Senior Living Today

In this episode, Melissa Todd, Corporate Sales Manager for The Ohio Masonic Communities is talking about all things independent living. She describes it as a “maintenance-free, socially empowering lifestyle.”  What’s not to love?  Melissa is joined by Sandy, a resident at Springfield Masonic Community. Sandy shares the story of her and her husband’s move and has some advice for anyone considering...

Sometimes you have to convince your parents or loved ones that they should move to a senior living community.  But, other times, they come to you and tell you they want to move.  That’s exactly what happened to Janie.  In this episode, she shares the collaborative approach her family took and the two tips she has for all adult children.  Plus, she talks about the hesitancy her parents experienced,...

For Jaclyn, The Ohio Masonic Communities is a family affair.  In this episode, she shares how her parents always knew they wanted to move to Springfield Masonic Community but still drug their feet until an illness pushed them to move.  In addition to sharing her own story, she offers advice and what she recommends when it’s time to talk to your parents or loved ones about moving to a senior living...

Hear one man’s personal journey with Alzheimer's as we’re joined by Scott Griswold, a retired pastor and volunteer community educator with the Alzheimer’s Association. Listen to his message of hope and empowerment as we discuss key brain health tips he’s implemented in his own life to keep his mind and body challenged. From the importance of physical activity with his beloved Labradoodle, to...

Sometimes memory changes are a normal part of aging. Other times, it could be Alzheimer's or another type of dementia. Do you know how to spot the difference? There are 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's, and we’re discussing them all. Learn what could be normal, age-related memory changes and signs of something more serious you should discuss with your doctor. We’ve also got suggestions fo...

Music therapy is an important element of older adults living their best lives at a senior living community.  But, you might be surprised to find out who can benefit and what it involves.  Hear about the brand-new music therapy program at The Ohio Masonic Communities as you watch music therapist, Liz, and Senior Living Today host, Alexandria, demonstrate part of a session using drums and a guitar. ...

You can have your cake and eat it too, fats can be good, and dieting isn’t always best.  Those are just some of the surprising things you’ll hear from a registered dietician on this week’s episode.  You won’t want to miss this in-depth discussion of nutrition information, plus practical tips for anyone in senior living and older adults.

The last episode of Senior Living Today was all about downsizing.  Now, Denise Swick of Downsize Allies and Swick Real Estate Group is back.  This time she’s talking about what it takes to sell your house and how you can maximize your value.  From getting your home ready to sell to the selling and moving processes, this episode has the expert tips and tricks you need to hear.     Do you have an id...

Does downsizing sound like chaos?  Denise Swick of Downsize Allies and Swick Real Estate Group knows all about organizing and managing that chaos.  Whether downsizing is on your radar now, five years from now, or not at all, we can all learn helpful tricks for decluttering and simplifying our lives.  Tune in to hear Denise share what you need to know about starting early and small, navigating down...

What should I ask on a senior living community tour? What should I look for? How should I compare multiple communities? We’re answering these questions and more as we discuss the most important things you should know when you tour a senior living community. Before moving to a senior living community, touring is an important first step. Hear from Melissa Todd, Corporate Sales Manager for The Ohio M...

The final episode of the season is here and it’s time to answer the listener questions that have come in throughout the season.  The Ohio Masonic Communities gathered a group of experts to answer things like why you might move before you need assistance and what you need to know about affordability.  You won’t want to miss what they have to say about bringing pets, being a Mason, planning activiti...

Do you know what it takes to stay healthy, especially as winter comes?  Amanda Pulfer, Certified Nurse Practitioner, and Regina Embrador, Physicians Assistant, of Premier Health share their favorite tips and tricks in this episode.  From preventative measures like vaccines and handwashing to advice on sleep and avoiding the winter blues.  Tune in now to learn how to make health fun – not a chore –...

