WILLOW VALLEY COMMUNITIES RESIDENTS: LIFE LIVED FORWARD WITH WELL-BEING AND SECURITY

Jean and Coleman Harris

As the COVID-19 pandemic moved on throughout 2020, Residents and their families looked to Willow Valley Communities with confidence for support and guidance. Many Residents found comfort living at one of the largest senior living communities in the nation with a tradition of excellence and expertise spanning more than 35 years.

In response to the pandemic, Willow Valley Communities’ 1,400 dedicated Team Members pivoted processes quickly and creatively to ensure that Residents continued to receive the same concierge-type services they are used to — all while remaining safe. Programs were brought online or held in new, socially distant ways to keep Residents engaged, connected, and yes, happy. Residents have remained free to make their own decisions so they can live their lives based on the expert leadership provided by Willow Valley Communities.

Here is what just a few of them had to say about Life Lived Forward in this most unusual time.

Jean and Coleman Harris: Strategic Decisions

The Harrises moved from Northern Virginia in 2012 and said they have felt "blessed" every day at Willow Valley Communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Willow Valley Communities’ leadership team made strategic decisions that took quick action to protect Residents and their Team Members from the virus,” Coleman said. The Harrises said they appreciate the transparency and immediacy with which Willow Valley Communities communicates both in writing and through their weekly COVID-19 Update broadcast.

The couple also noted they feel more comfortable living in a community rather than alone in their single-family home, where they had to worry about house maintenance, meal preparation, shopping, and more. The Harrises are impressed with the expertise of Willow Valley Communities’ Infection Prevention Manager, Pamela Kinsey, who works full-time on processes to help mitigate the virus. They have learned a lot from Pam as she continually updates Residents on the ever-changing COVID-19 science and numbers in the county, state, and nation.

Coleman and Jean also stressed that though the above points are important, nothing is more significant than knowing that the total focus of all Team Members is on the Residents of Willow Valley Communities. “The key,” they said, “is their work ethic, dedication, education, skills, motivation, and the difference they make day in and day out twenty-four hours a day.”

Betty Price: Approaching Vibrancy Differently

Betty moved to Willow Valley Communities from outside of Washington, DC in 2018, retiring from a 26-year career with the US Air Force. She said COVID threw a monkey wrench into her normally busy life at Willow Valley Communities, but she has adjusted. “We can’t get together the way we are used to,” Betty explained, “but I have been so pleased with how Willow Valley Communities has been able to continue that same engagement and vibrancy to the fullest extent possible.”

Betty said she continues to be challenged mentally, spiritually, and emotionally — albeit virtually — by all Willow Valley Communities departments. She highlights the online fitness classes in particular. “I really enjoy those,” she said, “especially the daily live fitness classes on Facebook. We are not losing the energy... We are just approaching it differently." Betty continued, “I so treasure how Willow Valley Communities is balancing vibrancy with keeping us safe. Willow Valley Communities is doing a tremendous job in helping us make the right decisions in the healthiest ways possible.”

Donald and Vivian Doolittle: Expert Guidance

The Doolittles, originally from Bergen County, New Jersey, moved to Willow Valley Communities from Charleston, South Carolina in 2018. They were first attracted to Willow Valley Communities by the financial peace of mind of Lifecare, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Doolittles said they have appreciated the expert guidance they are receiving. Weekly COVID-19 updates broadcast through inhouse television and daily updates guide them to make their own informed choices.

Donald and Vivian Doolittle

Brian and Dottie Giersch

Betty Price, Resident

The Doolittles enjoy Willow Valley Communities’ meal and grocery delivery services, and special dinner takeout from Willow Valley Communities’ gourmet restaurant, Local Table. Donald continues to practice his skills at the golf simulator at The Clubhouse, and they both savor long drives throughout Lancaster County. A benefit the Doolittles have discovered is supporting local Lancaster businesses, as they have had the opportunity to try many new restaurants by ordering takeout. “There are so many that have been on our bucket list to try. Now is the time to do it,” they agreed.

The extended Doolittle family has enjoyed many visits to Willow Valley Communities and to the greater Lancaster County area. For now, those visits have paused, but the family takes comfort in knowing that their parents are secure. “Our children know we are not on our own,” said Vivian.

Steuart and Brenda McCleaf: Staying Ahead of the Curve

Steuart and Brenda McCleaf

The McCleafs relocated from Cherry Hill, New Jersey to Willow Valley Communities in 2017. Because they devoted a number of years to caring for older family members, moving to a senior living community made sense. “Not relying on others is important to us,” said Brenda. Both McCleafs agreed that Willow Valley Communities is doing an excellent job managing the pandemic, staying ahead of the curve with their decision-making process. They noted that Willow Valley Communities has not only adhered to, but many times surpassed recommendations put forth by the Centers for Disease Control. “We appreciate Willow Valley Communities’ efforts to make us feel comfortable and protected during these unprecedented times,” they said. The McCleafs are typically active at Willow Valley Communities volunteering with the Community Outreach and Sneakers for School programs, and Brenda volunteers for dementia and personal care Residents and the Scholarship Program for Team Members. Steuart enjoys a social membership at a nearby golf club, and Brenda is a member of the Willow Valley Communities Ladies Luncheon Committee. “We’re looking forward to getting back to all those activities,” exclaimed Brenda. “If someone needs a volunteer, we’re ready.”

Brian and Dottie Giersch: The Best Place They Can Be

Brian and Dottie Giersch, originally from Maryland, and retired to North Carolina, moved to Willow Valley Communities in 2018. They noted that COVID-19 has been di cult for everyone across the country — but agreed that Willow Valley Communities has been “amazing with maintaining an environment that protects us all.” Their daughter, a professional in the healthcare industry, told them that she thought they are in the best place they can be, a rming their decision to make Willow Valley Communities their home.

Dottie listed all of the activities Willow Valley Communities has arranged online and through the in-house television broadcast “keeping us happy and healthy.” Fitness classes all day long, as well as Facebook Live fitness classes, keep the Giersches moving. Education classes every day keep them learning, and the nightly movies keep the couple entertained.

Dottie also remarked on the number of new people she’s met just by her increased walks along the campus’s trails. “Willow Valley Communities has done a tremendous job in keeping us actively engaged mentally, as well as keeping us physically healthy with exercise and healthy meals,” she said.