What’s the safest place for a senior during the COVID-19 pandemic?
At home? In care? Where can you feel safe, but also free?
Some people believe it’s in their own home, but without the proper supports Aging in Place can be isolating. You may end up feeling more cooped up, not more free.
Long-term care homes seemed like a safe choice too, but after months of heartbreaking stories they seem a lot less safe.
There’s another option. A place where you’re free to engage with your neighbours or relax in your private home. Where dinner is served on your schedule, at your choice of venue. Where you can feel independent, connected and safe, even in a global pandemic.
“I believe I’ve been in one of the safest places I could be with the pandemic raging. We are so looked after and protected by the staff, who guided us through the change with cheerful and loving ways,” says Berwick resident Marlene.
Lesley Sikorski, Director of Sales and Marketing for Berwick Retirement Communities, says the last nine months have been full of challenges, but regular disinfecting, housekeeping, cleaning and screening are keeping the community safe. And seniors who’ve made the decision to move into a Berwick residence have never looked back.
“I feel very safe in Berwick. There’s no need for grocery shopping, and always someone to socialize with. No dealing with contractors, tradesmen, or the house,” says Hazel, also a Berwick resident. “On your own, you’re very vulnerable! I wish I had moved in sooner.”
Connected, engaged, safe
“The sky is not a limit at Berwick and we look for opportunities to empower our older adults to achieve their goals, despite being in the middle of a pandemic,” Sikorski says. “One thing is for sure, COVID has not stopped us from continually embracing life and independence.”
Every Berwick community is different, but there’s always plenty of activities to promote all aspects of health and wellness. These are a few of the activities residents at Berwick House and Berwick Royal Oak have enjoyed this fall:
- Shutterbug Scavenger Hunt: Members of the Shutterbug photography club had fun scouring the building for inspiration in a scavenger hunt.
- All aboard the SS Berwick: Residents at Berwick House are cruising the Far East with meals and activities inspired by each port of call. First stop in November is Japan, with a sushi lesson, a documentary screening and a live Zoom presentation on kimonos and Japanese culture.
- Mask-erade: Most theatres are closed, but residents of Berwick Royal Oak were still treated to a performance from the Canadian College of Performing Arts, who dazzled residents with the spectacular ‘Mask-erade: A Murder Mystery.’
Berwick House and Berwick Royal Oak are retirement communities that provide meals, housekeeping and engaging programs for Independent Living and Enhanced Living Services. At Berwick House contact Linda Lord for more information at 250-853-5492 or berwickhouse@berwickrc.com. At Berwick Royal Oak reach out to Kathy McAree at 250-419-4012 or berwickroyaloak@berwickrc.com. And don’t forget to follow Berwick House and Berwick Royal Oak on Instagram!
