What’s new at Applewood?

Update: June 13, 2020: Precautionary Protocols to Address COVID-19

applewood covid precautions

From Keith Grady, Executive Director

Phase 2 of the opening plan for Applewood’s Independent Living residents continues.  You are welcome to enjoy access to the Applewood community; however, please be mindful of the protocols as outlined below as well as the continued closure of some indoor amenities.  Enjoy the outdoors whether it be walking, playing games in the outdoor amenities, visiting with Applewood friends from a safe distance of 6 feet or enjoying the sunshine.

Remember:  you must wear a face mask every time you leave your apartment or cottage.  The recommended use of each face mask is 2-3 days.  New face masks will be delivered to you this weekend.  Masks MUST cover both your nose and your mouth to be effective.

We would like this program to be beneficial and enjoyable for all residents. Please adhere to the following guidelines:

  • THE NO VISITOR POLICY FOR VISITORS FROM OUTSIDE THE COMMUNITY IS STILL IN EFFECT FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING, ASSISTED LIVING, MEMORY CARE AND SKILLED NURSING.
  • Masks must be worn before exiting your apartment. Do not remove your mask until you return home.
  • Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet
  • Please do not crowd the elevators
  • Do not leave the property for this phase of the opening

COVID-19 Testing

We are developing protocols and processes for PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing of all Independent Living residents in the near future.  More information to follow.  We continue with mandated testing of Healthcare, Assisted Living and Memory Care residents and staff based on government guidelines.

Phase 2 Community Openings

We continue to expand our Engaged Living programming.  The schedule for the week of June 15th will be delivered to you.

STAFF MEMBERS WILL ENSURE A MINIMUM OF 6 FEET DISTANCING BETWEEN PARTICIPANTS DURING PROGRAMMING

  • Fitness Programs
    • These programs are limited to 20 people per class
    • Classes will run Monday through Friday the week of June 15th
    • Please call Matt at 732-414-3115 for additional information and to make a reservation. Or you may email Matt at mmachin@centrastate.com
    • Remember to wear a face mask to all programs
  • Library – opening for resident access
    • Limited to a maximum of 6 people at one time
    • Maintain social distancing of a least 6 feet when sitting at the table , couch or club chair
    • Remember to wear a face mask at all times in the library
  • Art Studio – opening for resident access
    • Limited to a maximum of 4 people at one time
    • Remember to wear a face mask at all times in the art studio
  • Craft Room – opening for resident access
    • Limited to a maximum of 4 people at one time
    • Remember to wear a face mask at all times in the Craft Room
  • Computer Room – opening for resident access
    • Limited to a maximum of 3 people at one time
    • Remember to wear a face mask at all times in the Computer Lab
  • Chapel – opening for resident access
    • Limited to a maximum of 6 people at one time
    • Remember to wear a face mask at all times in the chapel
  • Wood Shop – opening for resident access
    • Limited to 3 people at a time
    • Remember to wear a face mask at all times in the Wood Shop
  • Garden – Open for resident access
    • Maintain social distancing of six feet outdoors
    • Remember to wear a face mask at all times, even outdoors

For those who choose to stay indoors and visit with Applewood friends, the Performing Arts Center, when not in use for programming, Bistro lounge, and the outside patio adjacent to the recreation area will be open.  Chairs will be appropriately placed to maintain social distancing.   Please do not reposition the chairs.  Please refer to the schedule outside the Performing Arts Center for availability.

The outdoor amenities will be open for your enjoyment including the walking paths, putting green, shuffleboard, croquet, and bocce. Please remember to maintain social distancing when utilizing these amenities.

Indoor facilities remain closed to residents including the swimming pool, fitness center, Bistro, dining room, offices, card room, coffee lounge, and Wellness Center.

All meals, General Store items, newspapers, packages, groceries and mail will continue to be delivered to your apartments.

Remember to bring your apartment keys, FOB, and wear your emergency pendant.

Mail Delivery

As you know, mail delivery to your apartments continues as we are working to resolve an issue with the US Post Office concerning mail delivery directly to your mailboxes.

 Housekeeping

Housekeeping will complete the one- time thorough cleaning of your apartment or cottage the week of June 15th. A team of two to three housekeepers will clean and sanitize your apartments/cottages.  The team will wear appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment).  Please put on your face mask prior to opening the door for the cleaning team.  If you choose to leave your apartment while it is being cleaned, you may enjoy the outdoors or relax in the Performing Arts Center if not in use.  The pre-Covid housekeeping schedule will resume on June 22nd.

Structured Cabling

Beginning on Monday, June 15th, we will resume the structured cabling project in preparation for the Triple Play services Applewood will offer in the near future.  Work will proceed on the 1st and 2nd floors of the South Wing and then will move to the East Wing.  Look for the triple play survey in the near future as well.

We will be expanding services each week until we reach Applewood’s full “new normal”.

As we continue to open the community, I again remind everyone that the coronavirus is still a threat. We remain concerned about a possible outbreak of the virus in the community. It is up to every individual to protect themselves and our community. We must be vigilant in identifying any risks.    The Applewood COVID-19 management team developed a quick response emergency brake which includes contact tracing capabilities.  If necessary to deploy the emergency brake, we will immediately shutdown the community and appropriately assess the threat of a potential outbreak.  If you do not feel well or have any signs of an upper respiratory infection, cold, fever or flu or if you know anyone who does, please contact the Wellness Center.

Social distancing, handwashing and wearing masks helps protect us all.  We have maintained a stable environment but, we want everyone to be careful.

The next phase of our opening plan will be provided on Friday, June 19th.

Thank you for your patience, understanding and cooperation.  I look forward to continuing to seeing you all again as we transition to Applewood’s “new normal”.

COMING SOON OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS:

  • Opening of the Wellness Center with limited physician appointments
  • Modified Family visitations for Independent Living residents only
  • Opening of the Exercise Room and Fitness Center
  • Opening of the Swimming Pool
  • Salon Services
  • Transitions to Assisted Living and Memory Care