Onward & Upward Silver Linings of a Stormy Year
Wellness – Inside and Out Staff at the Baird Wellness Center in Elizabethtown will continue to offer personal training via Zoom and add Zoom options to all their wellness coaching, workshops, classes and support groups. The Barley Wellness Center in Sewickley will also keep providing virtual classes to give residents more options. In Lafayette Hill, staff hope to continue one-onone visits in resident apartments for those who may have interest.
Nancy and William Pearson celebrate at a Fourth of July picnic in Elizabethtown.
Reflecting on nearly a year and a half of restrictions and changes, everyday life is slowly returning to normal across Masonic Villages’ campuses. The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges, which led residents and staff to alter the way we gather, communicate, work, eat, shop and even leave our homes. As we make daily decisions on what restrictions to loosen, Masonic Villages’ staff also reflect on silver linings which have emerged since last March. Dining and Food Services Eating without the company of friends and family became the norm last year, which was especially isolating for those who live alone. Masonic Villages’ restaurants have gone through different occupancy levels over the last 18 months, but as of late July, are all fully open.
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Summer 2021 Issue
Meal delivery will continue to be available for retirement living residents, and deliveries continue to be popular even with restrictions lifted. Groceries may still be delivered in Elizabethtown, with options through the gift shop in Lafayette Hill and home care services in Sewickley. “Residents like to experience dining at least once a day, see their friends and be social, so we anticipate those who are able will transition back to inperson dining,” Greg Thomas, director of food services, Elizabethtown, said. In Dallas, more residents participated in the meal plans during the pandemic because of convenience and continue to take advantage of them even with restrictions lifted. There are also grab-and-go options now available in the Walther Apartments.
“I’m encouraged by staff’s flexibility during a pandemic to endure new tasks and still deliver an outstanding product for our residents,” Mark Cerneskie, wellness manager, Sewickley, said. The experience has also inspired Baird Wellness Center staff to develop more outdoor programming, such as corn hole, kickball and biking and walking groups. “I am hoping this experience will lead more people to focus on being well,” Stacy Schroder, director of wellness and prevention, Elizabethtown, said. “We have emphasized ways to boost immunity and how to practice stress reduction over this past year, and we also remain focused on mental health.” “When you aren’t able to ‘physically’ do something, you are forced to look at other aspects of wellness – the foods you are eating, how you are taking care of your mind, your friendships
