Senior Living Today

What are Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)? What about Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)? What are the warning signs that someone might need assistance with these daily tasks? How does a senior living community decide which care level a resident needs? What if a resident's needs change and they need different help? What should I do if I notice that my loved one is needing more help with their ADLs and IADLs?Our experts are answering these questions and more. They're sharing specifics about different types of daily tasks like bathing. Plus, offering their best tips and tricks for how to recognize changes with a loved one – and how to talk to them about it.

Live the retirement of your dreams! Sound too good to be true? With a little expert advice from a financial planner you can maximize your savings and have the retirement you dream of.It all starts with a goal. Think about the ways you want to enjoy your life and retirement. A financial planner can work with you to identify the tools and strategies to maximize your savings. You just have to start with the plan and work the plan.Are you interested in learning more from Connie or diving deeper into financial planning topics? Be sure to check out her book, Financial Abundance: Real-Life Stories That Inspire Your Path to Prosperity on Amazon!

Health and wellness are important at every age and exercise is a piece of that. For older adults, fitness can help lead a better and more active life. We're breaking it down to the basics when it comes to fitness tips for older adults, the benefits of exercise and healthy habits, and the long-term impacts of fitness on health. We're covering everything from how frequently and intensely you should exercise to making exercise an enjoyable habit and more. 

Occupational therapy has many benefits at every stage of life. For older adults, it can even help maintain independence. Cindy, an occupational therapist, joins us to discuss how OT can help older adults. 

You can have your cake and eat it too, fats can be good, diet isn't always best.  Those are just some of the surprising things you'll hear from a registered dietician.  You won't want to miss this in-depth discussion of nutrition information, plus practical tips for anyone in senior living or older adults.{rerelease - episode originally released May 2023} 

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 – as you age.

We've been collecting questions from listeners and now we've gathered the experts to answer them.  We're covering everything from when it may be time for your loved one to move to memory care and what Medicaid Waiver is to how to have your favorite recipe added to our menu.  Plus, a question with an answer that may surprise you about pet lizards!Have other senior living questions you want answered?  Let us know at omhmarketing@omcoh.org!Want to learn more about something we discussed in this episode or connect with The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center?  Give us a call at 877-881-1623 or visit omcoh.org!  

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 for this holiday season and tips about what to do if you notice any warning signs.  Take a listen now!

In this special Veterans Day episode we chat with Bruce, Ken, and Donna about their time in the service and some of their most memorable stories.  Plus, you won't want to miss hearing them talk about their experience with Springfield Masonic Community's Dream Flights in August of 2022.

Moving to a senior living community is the opposite of boring.  Sandy, Connie, and Polly share how easy it's been for them to get connected to the community.  They've all found ways to enjoy the things they're passionate about. Listen as they share their firsthand experiences of what it's like to downsize and move, how they're living life to the fullest, and their advice for moving early.  This episode of Senior Living Today is all about the independent living lifestyle.   If you could try something new or take up a new hobby what would you do?  Let us know in the comments!

In this episode, Alan Zins from Medicare Resource Center is sharing all about how he helps people with Medicare and retirement planning.  He suggests that everyone get help from an advisor to know what's best for their situation and goals.  Hear him explain what Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance are, plus what they cover, who is eligible, and how you can learn more. Some of the resources Alan mentions in the episode are:Advice4medicare.com1-800-MedicareBenefits.govMedicaid.gov 800-324-8680If you would like more information on the Medicare Resource Center, or would like to schedule an appointment with Alan, you can visit their website at https://www.resourcemedicare.com/locations/beavercreek-ohio or give them a call at 937-416-2991

Senior living communities can be a great option.  But maybe the timing isn't right or maybe you don't feel ready to make the move just yet.  On this episode, you can learn about resources that can help you until you're ready to take that next step! In addition, you'll learn more about The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center and the services they offer in your community. To get in touch with The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center, visit omcresourcecenter.org or call 1-877-881-1623.

Nearly 40 million Americans provide 36 billion hours of care to a family member each year.  Yet it can still be a challenge to find information and resources for family caregivers.  In this episode, Rob Hanrahan, Executive Director of The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation, shares his life changing experience.  After his mom had a sudden stroke, she lost independence, their family dynamics changed, and Rob became a family caregiver.  Hear his advice for the time and financial burdens that come with caring for a family member and resources available to help. Rob offers great advice for checking a facility's ratings and citations if you're looking for a community for yourself or a loved one.  You can see the ratings and citations of any skilled nursing facility in the country by visiting medicare.gov/care-compare .

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 activities, and more.  Tune in now!

Do you have questions about financial planning for retirement?  We know we do! Stacia Kerlin-Welch from J.P. Morgan Wealth Management in Oakwood, Ohio joins this episode to tell you the top things you should know about how financial planning can help you now throughout retirement.  Tune in as Stacia talks about the value of setting goals and just how important they are.

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 a move to independent living. What sounds like the best part of independent living to you?  Tell us in the comments!

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, even though moving was their decision.  What makes you or your loved ones hesitant about moving to a senior living community?  What made you want to make the move? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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 community.Do you have advice for talking to your parents or loved ones about moving to a senior living community?  Let us know what it is in the comments below!

