For the past 7 weeks, under Gov. Brown’s orders, Rose Villa residents have been sheltering-in-place to keep safe and healthy during the COVID-19 outbreak. For a community built on connection, shared values, and friendship, it has been quite the adjustment, to say the least.
You might wonder how residents can manage to live in community together, yet remain physically apart, and still maintain that shared sense of unity. And, two months ago, we might have wondered the same thing. After all, the reason many choose to live at Rose Villa is the people, and the camaraderie and partnership that comes with traveling down this road together. However, as the days turned into weeks, staff and residents stepped up to find new ways to stay connected.
Of all the ways Rose Villa has shifted things in light of the pandemic, likely one of the most innovative has been our residents coming together to find new ways to connect while apart. Without the familiar coffee gatherings, shared lunches, happy hours or Sunday potlucks—the residents rolled up their sleeves and got planning. With creativity and impressive technical skills, the Rose Villa Today Show was born. The weekly half-hour variety show features interviews, humor and, often, a musical number. The Rose Villa Today Show runs on Zoom, so everyone can film together, yet remain safe in their own home. It airs live but archived episodes are recorded for future viewing.
Another activity that keeps residents connected while apart is the daily 4 p.m. “Walkabout,” where residents are encouraged to take a walk around the neighborhood (wearing masks, of course!) or sit a spell on their porch to wave and say hello to neighbors and friends.
As we continue to adjust to life during a pandemic, we realize now, more than ever, the power and importance of life in community. Although we are quarantined, we are not alone, because we are all Together at Rose Villa.