How Edina Seniors are Staying Safe and Social During the Pandemic

(Edina, MN) – Neil Woods, 79, and his wife Niki, 78, of Edina have a lot of respect for the COVID-19 pandemic, but they are not letting fear over getting sick get in the way of enjoying their retirement.

They are still participating in the activities they enjoy, such as going for walks and shopping, but in the interest of safety they are staying home more than they used to. “Niki and I have tried to maintain some sense of sanity in the matter. We avoid crowds and have seriously curtailed our dining out,” said Neil Woods. “If we go to a store and notice it is crowded, we will leave and try again another day.”

“We also wash our hands often, and always wear masks when we leave our apartment,” added Niki Woods, who as a retired nurse is very familiar with the proper steps to take to stay healthy.

She and her husband also have the benefit of living in a community where precautions are taken to keep residents safe. They moved into Avidor Edina, a premier 55 plus active adult community, over the summer, right in the middle of the pandemic.

“When we moved in we felt the measures that Avidor Edina was taking were consistent with what we felt was appropriate in dealing with the COVID pandemic,” said Neil. “We had to sign a release, and they took our temperature. Plus, everyone in the common areas was wearing masks.”

Safe and social has always been the Avidor way. All Avidor associates have completed coronavirus testing per CDC guidelines. They wear masks at all times and use other protective gear when appropriate; and they do frequent temperature checks.

In addition, surfaces are routinely wiped down throughout the day, and specialized fog equipment is used to sanitize public spaces. There are also signs posted throughout the community reminding people of the steps they should take to stay healthy, such as always wearing masks in public spaces, practicing social distancing, and washing their hands frequently.

“Our residents are very respectful of each other. They are wearing masks and face shields when in the public spaces, and I’m happy to share that we haven’t had a single case of COVID in the community,” said Deena Carlson, Avidor Edina’s Lead Leasing Advisor, who added that the community is continuing to host all the social activities they did pre-pandemic.

“People who live at Avidor Edina are still enjoying the community happy hours in person. Our Mahjong and bridge groups, Bible study and writing groups are still meeting as well. Residents space themselves out and wear masks and plastic shields, which helps those who have a hard time hearing and need to read lips,” said Carlson.

Group fitness, yoga and exercise classes are still being offered as well. Currently, they are being hosted virtually.

Mita Bell, 75, moved into the community over the summer and says she really enjoys having access to all the activities. She participates in Silver Sneakers gym glasses, art classes and ballroom dancing. She also enjoys the occasional celebrations, like the recent Oktoberfest held at the community.

“It’s a blast. Me and my neighbors. We don’t care how we look when we dance. We just move and shake and dance. It is so much fun,” said Bell.

“From my viewpoint between the responsibilities that the management has taken and the personal responsibilities that the residents are taking, it’s a happy medium,” said Neil Woods.

“Yes there are restrictions, but I feel like they respect our dignity,” added Niki Woods.

“The physical and emotional well-being of our residents, staff and visitors is our number one priority. And it has never been more important to use than now that people experience this commitment first hand,” said Carlson.

To learn more about Avidor Edina and view move-in specials, visit AvidorEdina.com. You can also call 952-314-5796.

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