The holidays are special. Gathering with loved ones and friends, sharing meals, laughs, memories, and traditions. Our holiday traditions may change over time, but they always make the holidays special. You can enjoy all your favorite holiday traditions, and discover new ones you love, when you call a senior living community home. 9 Favorite Holiday … Continued
From the time we’re teenagers driving offers a sense of independence and freedom. No matter how many years or miles pass, the feeling doesn’t fade. That’s why many of us cling so tightly to our keys and avoid giving up driving. But, as we age, we have to consider safe driving for older adults. We … Continued
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
You probably know Medicare as insurance for seniors. If only it were that simple! Like most insurance, it can be confusing and easily become overwhelming. Medicare has four parts, A-D, which are also known as the Medicare Alphabet. Instead of getting lost in Medicare’s alphabet soup, you can navigate your insurance options with confidence. Medicare … Continued
We all need more help as we age. It’s impossible to avoid. Whether it’s things like house upkeep and landscaping, or medication management and bathing, at some point we all need help. As you head home for the holidays, make sure you know how to spot the warning signs that older adults in your life … Continued
Veterans and their families make countless sacrifices when they choose to serve our country. Those sacrifices shouldn’t include aging well and having the retirement they choose. There are resources to support veterans in retirement, but the system can be confusing. Maximizing your VA benefits can help you afford senior living and live retirement the way … 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
Food fuels us. At a basic level, it gives us the energy we need to survive. But it does more than just fuel our bodies. It fuels our souls with smells and tastes that evoke memories and feelings. Food can simultaneously transport us back to a moment in time and keep us rooted in the … 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
Parents spend countless hours and years worrying about their children. Some may say it’s a worry that never goes away. But, at some point, the worry begins to shift. As your parents age, you may find that the roles become reversed. Eventually, you may worry about things like how well your parents are able to … 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
Every day new technology is developed. But the more technology-driven our world becomes, the more dangerous it can feel. Technology for older adults can be a powerful tool. Yet, you don’t have to look very far to find examples of the ways it can cause harm. In an increasingly online world, embracing technology is important. … Continued
A little-known element of senior living is the waitlist. Sometimes it can feel like a lot of hurry up and wait. When you or a loved one are looking at senior living communities and decide it’s time to move, there may or may not be a waitlist. But, just because there’s a wait doesn’t mean … Continued
Is there an older adult in your life? If so, you probably worry about their physical and mental wellness. Did you know that social wellness is just as important? In fact, social wellness for older adults can even impact physical and mental wellness. What is social wellness? To understand social wellness, it’s helpful to start … Continued
Villas are one of the most common types of senior living. They’re also one of the most popular. But, they can often be one of the most misunderstood. Curious about senior living villa life? Here are answers to some of the biggest questions. From what villas are to why they’re special and more. Plus, take … Continued
Fourth of July celebrates the independence of the United States. Many of us spend the day celebrating with family and friends. Common traditions include things like swimming, cookouts, and – of course – fireworks. From newborns to those in their 100s, Independence Day can offer something for everyone. This makes it the perfect time to … 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
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
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
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
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
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
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