Monarch Landing celebrates 'a shot and a beer'

They joyously celebrated "a shot and a beer." On Feb. 11, almost 400 independent living residents at Monarch Landing in Naperville received their COVID-19 vaccinations within the warmth and comfort of their home.

During a carefully orchestrated process, the residents came to the second floor of the community during their scheduled time slot to receive their vaccine. They then moved into the Millstone Restaurant to enjoy a root beer and the opportunity to sign a banner boasting about their vaccination.

Last month, residents of assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled care at the Springs Health and Rehab Center at Monarch Landing were vaccinated.

At that time, the staff also had access to vaccines.

"We are so pleased to have been able to move to the next step and offer this to our independent living residents today. In addition to current residents, individuals who are making plans to move into our community were invited to get vaccinated here as well," said Mark Trnka, executive director of Monarch Landing. "We're hearing stories of area seniors spending many hours on their computers or phones, trying to navigate the vaccination challenge, and experiencing delays and a lot of frustration. They then have to venture out in frigid temperatures and spend hours in line. We were so happy to be able to invite our residents to come into our on-site lounge to get vaccinated and enjoy a little bit of a socially distant celebration with their neighbors."

Monarch Landing and The Springs have administered more than 700 vaccines.

To date, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported that 3.13% of the population in DuPage County has been vaccinated.

"We're thrilled that almost 100% of our resident population is in that exclusive group," Trnka said.

Monarch Landing is a Life Plan Community located on a scenic campus in Naperville, Illinois-named "one of America's best places to live and retire" by Modern Maturity, and "the best city for early retirement" by Kiplinger. Monarch Landing offers independent living, promoting a vibrant lifestyle for active seniors. The Springs at Monarch Landing offers memory support, respite care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, thus providing complete continuing care for seniors. Monarch Landing is owned by Senior Care Development and managed by Life Care Services. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToMonarchLanding.com or www.TheSpringsatMonarchLanding.com.