For over a year, we have been flooded with news about the ways in which the pandemic has negatively affected residents of long-term care homes, nursing homes and independent living residences. Residents haven’t been able to see their families, they have felt isolated and alone, there have been outbreaks and staff shortages…the list goes on. However, there is one independent living residence in particular which has managed to make its residents feel safe, happy, and even lucky to be part of its community. In Villa Aulneau’s spring 2021 newsletter, the independent living residence shared its residents’ reflections on their time during the pandemic. Here is what some had to say:
“Being at the Villa during the pandemic is a blessing! Activities are obviously limited, but there is always daily mass, exercise sessions (with a limited number of participants), music concerts and variety evenings broadcast in the chapel, films, dinnertime music when celebrating a birthday, and our Recreation Coordinator Drissia who is constantly looking for projects that might interest us. The harmony that has always existed at Villa Aulneau is even more evident during the pandemic. We have come to know each other in a new light and appreciate each other more.”– Yvette Boily
“My experience at Villa Aulneau is one of a deeply amicable environment where life is good.” –Sr. Thérèse Ouellet
“In April, 2021, it will be four years that I’ve been living at Villa Aulneau in the presence of a big family which makes me very happy. In March 2020, the whole world was plunged into a pandemic, I felt very isolated. The computer, the phone, Skype, and Zoom allow me to keep in touch with my family and friends. Thank you to the administration for presenting shows to make life more enjoyable during these difficult times.” –Gabrielle Cantin
“How to keep busy, during the pandemic….Personally, I attended mass more often, even though it was only shown to us on the television screen. I also read and reread the beautiful book Quelqu’un m’attend which describes spirituality and aging. I also spent hours doing interesting puzzles. And since I love plants, I took care of some succulents that adorn my window. The last plant that was given to me is a hyacinth that fills my apartment with its wonderful fragrance.”–Irène Fillion
*This article was adapted from Villa Aulneau’s spring 2021 newsletter