When I read of the many infections and deaths in seniors’ residences across Canada, I consider myself most fortunate to have retired to Oceana PARC in White Rock, British Columbia. The tragic loss of life in other residences must inform public and government actions, based on facts and reasonable discussion. Making decisions in the midst of high emotion is never a good tactic. The good news stories such we have at Oceana PARC can contribute positively to that broader discussion.
We are one of five PARC Retirement Living residences on Canada’s West Coast to date and have had zero transmissions of COVID-19 despite our advanced years.
Our amazing staff, all wearing face masks, look after us well while we practice social distancing – six feet apart. We are served three chef-prepared meals a day in spacious dining halls, choosing company to sit two at each large and suitably distanced table. We travel to and from our rooms via three speedy elevators, taking a maximum of two per ride.
Daily exercise classes and other activities have been increased so that participating numbers remain within safe boundaries. We are happy and well looked after at the community.
Staff are cheerful and know each of us by name although we now number somewhere in the vicinity of 100. They are paid a Living wage thus work only at a single facility.
We miss visits from children, grandchildren and old friends. However, we are a happy bunch and well-blessed to be living in such a vibrant and safely-run community.
I was overseas when the shutdown began in earnest. Luckily, I was able to secure a return flight a week early and return to Summerhill PARC. On my arrival I was escorted to my suite and asked to remain there for the next fourteen days. A sign was hung on my door and each day my meals were delivered and left outside for me to collect so my isolation was no hardship. PARC clearly understood that its residents are the most vulnerable, and acted quickly with the necessary measures. Sanitization, social distancing, reduction of programs, lack of visitors, etc. we all fully understood the need for such measures. As each phase of the shutdown was implemented it was done so in such a manner that it had a minimum impact on all residents. Perhaps more importantly was the training and involvement of the staff who have overcome difficult circumstances to look after and care for their residents, we all owe them a massive bear hug when this is all over.
I have lived at Cedar Springs for 2 years and have thoroughly enjoyed it.
Since March this year things have changed a great deal win the onset of Covid-19. I think everyone was apprehensive of what would happen and what changes would occur.
Luckily for us we have a wonderful staff that do all they can to keep us safe and happy. Our building is kept immaculately clean and my family are so pleased that that I’m in such an outstanding facility.
Our meals are very nutritious and are beautifully presented.
I’m so pleased that we are able to go out for walks which I do for about 45 minutes daily. I do miss exercises in the gym but considering what other people are going through – this is a minor problem!
I enjoy conversing with other residents even if we have to be 6 feet apart.
In closing I want to give special thanks to the staff: Earl, Lisa, Jessie, Cathy, Sean, Conrad and Josef: plus the kitchen staff, food servers, cleaning staff and all the great people at the front desk.
Thank-you all for keeping us safe!!!
There is an old saying that “misery loves company.” I can say that here at the Westerleigh the misery of the current shutdown has been lessened by the concerted efforts of the staff to meet our physical and emotional needs. The misery has been shared and I feel protected and safe. My condo would have been very isolating and not healthy. I use the dining room, exercise room and the theatre knowing that every possible step has been taken to keep me safe and healthy. I feel very fortunate to be here.
