In January, as we virtually celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we affirmed our heritage as a diverse community of faith. We proclaimed diversity is a good thing, a God thing, something to be fostered and nurtured. We further proclaimed that discrimination of any sort has no place in faith-based communities and will not be tolerated. All this and more is right here, within minutes of our front door! Because we get so much here, many feel a need to give back, to give of their time and talent in strengthening this community. The lifeblood flows from caring people who contribute thousands of volunteer hours each year to make this place work, and they love doing it! According to our volunteer coordinator, in an average year, 25,000 volunteer hours are logged by residents. As an ordained pastor, I’ve spent my life working with volunteers. That’s what people do in faith-based communities. We moved to Cedar Community because we wanted to “live more!” This is a vibrant retirement community and a comfort for our children knowing no matter what happens to us in the days to come, there’s an answer right here. Non-profit communities like Cedar Community also look after their residents who have outlived their financial resources. Most for-profit retirement communities can’t begin to make that claim. Last year, Cedar Community invested over three million dollars in people who had outlived their resources. We have found right here the essential ingredients of a faith-based community including: · Life-enhancing resources–be they spiritual, emotional, medical, educational, social, physical. · Life-enhancing relationships with those who share our values and interests. · Life-enhancing independence and the ability to control our future. · Life-enhancing opportunities to contribute to a greater good. · Life-enhancing experiences that free us to “live more.” · Life-enhancing natural beauty at every turn. Word to the wise–don’t wait until you break a leg to start planning your future. Who knows, after you have done your research, you may decide that a faith-based, not-for-profit community is the next best thing for you. It sure was for us! Steve Davidson Resident, Cedar Community Independent Living
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Survey finds residents feel safe in senior community There is no doubt the pandemic has changed our day-to-day lives, but we are fortunate at Cedar Community that our residents tell us they feel safe, and thankful that they are here. We continue to offer tours for all levels of care from independent living to short-term rehabilitation. Tours follow all COVID precautions by appointment only, but allow prospective residents, families, and patients to learn more about the Cedar Community lifestyle. We’re taking care of those that need care, hosting socially distant activities and themed events, screening team members daily and testing them weekly per guidance of federal and state health officials, wearing masks and shields, and social distancing. A recent national survey of residents, staff, and prospective residents by Plante Moran Living Forward, the senior living development consulting division of Plante Moran Cresa, and Retirement DYNAMICS®, one of the nation’s leading senior living consulting firms, showed residents and staff in senior independent living communities felt safe during COVID-19 and confident their senior communities had taken precautions to keep them safe. They surveyed more than 23,000 residents and staff in independent living communities across the United States, as well as prospective residents, and received more than 5,000 responses. Survey results revealed: · 92 percent of staff felt the community where they worked responded well to the pandemic. · 93 percent of residents felt there were precautions in place to keep them safe. · 77 percent of residents said they were glad to be living in a community during the pandemic. · 86 percent were glad they made the decision to move to a community. · 74 percent of prospective residents said the pandemic has not affected their moving time frame. Cedar Community continues to remain diligent with precautions in place to protect our residents, family members, and team members. If you would like more information on Cedar Community’s independent living contact Cathy, 262.338.4615, or Abby, 262.338.4617.
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