News Blog

Coronavirus Check List for Seniors
The recent spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted over 100 countries, with approximately 120,000 cases and more anticipated in the future. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised people over 60 and those with severe underlying health conditions to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
According the CDC, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to the virus, which can cause a range of symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. The following are a list of preventative measures the CDC has outlined to protect older adults from COVID-19.
1) Stock Up On Supplies
 Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.
 If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.
 Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
 Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.
2) Take Everyday Precautions
 Avoid close contact with people who are sick
 Take everyday preventive actions
 Clean your hands often
 Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
 If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
 To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
 Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.
 Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
 Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones)
 Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.
 Avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips, and especially avoid embarking on cruise ships.
 If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, take extra measures to put distance between yourself and other people to further reduce your risk of being exposed to this new virus.
 Stay home as much as possible.
 Consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial networks
3) Have a Plan for If You Get Sick:
 Consult with your health care provider for more information about monitoring your health for symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.
 Stay in touch with others by phone or email. You may need to ask for help from friends, family, neighbors, community health workers, etc. if you become sick.
 Determine who can provide you with care if your caregiver gets sick
 Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms including, fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor.
 If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs*:
 Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
 Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
 New confusion or inability to arouse
 Bluish lips or face
This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

If you do get sick:
 Stay home and call your doctor
 Call your healthcare provider and let them know about your symptoms. Tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help them take care of you and keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
 If you are not sick enough to be hospitalized, you can recover at home. Follow CDC instructions here on how to take care of yourself at home.
 Know when to get emergency help
 Get medical attention immediately if you have any of the emergency warning signs listed above.
For more information on prevention of the coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website here.

When Linda Hoffman decided to move back to New England to be closer to her two children and five grandkids, her one big requirement was finding a place to live with a real sense of community. “I’m a
social person,” Linda said. “I need to know my neighbors and feel like I’m part of something.”

After looking at several independent living communities and apartments, she discovered Avenu at Natick, a new 62+ apartment community, and was one of the first residents to sign a lease. “I wasn’t going to move until I found the right place,” continues Linda. “The social atmosphere was a big motivator. We get together for breakfast every day and check in on each other. My grandkids are only 20 minutes away and can come here to stay with me, use the pool, see a movie or go to the mall.”

Avenu opened in October 2019 and is the first Active Adult Living Community of its kind in Greater Boston/MetroWest. Conveniently located across from the Natick Mall, the community is rich in onsite amenities far in excess of a traditional apartment building. The expansive first floor is centered around a signature fireplace and welcoming bar area encouraging residents to gather and mingle. Other on-site features include a gourmet chef’s kitchen and upscale private dining room, state-of-the-art theater and hair and nail salon. Residents have full access to a first-class fitness center complete with organized wellness programs such as yoga, zumba and meditation. An expansive landscaped courtyard features, lush plantings, a resort-style pool with cabanas, a putting green, and outdoor lounge areas complete with fire pits and grills for dining alfresco. A variety of programming and daily social activities keeps residents active and engaged.

“There is something going on every day,” said Leslie Rappaport-Atlas, Lifestyle Coordinator for Avenu. “Complimentary continental breakfast is offered daily as well as weekly happy hours and a variety of enriching activities such as cultural demonstrations, art classes, dance parties, dine outs and opera nights.”

With all these on-site amenities and community-oriented programming, it is not surprising residents are making the switch. Barbara Resh, Natick resident, recently moved from the nearby Avalon complex to Avenu. “The fact that this is a 62+ community was enticing to me,” said Barbara. “I’m not ready for a retirement home and that’s not what this is about. I can participate in whatever social events I want.”

Beyond the shared amenities, the building’s brand new, maintenance-free apartments have an open concept floor plan adorned with light modern finishes creating a comfortable yet sophisticated aesthetic. Kitchens are equipped with the stainless steel appliances, a natural quartz countertop, and inviting lighting. Additionally, each unit includes either a private balcony or dedicated patio.

“We have people moving here from all over the country,” said Dawn Chenevert, Avenu’s Property Manager. “Avenu residents have embraced the opportunity to start their next chapter of living with greater ease, closer friends, and all the comforts this community has to offer. Many of our current residents made the big decision to transition and relocate from their single-family homes to Avenu. We are focused on making this transition smooth for our residents. One of the differences is we’re not a buy-in community like many retirement communities. There is no big down payment other than a lease and a security deposit. This makes it affordable for many people and offers great flexibility when you’re making a big decision to relocate.”