, the sales team is witnessing a sharp increase in demand.
"Fortunately, despite COVID-19, the Washington, D.C., area housing market remains strong," says Taylor. "As a result, we continue to safely move new residents into their new homes at Greenspring."
Kay and Jim Burrier moved to Greenspring just weeks before the COVID-19 shelter-at-home directive.
"We are happy to be here where the management team is very cautious and taking care of all residents," says Kay. "We enjoy not having all the responsibilities of home ownership. We have a lovely two-bedroom apartment home with balcony that we really enjoy. We are glad we picked Greenspring as our retirement option."
Since June, the Greenspring sales team has been scheduling on-campus visits as the result of a secure screening program and conducting home visits depending on the comfort level of each individual. For those who prefer, the team utilizes the video conferencing app Zoom to tour a prospective resident's current house to make suggestions and help prepare them to sell their house.
As the end of 2020 draws near, Taylor believes that the life enjoyed by Greenspring residents during COVID-19 will continue to draw a record number of new residents to the community.
"Greenspring management is exceptionally dedicated to seeing that we are kept informed, well cared for, and safe," says community member Gray Parks. "I appreciate all their efforts."
To learn more about vibrant and engaged senior living at Greenspring, request a brochure or tour today.