Middlewoods Senior Living Communities Receive First Round of COVID-19 Vaccines
The atmosphere was celebratory at Middlewoods Senior Living Communities last week as staff and residents rolled up their sleeves for the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“It was a moment of hope for all of us after over 10 months of wondering, worrying, and praying for our residents and so many others,” shared Stacy Kesl, Executive Director at Middlewoods of Newington. “I took this step to protect myself; but more so to protect those I love. It was an emotional moment and one I will not forget. Brighter days are ahead.”
Middlewoods Senior Living Communities partnered with Walgreens Pharmacy to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to residents and staff. The communities will receive the second vaccination on February 8th and 9th, which means residents who have been fortunate to receive the vaccine prior to those not living in a senior living community, should have a foundation of increased safety and immunity from this resurgent virus.
Sylvia Hawes, a resident at Middlewoods of Newington, gave a thumbs up after her shot, “I can’t wait to see my family again.” She admitted she was apprehensive to begin with when considering the COVID vaccine, but then decided to go ahead. “It was so easily done, felt like a flu shot, and now I’ve gotten it over with. Let’s hope it stops COVID.”
Both communities reported good participation in and feedback from the vaccine clinics.
“We continue to hear about older adults living in the local community who are having difficulty making vaccination appointments because of vaccine distribution or supply delays,” said Bianca Turcotte-Reome, Executive Director at Middlewoods of Farmington. “Our residents are so grateful to be able to have received the vaccine in the comfort of their home without having to struggle with making an appointment.”
“I think it’s wonderful,” said Middlewoods of Farmington resident, Bill Mulvihill. “COVID-19 has been here for almost a year and they already made the vaccine, which is pretty darn fast. I feel lucky to have received it!”
Middlewoods Independent and Assisted Living Communities are affiliated with the UCONN Health Center and located at 509 Middle Road in Farmington and 2125 Main Street in Newington. The award-winning senior living communities are owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a not-for-profit, mission-based organization in Shelton, CT. For more information about senior living at our Farmington location, please contact Ginny Brown at 860-284-5700 or at our Newington location, please contact Elizabeth Giungi at 860-667-1336. Visit our website at www.middlewoods.org.
Contact:
Marissa Salvesen, Manager of Mission Development – msalvesen@umh.org | www.umh.org
Photos Attached:
Middlewoods staff and residents receive round one of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Middlewoods of Newington
Photos of Staff Members: Stacy Kesl (Executive Director), Margaret Braren, RN (Wellness Director)
Photos of Residents: Sylvia Hawes, Vinny Caruso, and Nicki Wierbicki
Middlewoods of Farmington
Photos of Staff Members: Group shot of Farmington team
Photos of Residents: Bob Johnson, Lois Selnau and Vivian Sica
Marissa Salvesen
Manager of Mission Development
United Methodist Homes (UMH)
580 Long Hill Avenue, Shelton, CT 06484
P: 203.225.5021
F: 203.944.8290
