For someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, memory care can offer support that helps them thrive. That’s the goal of Connecting Realities, the innovative memory support programming offered by The Ohio Masonic Communities. If your loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia, memory care can offer peace of mind. It can also be confusing and overwhelming for … Continued

If you’re a caregiver, you probably agreed to take care of your loved one with the best of intentions. Maybe you felt naturally inclined to be a caregiver. Maybe you felt like you should take care of them because they took care of you. No matter why you chose to do it, there may come … Continued

Healthcare facilities and engineering is a long way of saying “the people who keep everything running.” Often, they’re responsible for making sure everything inside a healthcare facility is running smoothly. In doing so, they’re also responsible for creating a safe environment for everyone who goes through the front door. What Healthcare Facilities and Engineering Teams … Continued

If you or your parents are 65 or older, you’re probably no stranger to prescription medication. In fact, nearly 90% of older adults report taking prescription medication. Those numbers don’t even include over the counter medications, such as pain relievers, fever reducers, or antacids. Medication can often be lifesaving. But, it’s crucial to consider medication … Continued

If you are 65 or older, there’s a 70% chance you will need long-term care at some point in your life. Yet, only 3.3% of Americans have long-term care insurance. This leaves most older adults unprepared. With costs estimated over $100,000, long-term care should be an important part of your retirement planning. What is Long-Term … Continued

Senior living care levels are one of the core elements of senior living. Independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term skilled nursing care, and short-term rehab are each unique. Each has different options that can range from shared rooms all the way up to villa homes. Yet the biggest difference is in the type and … Continued

Fall is a great time of year. With the changing leaves and cooler days, it’s no wonder so many people love it. In fact, based on various reports and surveys, roughly half of all Americans say fall is their favorite season. With its official start on September 22, 2025, fall brings its own traditions and … Continued

Environmental services is a critical part of every industry and business. In some ways, it’s part of our homes, too. Senior living is no exception. In fact, environmental services plays an important role in every senior living community. Some of their roles in senior living may even surprise you. What is Environmental Services? Many healthcare … Continued

If you’ve found yourself taking on the role of a caregiving, you’ve probably felt it’s equal parts rewarding and challenging. If you haven’t been a caregiver, you’ve probably heard enough stories that you know this to be true. This can be said about caregiving at any point in life. Especially for older adults, which is … Continued

Money is an important part of life. It may even feel like much of the world revolves around it. It can be a common source of stress, frustration, and confusion. Like many things in life, a little planning and a little education can go a long way. That’s why financial planning is important. Financial planning … Continued

Senior living can be confusing and independent living is no exception. It’s one of the most common types of senior living. Yet it’s often misunderstood. What is independent living? Independent living includes a wide range of options. This is one of the reasons it can be hard to recognize. To understand things like who should … Continued

One of the most confusing parts of getting older is estate planning. Many people don’t know what estate planning entails. Not to mention how to go about planning their estate. Plus, it’s often associated with lawyers and hefty fees. But estate planning is one of the most important things you should do. It can also … Continued

Pets are known for providing social companionship and emotional support. There’s a reason they often become members of the family. From a young age, kids ask their parents to get a puppy or a kitten. The desire for a furry or feathered companion doesn’t go away as we age. In fact, there are many benefits … Continued

Ever find yourself confused by Alzheimer’s and dementia? They can be hard to understand. And you may have a lot of questions. What is Alzheimer’s? What is dementia? How are the two related? What are the signs and symptoms? How can you keep your brain healthy? Your list of questions could go on and on. … Continued

The fountain of youth was first mentioned in 5th Century BCE. That means for nearly 2,500 years society has placed high value on youth. It’s not uncommon to be afraid of aging. Or, at the very least, dislike it. Even sayings like “young at heart” demonstrate the obsession with youth over aging. But aging doesn’t … Continued