If you’re going to see older adults in your family this holiday season, this episode is for you.  From the outside of the house to the inside and from the medicine cabinet to the fridge, it can seem like a lot to check.  Plus, you don’t want to forget to watch how safely they’re getting around and pay attention to any personality or memory changes.  Learn more about what you should keep an eye out...

Did you know senior living communities offer different types of contracts?  Some of the most common ones are rental, entrance fee, fee for service, and equity.  It sounds confusing, but with a little help they can be easy to understand.  Tune in to this episode of Senior Living Today to learn the basics of these contract types and pros and cons with each of them.  Plus, you’ll learn about what The...

With so many different options, senior living can get confusing.  Not only are there differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care, they can also vary from one community or organization to another.  If you want to know what your “easy button” to senior living might be, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.  Plus, there’s still time to submit th...

Do you avoid technology or do you embrace it?  The Ohio Masonic Communities is ahead of the curve when it comes to senior living communities using technology.  From Bluetooth ribbons that connect hearing aids to speaker systems and private therapy cabanas to lift systems in the ceiling and beds that bend and turn.  Sound like a different language?  This episode will explain how The Ohio Masonic Co...

Do you know 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia?  From losing the keys to changes with mood or personality, knowing how to spot the difference between memory changes related to age and ones that could be a sign of something more could make a difference for you or a loved one.  This World Alzheimer's Day, The Ohio Masonic Communities is sharing what you need to know about Alzheimer&ap...

If you’re looking for a reader’s digest explanation of a healthcare center or skilled nursing, then this episode is for you. Explore the differences between 24 hour nursing care and rehab, the different types of therapy available, and how to navigate insurance to pay for what you need. An added bonus, hear from experts at Western Reserve Masonic Community about how to compare choices and why you s...

It’s time to discuss an area with a lot of confusion and questions.  The last two episodes of the care level series covered independent living and assisted living, but part 3 is all about memory care.  There’s more to memory care or a memory support neighborhood than just a facility caring for people with Alzheimer's or dementia.  Listen to Stacey Walters, Director of Life Enrichment at Sprin...

Part two of the care level series is here and this time it’s all about assisted living.  When it comes to assisted living at a senior living community, it’s easy to think they’re all created equal or get confused by what it is.  Tony Berardi, President of Springfield Masonic Community, answers some of The Ohio Masonic Communities’ frequently asked questions and shares what you need to know about t...

Maintenance-free living is just the tip of the iceberg with independent living.  Residents also enjoy added benefits like safety, socialization, and fun amenities.  Listen to this in-depth discussion about what someone 55 or older can expect from independent living and how to know when to consider independent living versus assisted living.  You might be surprised to learn how early you should move...

Music therapy is an important element of older adults living their best lives at a senior living community.  But, you might be surprised to find out who can benefit and what it involves.  Hear about the brand-new music therapy program at The Ohio Masonic Communities as you watch music therapist, Liz, and Senior Living Today host, Alexandria, demonstrate part of a session using drums and a guitar. ...

What do virtual reality (VR) training, robotic pets, an interactive game table, and a baby doll all have in common?  They’re all part of Connecting Realities, the memory support program designed by The Ohio Masonic Communities to meet residents where they’re at – in their reality.  Don’t miss hearing how older adults with Alzheimer's and dementia are able to connect with their past and presen...

Think activities in senior living are all the same or boring?  Think again!  From activities around campus to group trips out and about, The Ohio Masonic Communities has something for everyone.  But don’t worry if you don’t see something that interests you.  Tune in to hear from life enrichment professionals about their activities and events, plus how they bring residents’ dreams to life. 

Have you heard the news?  Community is at the core of The Ohio Masonic Communities.  Today, tomorrow, and together.  Scott Buchanan, CEO of The Ohio Masonic Communities, and Steve Petitjean, COO of The Ohio Masonic Communities, reveal the reasons for the name and logo changes, explain the new tagline, and more.  You may even hear a preview of other exciting updates!