Finding Family and Community at The Oaks at Denville

While sheltering in place has been a burden for most people — dealing with the disruption of lives with the added stress of working from home surrounded by family members or in isolation — it can be especially challenging for seniors. For many, staying close to home in response to the pandemic was essential for limiting exposure to the virus, which can pose life threatening consequences. With no end in sight, they’ve been forced to rely on others to shop for essential items or worse, go out and get it for themselves, all while caring for a home.

But for seniors who have chosen to call a continuing care retirement community home, the staff continues to ensure they remain safe and informed. At The Oaks at Denville, part of the Springpoint Senior Living family of CCRC or Life Plan communities in Morris County, residents enjoy the many services and amenities of a maintenance-free lifestyle. Located on 14 acres in the heart of town, the newly renovated facility features modern independent living apartments, an assisted living community and nursing facility with St. Clare’s Hospital nearby.

Becoming a Family During Difficult Times

During these challenging times, The Oaks community — residents and staff — has pulled together as a family, steadfast in their desire to see it through with strength and compassion. While residents follow stay-at-home orders, they are still experiencing the love, care and support of community life with health care heroes, as well as all team members who jump in to help whenever and wherever needed.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, staff and residents quickly put measures into place that would ensure everyone’s safety as well as comfort during these difficult times. Residents and staff telephoned to check in on neighbors and spread positivity to each other in ways big and small. The Resident Life Team created a mini-market service for community members and they’ve also continued the Happy Hour tradition, delivering individual bottles of cheers to residents. With the dining room and bistro temporarily closed, chef-prepared meals are delivered to each resident’s front door. Recently, one meal featured the executive chef’s prime rib of beef with soup, salad, bread, beverage and dessert.

The community’s drivers have shifted gears and now deliver packages and mail directly to residents’ apartments to help keep them safe and comfortable. When the traditional annual bake sale was put on hold, residents improvised by filling out order forms to have sweet treats, baked by the fitness and aquatics manager, delivered straight to their doors. The sale raised more than $600 for the Alzheimer’s Association and brought a smile to everyone who participated.

“Springpoint’s response to all of this has been both immediate and complete from the start,” said resident Simone O’Keefe. “Our safety has been and remains their main concern.”

As part of the Springpoint network of communities, all responses to the challenges posed by COVID-19 at The Oaks at Denville have been guided by a dedicated health care team, with combined hundreds of years of medical expertise, in compliance with federal, state and local health officials. Some measures imposed include:

• Employees must complete daily wellness checks, including having their temperature taken. Any employee who tests positive or shows symptoms must follow strict protocols regarding quarantine and re-testing before returning to work.
• Contact tracing is in place to notify employees or residents who have had potential exposure and provide guidance on required protocols.
• All visitors must complete a wellness screening questionnaire and have their temperature taken prior to their visit.
• All employees and visitors are required to wear masks while in the community.
• The communities are cleaned regularly, and high-touch areas are disinfected with greater frequency. Hand sanitizer is available throughout the communities for visitors and employees.
• Proper social distancing of 6 feet or more is practiced.
• Employees and residents are regularly educated on proper hygiene and safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

You’ll Never Be Bored at The Oaks at Denville

With safety measures in place, residents continue to take advantage of the many classes and activities offered at The Oaks. Residents also have access to an indoor heated pool, fitness center, library and auditorium, among others.

Prior to the pandemic, residents enjoyed living their best lives with the peace of mind that should their needs change, they would be covered. But these challenging times call for heightened security for seniors and the staff at The Oaks at Denville provides a safe and healthy environment with care and compassion.

“They anticipate what’s ahead and what has to be done,” O’Keefe said. “They take excellent care of us.”

To learn more about The Oaks at Denville’s vibrant senior lifestyle, schedule a visit to experience a day at one of New Jersey’s premier continuing care retirement communities.