Messages of Hope Reinforce Community Spirit at Redwood Terrace

Like senior living communities throughout California and nationwide, Redwood Terrace has been under strict precautionary measures for the better part of two months. But in the time of COVID-19, where visitors and social interaction are largely restricted, the community has never felt more connected to their neighbors in Escondido.

“People we don’t even know just started to reach out,” said Cristy Rose, the community’s director of activities. “Photos, letters, art projects – we’ve been sharing them with residents in our higher levels of living.”

Rose estimates they’ve received boxes of more than 150 unsolicited cards so far. They’re anonymously delivered to the community where they’re held for a few days prior to distribution to residents in assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care.

“We don’t have any way of contacting our neighbors to thank them – we’d love to,” she said.

She says residents have truly appreciated such a thoughtful gesture, particularly during a period when visits and interactions with friends and relatives are mostly done virtually.

“They say, ‘Oh, that’s so sweet!’,” Rose added. “Reactions like that…they really love it.”