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness month.  To recognize it, Senior Living Today is back with another special episode featuring Scott Griswold, a Volunteer Community Educator for the Miami Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.  You won't want to miss him share his story, including about his own Alzheimer's diagnosis 5 years ago!  Tune in as he talks about 10 tips for keeping your brain healthy and what he does to slow his disease down (hint: his dog is an important part!). How many of these 10 healthy brain tips are you doing?  Let us know in the comments!

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness month.  That means it's time for a special episode of Senior Living Today with Dayna Ritchey from the Miami Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.  Listen as she goes through the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's, including her own personal examples.  You can learn the difference between normal age-related memory changes and signs of something more serious you should discuss with your doctor.  Plus, Dayna offers suggestions of where you can find help for you or your loved ones. Which one of the 10 warning signs surprised you the most?  Let us know in the comments!

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.  Plus, as part of Alzheimer's and Brain Health Month, discover how music connects with memory support residents.

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 idea for a future episode?  Is there a question you want answered or a subject you want to learn more about?  Let us know in the comments!

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 downsizing with your family and friends, and how to make time for memories.  Let us know in the comments what your favorite downsizing tip is!

Senior Living Today is back for season 3!  There's an exciting schedule planned with episodes you won't want to miss!  Touring is an important step in the journey to senior living, but do you know what to expect on a tour or how to compare multiple communities?  The Ohio Masonic Communities is here as your senior living advisor to educate and guide you on your journey.  In this episode, you'll hear just what to look for on a tour and the types of questions you may want to ask.  Do you have questions about tours or senior living?  Comment below!

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 activities, and more.  Tune in now!

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 – as you age.

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 for this holiday season and tips about what to do if you notice any warning signs.  Take a listen now!

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 Ohio Masonic Communities offers and get tips on what to look for and ask when you look at a senior living community. Don't forget there's still time to get your questions in for the last episode of the season where questions from listeners will be answered! 

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 the questions you want to have answered in the season finale!

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 Communities uses these technologies and more.

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's and dementia.  Tune in to learn more about what to do if you or a loved one are experiencing challenges that could be a sign of memory changes or Alzheimer's.

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 should do your research ahead of time. You won't want to miss the final episode in this four-part series on care levels!

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 Springfield Masonic Community, explain what memory care adds, when it might be time for someone to move, and how memory care might even improve your relationship with your loved one.

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 the types of assisted living, what care is available and how to tell if it's the right fit, and what someone over 55 can expect.

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 and by the pet policy at The Ohio Masonic Communities.  You won't want to miss part one of this four-part series that will take you on a deep dive through the different care levels in senior living.

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.  Plus, as part of Alzheimer's and Brain Health Month, discover how music connects with memory support residents.

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 present as part of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month.

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!

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.

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) can make life more vibrant.  Learn more about what a CCRC is and how the care can adjust as your needs do – without upending your life.  Plus, The Ohio Masonic Communities shares what each level of care in senior living is – from independent living and assisted living to memory support and skilled nursing – and when you should consider each.

Bruce and Ken knew that Springfield Masonic Community checked all the boxes when they were looking for a senior living community.  When they moved, they brought their hobbies and passions with them, and are now using their skills to teach other residents.  Listen as Bruce and Ken talk about how their passions for woodworking and pool became a passion for teaching.

In this special Veterans Day episode we chat with Bruce, Ken, and Donna about their time in the service and some of their most memorable stories.  Plus, you won't want to miss hearing them talk about their experience with Springfield Masonic Community's Dream Flights in August.

In today's episode, we sit down with Springfield Masonic Community Relations Manager, Poetry Davis. We give advice for preparing to move, how to find the right senior living community for you, selling your home, and downsizing.

In today's episode, we join back Scott Buchanan, CEO of The Ohio Masonic Home. At the Ohio Masonic, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of technology advancements to improve our residents' lives and provide the best quality care. We discuss the use of iPads to combat social isolation during the pandemic, apps to keep residents connected, and the Embodied Labs virtual reality training tool each of our employees go through. 

In honor of June being Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, we are releasing a special bonus episode as a follow-up to our first conversation on Alzheimer's and Dementia. In this bonus segment, Stacey Walters, Director of Life Enrichment for Springfield Masonic Community, discusses tips for preventing cognitive decline, Alzheimer's support groups for caregivers, and how to choose the right memory care facility for your loved one.

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. This week we are joining the conversation, raising awareness, and helping to educate our listeners about Alzheimer's disease and dementia. In today's episode, Diana Wilson, Director of Nursing for Springfield Masonic Community, discusses the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, signs of Alzheimer's and dementia, and what to look for when choosing care for your loved one. 

In today's episode, we welcome back Springfield Masonic Community President Tony Berardi. Tony dives deeper into the common misconceptions surrounding  senior living communities. We discuss topics such as the benefits of moving to a community before you have a need to,  what to expect when moving into a community, and will answer some questions regarding long-term care insurance. 

In today's episode, we sit down with Springfield Masonic Community Resident Brenda Kennedy. Brenda gives us some insight on what it's really like to live at a senior living community, and helps us to debunk some common myths!

In today's episode, we talk to Springfield Masonic Community's president, Tony Berardi about the steps the campus took to handle the pandemic. Learn how Springfield Masonic Community kept residents safe while continuing fun campus activities.