News &  Resources

Sequoia Living Coronavirus Update: April 15, 2020

Senior coffee

Dear Sequoia Living Residents, Customers, and Staff:

Even if you can’t stop and smell the flowers right now, I hope you can feel the generosity and kindness that is in full bloom at Sequoia Living. This week’s update has a special addendum that will share some of the ways this is coming to life, but first, let me give you an update on a few important topics.

No New Cases of COVID-19
There have been no new or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our communities this week.

After making a full recovery, our Western Park Apartments staff member who was impacted by the virus is now back at work. Our Sequoias Portola Valley staff member is also feeling better and recovering at home.

Shelter in Place (SIP) Transition Plan
This week we had our first virtual Board of Directors meeting and we discussed the importance of Sequoia Living establishing new standards of operating as we transition out of shelter in place. “Business as usual” is not an option. Our leadership teams will be working with our medical directors, residents, resident councils, and customers to create a unified plan for keeping everyone safe after restrictions are lifted.

We Are Better Together
Senior Services for Northern California (SSNC) has spent nearly $600,000 towards COVID-19 relief! These unrestricted funds represent the generosity of current residents, charitable remainder trusts and bequest gifts from past residents, 100% giving by the Board Members of SSNC and Sequoia Living, our vendor partners, and over 100 Staff members.

This generosity has been used to recognize Staff, contribute to weekly grocery delivery to our three Affordable Housing communities, and partnering with Project Open Hand to ensure daily take-out meals continue at the Downtown San Francisco Senior Center.

Sequoia Superheroes Walk Among Us
Ordinary individuals have risen to new heights during this time. Whether it’s Residents howling off their patios or Staff members walking through the door with a smile that can even be seen through a mask – heroes are among us every day at Sequoia Living. Keep sending stories to superheroes@sequoialiving.org. We will be posting stories to our website in the next week.

Music is Medicine
I have been on an endless hunt for ways to express my gratitude for the efforts being made to keep the people of Sequoia Living safe. Music can soothe, inspire, and heal. We have put together a song playlist just for you, the Superheroes of Sequoia Living. Whether you like Neil Diamond or Metallica, I hope you can find a moment to lose yourself in a song or two. If you don’t already have a Spotify account, you can sign up for a free preview account by clicking the “Sign up Free” button at the bottom of the Songs for Sequoia Living Superheroes playlist page. Once you click, just fill in the information and it is free (you may have to endure a few commercials).

With gratitude and appreciation,

Sara McVey, Sequoia Living President and CEO

If you have any questions or feedback, please email us at covid-19questions@sequoialiving.org.

Read the full Sequoia Living COVID-19 Action Plan.