For the past year, Maris Grove, an Erickson Living-managed senior community in Glen Mills, Pa., has done an outstanding job of keeping residents safe, active, and engaged. Thanks to early intervention, a comprehensive plan, and incomparable teamwork, the community has successfully reopened many amenities on campus for residents’ enjoyment.
Outdoor activities opened first. The tennis club, which has exclusive use of the Garnet Valley High School courts twice a week, resumed in April 2020. According to Dick Kendall, the club’s captain, “As soon as the school reopened the courts, we started playing.” The club plays year round, donning coats, hats, and gloves during the winter months.
“We love the game and invite players at all levels to join us,” says Dick. “It’s a safe, fun way to stay active and socialize while keeping the necessary distance.”
Indoor spaces required a bit more planning. Executive Director Maureen Heckler explains, “I think ‘partnership’ is the operative word to describe our approach. We took direction from the governor’s office, county authorities, and the health department. We worked closely with our partners at Erickson Living, especially Dr. Matt Narrett, our chief medical officer. His guidance was invaluable.”
Heckler continues, “Based on those recommendations, we phased in outdoor activities, which we knew were safer. Then we carefully evaluated each indoor venue before taking any action. We want life to feel normal, but with the necessary modifications in place.”
Staying active
Residents are enjoying walking the nature trails and walking paths on the picturesque 87-acre campus. Enabling community members to stay fit and active is always a priority at Maris Grove, and Fitness Center Manager John O’Donnell was eager to welcome back exercisers when the state of Pennsylvania gave the go ahead. The aquatic center and gym are open with safety measures in place.
“We permit a limited number of people with staff present at all times,” he explains. “Sessions are 45 minutes, which allows us to deep clean everything before the next group arrives. We call ourselves ‘The Scrubbing Bubbles,’ because we sanitize every surface. We offer almost everything we did pre-COVID, including classes and personal training, on a smaller scale.”
Everyone will be required to wear masks while working out, and reservations for fitness classes and the pool will be required.
Artists in residence
Resident artisans were delighted to resume projects in the creative arts studio and the woodshop.
Alva Holcombe, a painter and glass artist, says, “They did an excellent job of keeping things moving within safety guidelines. Fortunately, the studio has enough space that we could distance and wear masks,” she explains.
“Everyone works individually, we limit our capacity, and it has worked beautifully.”
Avid woodworker Bill Queale Jr. agrees. “We conferred with Maureen to determine how many members could safely use the workshop at one time and decided that five is the magic number. There’s a sign in-out sheet in the shop, allowing us to track capacity. It’s a huge space, and we wear masks. It’s great to be back in the shop again.”
Based on the progress to date, Heckler remains optimistic. “Life on campus is remarkable,” she enthuses. “You see people out and about, doing things safely. And in places where attendance has to be limited, we’ve found creative workarounds through Zoom and Maris Grove TV.
“The residents are showing by their actions that they are committed to keeping each other safe while staying connected, staying positive, and staying active. It’s really a joy to see. We will get through this together.”
In 2020, Maris Grove settled 69 apartments, welcoming 130 new neighbors to the community.
To learn more about Maris Grove’s vibrant lifestyle, visit MarisGroveCommunity.com.
About Maris Grove: Maris Grove, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 87-acre campus in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. The not-for-profit community of more than 1,900 residents and 750 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, Inc., who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Additional information about Maris Grove can be found at MarisGroveCommunity.com.
Written by Dorrie Anshel
