It has been a challenging year for almost everyone. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought anxiety, isolation, and grief, but it has also revealed countless acts of kindness, community, and a renewed focus on what matters most. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, residents from continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs or life plan communities) across the country shared what they are grateful for. Their words are warm, sincere, and uplifting.
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“At this time of thanksgiving, we are very pleased that we have come to Searstone. This community is open, friendly, and as safe a place as we can be during the pandemic. We appreciate Dr. Ron Wilder’s honest and thorough weekly updates on COVID, which have helped us and our family stay informed and protected. We are grateful to the researchers and clinicians who have worked so quickly on vaccines, giving hope for a better year ahead. And we are especially thankful for our extended family, including Betty’s mother, who celebrates her 101st birthday the day before Thanksgiving.”
— Jerry and Betty
Searstone Retirement Community, Cary, North Carolina
“Living through this pandemic reminds us we made the right choice joining Crosslands. We have felt supported and protected beyond expectation. Crosslands leadership has responded with expertise and transparency. Although the dining center is closed, delicious meals are delivered to our doors each day. The health center is available by phone and telemedicine, prescriptions are delivered, and staff support continues. Even while physically distanced, we stay connected through administrative, educational, and social Zoom opportunities. We appreciate how Crosslands protects staff while staff continue to serve residents. Surrounded by beauty, we walk campus trails wearing masks and waving to friends from a distance. We look forward to the new normal, but until then we enjoy a peaceful, protected, and connected life in a community we happily call home.”
— Carolyn and Larry
Kendal-Crosslands Communities, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
“I am grateful for a community that can work together for our common welfare in a world that is so divisive and self-interested.” — Elizabeth
“We are so grateful for all of the love and support we’ve received from staff and residents. ‘Thank you’ doesn’t begin to cover it.” — Lynn and Dan
“We are grateful to be safe, alive, well, well-fed, and well taken care of!” — Robert and Ted
— Quotes from residents of Kendal at Oberlin, Oberlin, Ohio
“In this time of turmoil, I’m most grateful to be living at Heron’s Key. We have food delivery from our restaurant, personal shoppers, transportation when needed, and, most importantly, a COVID-free environment. We are a community that prioritizes safety and cares for one another.”
— Linnea
Heron’s Key, Gig Harbor, Washington
“Having just moved into independent living in August, my husband and I are thankful for many new blessings this year: new friends, a comfortable home, varied activities, and a staff that works tirelessly to keep us safe, well-fed, and healthy. We’re thankful every day to be part of this community.”
— Jean
Concordia Life Plan Community, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
“We are thankful for the hard-working, dedicated staff who go out of their way to meet our needs and keep us safe from COVID exposure.” — Bob and Kathleen
“I’m grateful to reside at Cypress Glen, a full-service retirement community. As I approach my seventh year here, I’m thankful for friends, attentive staff, quality care, and the sense of security this community provides during the pandemic.” — Keith
“Thanksgiving 2020 is different. I miss my family, but Cypress Glen’s staff has adapted to provide for our needs during this pandemic. Problems are solved promptly; chapel, activities, music, exercise classes, and meetings are available on in-house TV; small groups and socially distanced walks continue; amenities like the pool, salon, and gym operate with precautions; meals are delivered by smiling staff; shopping is done for me; the clinic provides therapy, lab, and x-ray services; and medical trips are available when needed. I’ve learned to Zoom with family. I am content. I GIVE THANKS!” — Doris
“We are grateful to the people who deliver our meals with smiling faces, and to management for working so hard to keep us safe. There’s a deep satisfaction in knowing people truly care.” — Len and Sharon
“Throughout this pandemic, I’m most grateful to live in a community that makes residents’ safety its daily priority. Staff have accepted and performed tasks far beyond their usual roles, delivering demanding and complicated services with dedication. Every day I receive acts of kindness from people who put my well-being first. For all of this, I am deeply grateful.” — Barbara
— Quotes from residents of Cypress Glen Retirement Community, Greenville, North Carolina
“I could have been isolated at my former house, shopping and cooking for myself and seeing no one. Instead, three years after moving here, I pass friends at a distance in hallways, have services and meals provided, and enjoy views of Buffalo’s beautiful buildings from my sixth-floor window. Each night I watch improved programming—performances, Zoom discussions, and new serials—making it easy to escape into other worlds from within my restricted environment.”
— Judith
Canterbury Woods Gates Circle, Buffalo, New York
“I’m so thankful I moved to Capital Manor just before the COVID-19 shutdown. I’m grateful I could bring my little 8-pound dog and for the friendly, caring staff and neighbors. I appreciate my new lifestyle that provides help when needed, daily meals, and added security. I am thankful.”
— Gerry
Capital Manor, Salem, Oregon
“Everyone is pitching in to help—Life Enrichment staff shop for residents, dining servers deliver packages, restaurant chefs prepare takeout and delivery, and the CEO has been at the gate taking temperatures. Life looks different, but Beatitudes Campus helps us make the most of it.” — Robert and Cynthia
“I didn’t want my family worrying about what to do if something happened. That concern feels especially relevant now. I feel humbled by the care I’ve received during the pandemic. Where others take risks, we’re cocooned in comfort and safety.” — Anita
“There’s nowhere we’d rather be than here, especially during COVID-19. We feel safer and more secure at Beatitudes. The staff has worked tirelessly to keep life engaging as we stay home to stay safe.” — Dan and Marge
— Quotes from residents of Beatitudes Campus, Phoenix, Arizona
“First and foremost, I’m grateful that my path led me to Concordia. I appreciate the people who helped with my move and the professionals who guided me through the relocation process. I’m glad to be in a community during the pandemic instead of alone in a house. I’m thankful for Concordia’s management and their focus on residents’ health. The services provided by staff, particularly food service, have been excellent.”
— Bill
Concordia Life Plan Community, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Abundant gratitude
I remain inspired by the strength, courage, and resilience shown by so many. Thanksgiving may look different this year, with smaller gatherings or virtual dinners, but these reflections from CCRC residents across the nation remind us of the abundant reasons to be thankful. Whether you celebrate in person or online, I wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Thanksgiving.