At times it can seem like the world revolves around diet and exercise. It’s become so common that it’s often referred to as the “diet industry”. At every age and stage of life we’re inundated with things about new diets, workouts, and medications that all claim to solve our problems. But health and fitness is … Continued

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Older Americans Month. Two topics that may seem completely unrelated but share a lot in common. That makes this the perfect time to think about and understand mental wellness for older adults. More importantly, it’s an opportunity to consider the impact that social connection can have on older … Continued

Does senior living confuse or overwhelm you? You aren’t alone. There’s a lot to understand. In fact, there are different types of communities, contracts, care and more. Even the phrase “senior living” can have different meanings. Senior living care levels are a core part of senior living. They’re incredibly important but can be challenging to … Continued

Downsizing, decluttering, and spring cleaning can all go hand in hand. For many, it’s the first step on the journey to senior living. It can also be beneficial for all of us. Even if you aren’t ready to downsize and consider a move to senior living, decluttering and spring cleaning can help simplify your life … Continued

Are you financially prepared for retirement and the expenses senior living that come with senior living? With Tax Day 2025 behind us, it’s a great time to think about your financial planning. The cost of retirement It should come as no surprise that retirement is expensive. But do you know what the actual cost of … Continued

When it comes to senior living, there are a lot of options. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to understand everything from care levels to community and contract types. What is senior living? Before looking at the specifics of the different types of communities and contracts, it’s helpful to understand what senior living is. Senior … Continued

Senior living exists for residents to live their best lives and thrive as they age. But it doesn’t exist without dedicated employees who do everything from providing care to cooking and cleaning and more. It’s staff, with compassion and commitment, who can make a good senior living experience an excellent one. Careers in Aging Month … Continued

Every March is National Social Work Month. Social workers do a lot of hard jobs and they often do not receive much thanks or appreciation. March is a chance to celebrate the work they do and show them our appreciation for the work they do supporting the community. When you think about social workers, you … Continued

Everyone wants to be happy. We spend our lives looking for things that bring us happiness. We want to spend as much time being happy as we can while experiencing as little of its opposite – sadness – as possible. Browsing the aisles of a bookstore or library, looking for a new podcast, or a … Continued

Food is a core part of our everyday lives. It keeps us alive, but it can also impact how we feel both physically and mentally. Food can evoke memories, bring joy, and provide comfort. Smell and taste are important, but the nutrition food provides is even more important. That doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice … Continued

In life we all go through phases of being cared for or caring for others. Being a caregiver is broad. It could be short term or long term. It could be infrequent, such as a couple times a week or a few minutes a day, or more frequent all the way up to 24/7. No … Continued

Independence is important for older adults. There are practical steps seniors can take to support their own independence. There are also things caregivers and family members can do to encourage their loved ones’ independence. Tips to Encourage Independence for Older Adults February is National Senior Independence Month.  That makes this the perfect opportunity to learn … Continued

Independence is a central element of life at every stage.  Toddlers are trying to learn the basics of independence, like talking, eating, and walking. Fast forward, and teenagers are fighting to get as much independence as possible. Then we spend our adult lives trying to do everything ourselves, frequently afraid to ask for help. Then, … Continued

February in Ohio means we’re deep into the winter months, with the hope of spring on the horizon. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, which means we’ve got 6 more weeks of winter to go. Whether it’s fewer hours of daylight, colder temperatures, or the snow and ice that can keep us trapped indoors, winter is … Continued

The heart is an important part of our bodies’ functioning and our overall wellbeing.  It’s no wonder there’s an entire month dedicated to it!  February is American Heart Month, a time to celebrate the heart and learn more about how it works and when it might be in danger.  Our hearts change as we age, … Continued

Assisted living is one of the most common types of senior living.  But it’s also one of the most misunderstood.  It’s a lot to take in and can be easy to get confused.  That’s why we’re breaking it down to help you understand the ins and outs.  From what it is to how to pay … Continued

