No Better Place to Be than Devonshire at PGA National

September 2, 2020

Devonshire residents kept safe and healthy amidst COVID-19 concerns

"Based on the exceptional work of Devonshire's dedicated team of professionals, along with the support of residents, we have managed the challenges of COVID-19 very well," says Devonshire executive director Jim Wingardner. "For those looking for a safe environment to live and a community where essential services like security and medical care are right at your fingertips, there is no better time to call Devonshire home."

Community member Ron Leventhal agrees.    

"I decided to move to Devonshire in late February, earlier than I originally planned, because of the virus," he says. "I wanted to make sure I was living here before anything shut down. Over the last two years I visited the campus regularly participating in a bridge group and spending time with friends. I knew this was where I wanted to be."

Above and beyond

Throughout the community's COVID-19 response, every effort has been made to keep residents and staff safe. Trained team members carefully screen all visitors at the community's secure entrance and thoroughly disinfect clubhouses, amenities, and other high-touch areas. Residents, employees, and visitors continue to wear masks and social distance.

For staff at Devonshire, an Erickson Senior Living managed community at PGA National, the goal is to not just help community members thrive during this time period. As a result, every effort is made to celebrate community spirit and provide entertainment options that would not otherwise be available to the residents if they still lived in their former houses.

"We are grateful for all the efforts and ingenuity and thankful to all who were a part of these special events," says community member Judy Ruback.

Each Devonshire department works carefully to provide information and, in many cases, entertainment options to community members. The resident life team creatively looks for ways to reach out to residents including virtual coffee hours and online exercise classes and musical concerts.

"The outpouring of love from staff to our residents is heartwarming," says Resident Services Manager Marty Bores. "While many staff members work outside their typical roles to best meet the needs of our community, they do so with a generosity and love that is unmatched."

Extending a helpful hand

As a result of the positive experiences Devonshire community members enjoy during COVID-19, the sales team is witnessing a sharp increase in demand.

In early June Norma and Joe Ciccone moved to the community from nearby Admiral's Cove. 

"I can't say enough about the help we received from the Devonshire team prior to our move," says Norma. "Selling our house, planning for the move, packing, and unpacking—it all went off without a hitch. We didn't know what to expect because of COVID-19, but it was not stressful at all."

Prior to the couple's move, Devonshire Personal Moving Consultant Donna Schneider visited their home. Working with preferred vendor Senior Transition Solutions, they took inventory of what the Ciccones wished to give away and what they wished to move with them to their new home.

"They were wonderful," says June. "As a result of these efforts our move went very smoothly. Devonshire was very accommodating to our needs, even allowing us to stay in a guest apartment while our movers and senior solution company moved us in. We didn't even see a moving truck. Everything was placed like it had been in our previous home. As a result, we were able to settle in right away. We walked in, sat down, and enjoyed a glass of wine. It was a comfortable, nonstressful experience. I highly recommend it."

With COVID dining precautions still in place, the couple enjoy receiving their daily meal delivery.

"The food is excellent," says Norma. "We couldn't ask for better; it's a real treat. The variety is extensive and the food is delicious. It's like being on a vacation. I've never experienced anything so wonderful."

With the carefully planned reopening of some of Devonshire's popular activities, Norma and Joe are expanding their horizons.

"We now visit the fitness center three times a week by making advanced reservations and abiding by precautions," says Norma. "We consider ourselves very lucky to live here at Devonshire. Moving during COVID-19 was not an issue for us thanks to the wonderful help we received. Joe and I are very happy here."

To explore a safe and engaged senior lifestyle at Devonshire, request more information today. 

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