What’s new at Applewood?

Update: October 23, 2020: COVID-19 Precautionary Protocols

As the community is opening and more people are out, including additional visitors in the community, we must be extremely vigilant.  Please ensure masks are worn at all times.

Speed Limit Reminder

Many residents, visitors and staff enjoy walking around the community especially as we are experiencing beautiful Fall weather. Please remember when you are driving that the community speed limit is 15 miles per hour.

Outdoor Dining

Outdoor dining has been a wonderful success. We will continue this dining experience as long as the weather permits. Angel’s Outdoor Café will be open to residents only from Monday –Friday from 11:30am-2:00pm by reservation only. Every Independent Living resident has had the opportunity to dine outdoors.  The Café’ has served over 700 residents.  The reservation process is ongoing as Dining Services continues to call residents to make lunch reservations.  The value of your meal will be deducted from your meal plan.

Indoor Dining

We are currently finalizing plans for reopening indoor dining and there are multiple requirements (in addition to seating capacity) that need to be implemented in order to meet protocols and regulations as outlined by the Governor’s Office and the Department of Health.  These include, among other items, increased HVAC (ventilation) capacity, installation of additional HEPA filter ventilation, and proper distancing between tables.  We are in the process of ensuring that all of these requirements are met and in some cases exceeded to ensure the utmost safety for our residents and staff.  Of course, all plans and protocols for the re-opening of indoor dining are contingent upon Covid-19 status. Further updates will be communicated to all residents as details of our plan are finalized.

Indoor Visitation

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.  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. A tent has been erected on the front lawn on the east side of the property.  You and your guests may enjoy your visits comfortably while being protected from the environment.  The tent has a rubberized floor to ease navigation.  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.
  • All visitors and residents must wear masks even in the tent
  • Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet
  • Please utilize one of the following areas on Applewood’s grounds where you may comfortably entertain and socialize with your visitors
  • 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
  • First floor residents may have visitors on their patios while maintaining at least 6 foot social distancing and wearing masks.
  • We will be expanding outdoor locations in the next few weeks including additional outdoor furniture.

Phase 2 Community Openings

We continue to expand our Engaged Living programming.  The schedule for the week of October 25th  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 35 people per class
    • Classes will run Monday through Friday the week of Sunday, October 25th
    • 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. Movies will be shown on Wednesday evenings at 6:00pm and on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30pm and 6:00pm.  As with all scheduled events, you must sign up in advance with Wanda:  732-414-3103.

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.  (732)414-3115.

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 (732) 414-3115, mmachin@centrastate.com.  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.

The outdoor amenities are 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 fitness center, Bistro, dining room, 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

As we continue with the implementation of Applewood’s Triple Play service, we continue to receive many questions regarding the services offered.  We want to ensure we have answers to all your questions to enable you to make the appropriate choices.  We have begun to make individual telephone calls in order to assist those who have not completed theirs. We will be alerting you in the near future with the scheduled deployment of the Triple Play equipment.

Salon Services

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

Mail Delivery

Congressman Chris Smith’s office reached out to us today regarding the partial mail delivery service Applewood is receiving.  He will speak with the Postmaster General in Freehold and has promised to update us.  We will provide you with an update as soon as we hear from the Congressman.  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.

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

The next UPDATE will be distributed on October 30th.