What’s new at Applewood?

Update: November 20, 2020: COVID-19 Precautionary Protocols

Thanksgiving

As a country, we are seeing increases in cases, hospitalizations and deaths because of Covid-19. New Jersey is currently trending at 11% and the number of Covid-19 patients admitted to CentraState Medical Center has more than doubled in the past week and continues to increase rapidly.

Covid-19 is turning out to be a formidable foe. Now more than ever, we cannot let our guard down.

There is simply no more important time than now for each and every one of us to re-double our efforts to watch our distance, wash our hands frequently and most importantly, wear a mask.   More and more, scientific data is showing that masks can provide protection to the wearer. Right now, all these steps combined are our best defense against the virus that causes Covid-19.

The virus that causes Covid-19 is easily transmitted, especially in group settings.  With Thanksgiving approaching, our hearts and minds turn to seeing family and friends as part of one of our nation’s great traditions and we all need to consider the safest way to celebrate the holiday. We all want to celebrate as we have always done.  But this year, amid this critical phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, the CDC is recommending against travel during the Thanksgiving holiday.  Also, in a memo issued on November 16th, The New Jersey Department of Health strongly recommends against residents leaving for holiday celebration events or gatherings.   Residents are asked to avoid in-person gatherings with individuals with whom they do not live.  I urge you to stay at Applewood. We want to do the right thing to protect you, all our residents, families, and staff, even when there are hard decisions to be made.  We all must do our best to protect ourselves and those around us.

Thanksgiving Dinner

The Dining Services Department has planned a bountiful Thanksgiving feast. The menu will be delivered to your residences.

Indoor Dining

We continue to delay the re-opening of the formal dining room as a precautionary measure for the safety of all residents and staff.

Outdoor Dining

Outdoor dining has been a wonderful success and is now closed for the season. The Café served over 800 residents. Angel’s Cafe will now be utilized for future outdoor visitation.

Annual Finance Presentation

Beginning on Monday, November 23rd, as I do every year, I will present an overview of Applewood’s 2020 financials and a look ahead to the 2021 budget.  Due to capacity limits, following is the schedule for the presentations:

Monday 11/23                   10am & 3pm

Tuesday, 11/24                  10am & 3pm

Wednesday, 11/25            10am

Starting this weekend, you will receive a phone call inviting you to attend one of the sessions.

Indoor Visitation

All visitors must go through the main lobby for required Covid screening.  No visitors may enter through the side entries.  There are no exceptions to this requirement.

Scheduled indoor visitation in resident apartments/cottages only continues.  Visitation is limited to 2 people per apartment/cottage, for 2 hours only, once a week, Monday through Friday 9am – 3pm. We have expanded apartment/cottage visits from eight to ten per day.  In addition, indoor visitation is available on Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 10am and 2pm.  Thanksgiving visitation has been expanded to 15 visits. Seven visits each weekend day will be accommodated.  Upon arrival, all visitors must complete Applewood’s screening process. You and your guests must visit in your apartment/cottage only.  The common areas are only open to Applewood residents. Masks are required to be worn at all times by both residents and visitors, including inside the apartments and cottages.  Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance. For details and to arrange a visit, please contact Resident Services.  Depending on demand there may be other limitations in the future.  We do understand that the first phase of the indoor visitation process is very restrictive; however, we are still in the middle of this horrible pandemic with no end in sight, which requires us to slowly open to visitors under strict monitoring processes. As you are aware New Jersey is starting to see an increase in cases and this is extremely alarming to say the least.  We will closely monitor the visitor process and if we have no substantial issues, we will slowly expand the program.  Outdoor visitation is also an available option.

Outdoor Visitation- Independent Living

Applewood continues to be open to outdoor visitation.  For the safety and wellbeing of all residents and staff, please observe the following guidelines:

  • At no time may visitors enter the building without an appointment or prior approval from Administration.
  • Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet

You and your guests are welcome to visit with each other in the following outdoor areas:

  • Patio adjacent to the outdoor amenities area next to the swimming pool
  • Two gazebo areas: between the West and South wings and at the center of the cottages
  • Angel’s Café – starting the week of November 16th
  • First floor residents may have visitors on their patios while maintaining at least 6 foot social distancing and wearing masks.