Life enrichment is a core element of senior living, but it’s often misunderstood.  If you look at senior living communities, you may see some advertise life enrichment while others refer to activities, events, or resident engagement.  No matter what it’s called, the life enrichment department is who’s responsible for planning the activities and events residents … Continued

Our eyes play a big role in our daily lives, but it can be easy to overlook them.  Eye health should be a concern throughout our lives.  But, as we get older, there are additional things to look for when it comes to our eye health.  January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, which makes this … Continued

A new year brings a fresh slate. A chance to reflect on the previous year while thinking about the year to come. Many of us may set resolutions for the new year, or a list of goals we want to accomplish. The idea of new year’s resolutions isn’t new. It can be traced all the … Continued

In just a few short days, Christmas will be here. It’s an exciting time for families, and a wonderful time to enjoy holiday traditions with those closest to us. Traditions don’t have to always stay the same, and creating new traditions with family is a fun way to bring everyone together this holiday season. Below … Continued

Turkey Day is done, and it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Have you made your holiday shopping list and checked it twice? Now that it is time to go shopping for the special people on your list, it is also the ideal time to brush up on your shopping safety habits. Older adults … Continued

  Now that the kids have finished Trick or Treat, costumes are put away, and everyone has eaten way too much candy, everyone is making their holiday plans for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. It’s time to buy Christmas cards, plan your holiday dinners using family recipes and make that big decision—does the Christmas … Continued

  Keep Healthy and Happy This Holiday Season This year is flying by.  It’s hard to believe that 2024 is nearing an end.  The holiday season will be here before we know it.  Many people are already planning their Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas celebration and how to ring in the New Year. Regardless of your age, … Continued

  Future Planning and Safety for Early Dementia Care Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with early stage dementia?  Do you worry about how you or your loved one will manage to live alone with this new diagnosis? There are things you can do to help manage the changes you’re experiencing in memory and … Continued

  Turning the Tables: Making Care Decisions for Your Aging Parents For much of your life, you have been the son or daughter in the family dynamics, with your parents making decisions for you. Now the tables are turned, and you are needing to make decisions for your parents about their care. You will experience … Continued

  Senior Living Essentials: Understanding Long-Term Care Insurance Have you ever heard the term “long-term care insurance?”  Some people will tell you they have never heard of it.  Does it have something to do with my home insurance?  Others may tell you they have heard of it but thought that it was only for older … Continued

  The Perfect Season for Family Fun Fall is a wonderful time of year. The temperatures are getting cooler, and the leaves are turning beautiful shades of red and orange. The kids are excited for Halloween and before you know it, Thanksgiving and Christmas will be following close behind.  The fall season brings families together … Continued

  Senior Care Solutions Until You’re Ready for Senior Living A fact of life is that all people age. There are times when aging and the life changes that come along with it can be stressful. Frequently older adults or their adult children need to make decisions about care options as their needs change. Should … Continued

  The Paw-sitive Impact of Pets on Senior Adults Let’s take a moment and think back to childhood and remember your first pet. You simply knew that you wanted a pet, whether it was a cat or dog, you just wanted a pet.  Your parents reminded you of the responsibilities of pet ownership. You had … Continued

  Simplifying Your Transition to Your New Home People move for many reasons. Possibly a new job, or military reassignment.  Sometimes people move into a larger home when they are growing their family or as people retire they are choosing to downsize into a condo or move to a retirement community. Regardless of the type … Continued

  Exploring Care Levels in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) You deserve to live in a place that sees you as an individual with your own unique circumstances, requirements, preferences and desires. But before you get too far along your path to senior living, it’s important to understand what care levels are available and … Continued

  Breaking Down the 6 Major Types of Memory Issues With so much information floating around about Alzheimer’s and dementia, it can be hard to know where to turn. Many people don’t understand the difference between the two and believe that Alzheimer’s and dementia are either the same thing or only two memory issues. Actually, … Continued