This senior serviced residence has managed to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is part of a family-owned company that encompasses more than nine cities throughout France. Odile Barbier is the director of the Villa Mรฉdicis located in Saint-Laurent-du-Var.
The establishment was awarded by “Maison de retraite sรฉlection” for its services. It ranked second among the best senior serviced residences only a year and a half after its opening. The Villa Mรฉdicis group ranked third for the year 2020.
What is the difference between a senior serviced residence and a nursing home?
The advantage is that you rent your apartment. You feel as comfortable as at home. The residents are completely independent. They can participate in restaurant meals or various activities. They can welcome their families in a more private and warm manner. But all of this is done in a secure environment. We have a coordinating nurse, but we are not medicalized. We also offer additional services like a concierge, a restaurant, a gym, and a swimming pool.
How did you adapt to the pandemic in advance?
We tackled the crisis starting on March 2nd, based on government and ARS recommendations. Very early on, we stopped allowing anyone to enter to protect our residents as much as possible. We were fortunate to have masks, hydroalcoholic gel, and gloves, even though supply was complicated. The teams quickly adapted to the new work organization. We implemented a delivery system to apartments. We refocused to limit risks. Thanks to them, we can be pleased that we had no COVID-19 cases among residents or staff.
How did you manage to procure supplies?
We do not depend on the ARS. Therefore, we turned to our usual suppliers. Indeed, we regularly use masks, notably in the kitchen. The staff sometimes uses them if someone has a cold. We already had our regular supply chain.
What are the key principles of your heatwave plan?
Once again, we had to adhere to the government and ARS recommendations. We displayed notices throughout the residence. We provided information to residents. We supplied them with water bottles. We offered them adapted menus with cut fruits to enhance hydration.
What are the next steps for deconfinement?
We were already in semi-deconfinement. We started to reopen the restaurant last week. We also plan to reopen our hotel section to allow residents’ families to visit their parents. I was fortunate to count on the support of my management to implement this reorganization. Visits are already permitted. Nonetheless, we will continue to apply precautionary measures in accordance with recommendations (temperature checks, hand and foot disinfection, and recording visits on a paper register).
