Waverly Heights reflects on post-pandemic changes for seniors
In a post-pandemic world, Waverly Heights Life Plan Community in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, is embracing some of the changes brought on by COVID-19 restrictions to better serve its 250 residents in the midst of its safe reopening.
Over the last 18 months, Waverly has utilized an inhouse television system to provide video updates from leadership, share prerecorded health and fitness classes and livestreamed musical performances and educational lectures. The community will continue to share content through this platform both to its overall program offerings and to increase accessibility of programming for residents with limited mobility.
Another expansion of services made available include more frequent and in-depth technology training classes. Over the course of the stay-at-home orders, seniors found themselves relying heavily on smartphones and tablets to stay connected with loved ones. Waverly Heights had previously hosted iPad and iPhone training classes and will grow that offering over the coming months.
“We had been addressing the desire for increased technology and technology education for our residents before the pandemic and this time period has amplified the areas of highest need,”
said Thomas Garvin, Waverly Heights president and CEO. “While we are thrilled to be back to hosting in-person programming and seeing each other, we have to continue adapting and recognize that residents have different preferences on how they receive information. Technology will continue to be a cornerstone of growth at Waverly Heights.”
Throughout the pandemic, the staff at Waverly Heights supported residents through an extended period of telehealth usage. This included providing technology education and assistance as
well as facilitating appointments as needed.
Some residents continue to opt for telehealth when available, and Waverly will be evaluating an in-house telehealth platform in the future.
Waverly is also changing how they introduce new residents to the community. Previously they would be invited to a cocktail party for networking. During the pandemic they were filmed doing a recorded interview with Garvin, and that was played over the in-house television network.
Moving forward, a combination
of those two approaches will be used so that current residents can meet new residents in a way that is accessible to them.
To learn more about Waverly Heights, visit www. waverlyheightsltd.org.
About Waverly Heights: Waverly Heights is a notfor-profit Continuing Care Life Plan Community located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Main Line. Beyond the beautiful gardens and lawns, Waverly Heights offers unparalleled service in an atmosphere of classic style and elegance.