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Home > The Ohio Masonic Communities Blog

Elder Abuse Awareness

Elder Abuse can happen to anyone, anytime. Are you prepared to recognize it and respond? Knowing what it is, how to spot it, what to do about it, and ways to prevent it can help. What is Elder Abuse? Elder abuse is any form of abuse affecting adults 60 or older. But the impact of … Continued

Nursing Assistants in Senior Living: Who They Are and What They Do

Many aspects of senior living are related to nursing. Whether it’s coordinating care or delivering it. Nursing is a pillar of most senior living. Nurses complete assessments, manage medications, and offer advocacy. Nursing assistants in senior living provide direct care to residents. It’s a vital part of senior living. Plus, it supports resident happiness. Who … Continued

Staying Young with Intergenerational Connections

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

Health and Fitness for Older Adults

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

Mental Wellness and Social Connection for Older Adults

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

Senior Living Care Levels: A Building Block of Senior Living

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

The Role of Nurses in Senior Living

It should come as no surprise that nursing is one of the career fields that offers the most versatile opportunities. Nurses can work in many different settings, with many different populations, and at many different levels of leadership. Nurses play many important roles, but the role of nurses in senior living can be especially important. … Continued

Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Older Adults

April is National Occupational Therapy Month which makes it the perfect time to learn more about the role of occupational therapists. It’s also a chance to celebrate occupational therapists and thank them for their hard work and dedication. What is occupational therapy? By definition, occupational therapy “enables people of all ages to participate in daily … Continued

Preparing for Senior Living: Spring Cleaning, Decluttering, and Downsizing

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

The Importance of Financial Planning for Retirement and Senior Living

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

Senior Living Community and Contract Types

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

Spring Into a Career in Aging

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

The Role of Social Work for Older Adults

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

The Pursuit of Happiness and Senior Living

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

Nutrition Tips for Older Adults

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

Back to Basics: Caregiving, Burnout, and Respite

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

Senior Independence for Caregivers: Tips to Encourage Independence and How Senior Living Helps

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

Senior Independence: Tips to Maintain Independence and How Senior Living Helps

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

Beating Cabin Fever and Winter Blues as an Older Adult

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

Tips for Heart Health and National Wear Red Day

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 101

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

The Importance of Life Enrichment

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

A LOOK at Eye Health

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

New Year, New Resolutions

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

Meet Jessica, Springfield Masonic Community Executive Chef

  A True Superstar At Springfield Masonic Community, (SMC) our employees are superstars! We recently sat down with Jessica, Executive Chef, so she could share her story and the success she’s had at Springfield Masonic Community. Meet Jessica, a Springfield Masonic Community Superstar! How long have you worked at Springfield Masonic Community? I have worked … Continued

Holiday Traditions

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

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

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

Winter Weather Safety

Have you ever heard the phrase “old man winter?” Those of us living in Ohio certainly know that phrase!  It’s that time of year where the cold weather is beginning to roll in and we all have to prepare for the changes that come with it. It’s Important to Keep Warm People simply don’t like … Continued

Meet Tabitha, Browning Masonic Community Receptionist

  A True Superstar At Browning Masonic Community, (BMC) our employees are superstars! We recently sat down with Tabitha, our receptionist, so she could share her story and the success she has had at Browning Masonic Community. Meet Tabitha, a Browning Masonic Community Superstar!   How long have you worked at Browning Masonic Community? I … Continued

Giving Tuesday: Support Music Therapy This Holiday Season

What is Giving Tuesday? Have you ever heard of Giving Tuesday? Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good and share their generosity throughout their communities. Since then, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and … Continued

Home for the Holidays: Things to Look for When Visiting Your Aging Loved Ones

  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

Holiday Health Hacks: Simple Tips for a Merry and Bright Holiday Season

  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

Living with Early Dementia: Home Safety and Planning Tips

  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

Role Reversal: Navigating Guilt and Emotions in Senior Living Transitions

  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

Meet Ann, STNA (State Tested Nursing Assistant)

  A True Superstar At Western Reserve Masonic Community, (WRMC) our employees are superstars! We recently sat down with Ann, STNA, so she could share her story and the success she has had at Western Reserve Masonic Community. Meet Ann, a Western Reserve Masonic Community Superstar!   How long have you worked at Western Reserve … Continued

Senior Living Success: Securing Your Future with Long-Term Care Insurance

  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

Harvest Happiness: Family-Friendly Fall Activities for Everyone

  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

Weighing Your Options: Alternative Care Paths for Aging Loved Ones

  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

Fur-ever Friends: How Pets Enrich the Lives of Older Adults

  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

Meet Carrie, LPN-Clinical Manager of Assisted Living

A True Super Star At Springfield Masonic Community, (SMC) our employees are superstars! We recently sat down with Carrie, a Licensed Practical Nurse, (LPN) so she could share her story and the success she’s had at Springfield Masonic Community. Meet Carrie, a Springfield Masonic Community Superstar!   How long have you worked at Springfield Masonic … Continued

Smooth Moves: Key Tips for a Stress-Free Move to a Retirement Community

  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

Senior Living Roadmap: Which Level of Care is Right for You?

  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

Unraveling Memory Issues: Understanding Dementia and More

  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

Leading the Way: Springfield Masonic Community’s Five-Star Excellence

  Quality Senior Adult Care is Always the Goal Five-star quality is always the goal.  You’ve probably experienced how hard it is to find these days.  Quality is especially important when it comes to senior living.  If you’ve ever looked at senior living, a nursing home, or a short-term rehabilitation, you may have been overwhelmed … Continued

Retirement Planning: 10 Key Tips for Achieving Financial Stability

Building a Strong Financial Future Starts Early What do you think when you hear the word retirement? It means so many things to different people. Some may think of traveling while others may want to take new classes or spend more time at home. Maybe you want to spend time with the grandkids or do … Continued

Meet Leslie, State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA)

A True SuperStar At Browning Masonic Community, (BMC) our employees are superstars! We recently sat down with Leslie, a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) so she could share her story and the success she’s had at Browning Masonic Community. Meet Leslie, a Browning Masonic Community Superstar! How long have you worked at Browning Masonic Community? … Continued

Finding Balance: Self-Care Strategies Every Caregiver Should Know

Balancing Caregiving and Personal Well-Being Taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do as a caregiver. Caregiving is not easy — not for the caregiver and not for the person receiving care. It requires sacrifices and adjustments for everyone. Often, family caregivers must juggle work and family life to … Continued

Empowering Aging Adults: 7 Common Assistive Devices for Senior Adult Care

Boosting Senior Adult Independence and Confidence with Assistive Devices What are assistive devices?  Some common devices that might come to mind are canes or walkers, but there is so much more. Assistive devices are adaptive tools designed to help bridge the gaps in mobility and ability to perform activities of daily living , such as dressing and … Continued

Essential Tips for Planning the Perfect Summer Vacation

Keeping Your Summer Vacation Stress-free and Safe Here we are in the middle of summer and there’s still time to take that special vacation.  Whether traveling alone or with your extended family, for a weekend or longer, the excitement starts with the planning. Planning a stress-free, delightful experience, requires some thoughtful preparation to ensure it’s … Continued

Decoding Dementia: Recognizing Behaviors and Enhancing Communication

Understanding Dementia-Related Behaviors Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the main ways people with dementia communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost. Some of these behavior changes can present real challenges for caregivers to understand manage. As a caregiver it is important to join … Continued