Phase 2 Community Openings

We continue to expand our Engaged Living programming.  The schedule for the week of November 8th 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 30 people per class
    • Classes will run Monday through Friday the week of November 29
    • 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
  • Rooms A&B will now hold the following classes
    • 1 exercise program per week
    • Poetry Club
    • Writing Authentically
    • Book Club
  • 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. Of course you are welcome to visit each other in your apartment and cottages.  Remember to wear your masks when visiting and to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet and limit the number of residents to 4 per visit.  Please refer to the schedule outside the Performing Arts Center for availability.

Movies

We have increased the Applewood movie schedule in the PAC. Please note the change in times.  Movies will be shown on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm and on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30pm and 6:30pm.  As with all scheduled events, you must sign up in advance with Wanda.

Fitness Center

The Fitness Center re-opened by reservation only.  Two residents will be permitted for each time slot.  Face masks must be worn at all times when in the Fitness Center.  Please contact Matt Machin for more details and to make a reservation.

Swimming Pool

The pool is now open by reservation only to residents who wish to swim and exercise. No visitors or family members are permitted to swim at this time.

The following safety protocols are in place:

Swimming Pool

The pool is now open by reservation only to residents who wish to swim and exercise. No visitors or family members are permitted to swim at this time.

The following safety protocols are in place:

  1. Reservations will be accepted for Monday – Friday. The pool will be closed on Saturday and Sunday.  A reservation list will be maintained, so all residents who are interested will have the opportunity to swim.
  2. Pool sessions have been expanded from two daily sessions to four each day:  9:00-9:300am, 10:30-11:00am, 3:00- 3:30pm and 3:45-4:15pm.
  3. Two residents will be permitted to swim per session.
  4. Residents’ temperatures will be taken prior to entering the pool.
  5. Swimmers must ensure that they maintain ample distance from each other at all times (minimum of 6 feet).
  6. Locker rooms will be closed.  Please wear your swimsuit and robe to the pool.   After the session, please dry off and return to your home to shower.
  7. Reservations must be made with Matt Machin.  Matt will supervise all sessions.

We know that this schedule is restrictive; however, your health and safety is our priority.  We will continue to monitor the swimming process and will slowly expand the program in the upcoming weeks.

Bicycles

Applewood has two tricycles and two bicycles available for your riding pleasure.  Helmets must be worn.  Contact the fitness center for further information.

Indoor facilities remain closed to residents including the Bistro, offices, card room and coffee lounge.

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.

Triple Play Provider/Structured Cabling

We are planning on beginning deployment of the Triple Play equipment in December for those who signed up.

Salon Services

The salon is open by appointment only.  There is a STRICT NO WALK-IN POLICY.

Mail Delivery

We are awaiting word from Congressman Smith’s office on the outcome of his discussion with the Freehold Postmaster regarding the normalization of mail delivery.  We will continue to deliver your mail to your apartments, but cannot guarantee daily mail delivery. Outgoing mail should be left outside your apartment door and Applewood staff will pick it up for you.

Resident Committee Meetings

Meetings have resumed on a limited capacity basis.  For further information, please contact Bob Geberth.

Marketing

Indoor marketing tours resumed as of August 24th.  The following protocols are being followed by the Marketing Department:  Tours are limited to a maximum of 3 people plus the marketing consultant; as with all visitors to Applewood, a screening questionnaire must be completed and temperatures taken prior to going to the Marketing Department;  there will be no interaction or tours with Applewood residents;  tours are limited to independent living  areas only;  tours are 2 hours in duration and are scheduled at 10am, 1pm and 3pm Monday through Saturday.

Open Door

Open Door continues to have a great need for donations, especially in these challenging times.  If you would like to make a donation, please contact wither Joan Cinque or Susan Gelbard.

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.

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 Indoor Dining
  • Musical Entertainment in the Performing Arts Center
  • Live Lectures in the Performing Arts Center
  • Triple Play Equipment

The next UPDATE will be distributed on November 25th.