If you’re planning to see loved ones during the holidays, you need to know these 6 warning signs they need more help.

Physical Appearance

Pay specific attention to their physical appearance, like weight loss or gain and changes with things like their hair or clothes.

Home Environment

Notice if their house is more cluttered than usual or if they’ve started keeping things in different places that are either strange or more convenient to where they spend most of their time. 

Nutrition

Check out the food your loved one has in the fridge, freezer, and pantry and look at things like expiration dates and the types of foods they have.

Medication Management

Look at your loved one’s pill organizer (if they have one) and look at their medications to see if things are expired or are being taken as prescribed.

Mobility

Watch your loved one walk around to see if they are furniture walking or if there are tripping hazards. 

Cognitive Changes

Monitor if your loved one seems to have changes in personality, increased forgetfulness or confusion, or is more withdrawn than you would expect.

Hear from experts with The Ohio Masonic Communities to learn not only the warning signs to watch for, but what to do if you notice them. Head into the holiday season empowered to recognize your loved ones who need help and equipped with the tools you need to have tough, open conversations with the whole family.

If you want help recognizing these six warning signs in a loved one, or are looking for support as you navigate the next steps of having conversations and making decisions, reach out to us. The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center is here to offer support to older adults and their loved ones. Give them a call at 1-877-881-1623 or visit https://omcresourcecenter.org/. 

The Ohio Masonic Communities' Here to Help guides cover everything from what Alzheimer's is to what senior living community and contract types exist and more. You can access your free copy of the guides by visiting omcoh.org/sltguide. 

Being a family caregiver takes practical advice and solutions for support. It’s more than saying you can’t pour from an empty cup.

No matter where you’re at in your caregiving journey, the right resources, support, and advice can make your caregiving experience successful.

Support is Crucial

If you know a caregiver, offer more than a blanket statement of support. Be specific about your offer. Support groups are also a great way for caregivers to find support with people going through a similar experience. Even a listening ear goes a long way.

Balance is Key

As a family caregiver, you really do have to take care of yourself. Find ways to prioritize things that take care of you without feeling guilty. Try managing your nutrition and hydration, maintaining your social activities, and keeping up with some of the things that make you feel like yourself.

Know the Warning Signs of Burnout

Burnout can’t always be prevented, but knowing the warning signs can help you address it when it happens. From impatience and irritability to insomnia and getting sick, it’s important to recognize burnout in yourself or a caregiver you know.

Respite and Senior Living can Offer Rest and Peace of Mind

Sometimes caregivers need a break or family caregiving is no longer the best option. Respite stays and senior living are here to offer caregivers rest and peace of mind, whether it’s for a week or long term. 

Looking for resources for yourself or a caregiver you know? The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center is here to offer support to older adults and caregivers. Give them a call at 1-877-881-1623 or visit https://omcresourcecenter.org/. 

The Ohio Masonic Communities' Here to Help guides cover everything from what Alzheimer's is to what senior living community and contract types exist and more. You can access your free copy of the guides by visiting omcoh.org/sltguide. 

No matter what you or your loved one needs assistance with, our team is ready to help. Give us a call at 1-877-881-1623 and press option 4 to be connected with our intake coordinator or visit omcresourcecenter.org/slt.

Are you a veteran or spouse worried about paying for long-term care? Get the most out of your VA benefits so you can afford the care you need and deserve. 

Even if you’ve planned for retirement, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and at-home care can be expensive. With VA programs like pension, aid and attendance, housebound allowance, and compensation, the care you or your spouse needs can become more affordable.

Talk to a representative from your local Veterans Affairs office or Veterans Service office to make sure you’re maximizing your retirement benefits. They can help you understand what services you are eligible for, connect you with other resources in the community, and make navigating application processes easier for you.

It’s never too late to start planning and saving for retirement, but the earlier you start the better. The military even has financial planners available to you if you’re still serving. Be sure to take advantage of the benefits available to you while you’re active duty and as a veteran so you can afford to retire when you want.

In Ohio? You can find your local county Veteran Service office here: https://dvs.ohio.gov/what-we-do/find-a-cvso

Technology use is on the rise. Unfortunately, so are scams. Online safety has never been more important. New developments with technology make it easier than ever to stay connected and improve accessibility. With a few tips and tricks, anyone can confidently – and safely – use technology to make their everyday life easier and better. We’re talking to a technology expert about how things like smart home devices can make your life easier, how to recognize and avoid scams involving artificial intelligence (AI), and other important tips to protect yourself online. 

If you’re 65 or older, there’s a 70% chance you will need long-term care at some point in your life. Without preparation, long-term care can be a financial burden and source of stress for you and your loved ones. Thankfully, long-term care insurance can create financial security, improve your quality of life, and more. Hear an insurance professional explain everything you should know about long-term care insurance. We’re covering why you should have a policy, when to get one, what happens if you don’t have it, what it covers, how to find the right plan for you and your loved ones, and more. 

The Ohio Masonic Communities' Here to Help guides cover everything from what Alzheimer's is to what senior living community and contract types exist and more. You can access your free copy of the guides by visiting omcoh.org/sltguide. 

Community is crucial for older adults. It’s a powerful antidote to isolation and depression. Strong community connections can boost mental health, stimulate the brain, and even lead to a longer life. We’re discussing how social connections are vital to well-being. Discover the physical, mental, and social benefits of staying engaged – from boosting mood and reducing loneliness to improving longevity. Plus, we have advice for finding purpose and building a strong social circle whether you're considering a senior living community or exploring local resources. Tune in to learn how to turn loneliness into laughter and embrace a more connected and vibrant life. 

It’s easy to put your will on the back burner, putting it off for another day. But your will is easier to create than you might think. It’s your chance to use your voice, even after you’re gone, ensuring you leave the legacy you want. Kristen Jones, a planned giving expert, takes us through the steps to create a will, explains what happens without one, and suggests other important elements for your estate plan. Plus, she’s sharing resources for how you can create, or update, your will online for FREE. 

Start your will online at https://www.givingdocs.com/omcfoundation/

Learn more about leaving a legacy through planned giving at https://omcfoundation.planmylegacy.org/

There are many elements of wellness. It’s everything from how we’re doing physically, mentally, and emotionally, to the social connections we have. Wellness is important at every stage of life, but it changes as we age. Hear from healthcare professionals about how your nutrition, hydration, exercise, sleep, socialization, and more work together to impact your wellness. Plus, hear their tips for improving your wellness, listening to your body, and being kind to yourself.

It’s common to have a lot of questions about senior living. Two of the most common questions? When to start looking and why to consider moving. We’re breaking down the answers to these questions and more. Plus, we’re talking about why you should know what you want in senior living before a need arises, how it can be good for your mental and emotional wellbeing, and ways to research communities, looking at their reviews and ratings. 

To find a skilled nursing facility's star rating, visit https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/?providerType=NursingHome

Social connection is important at every age. But there are especially benefits for older adults. Yet older adults are more at risk for isolation. They’re more likely to not only experience the effects of isolation, but to experience them differently. We’re discussing how to recognize the signs of isolation and depression in older adults and how to combat them with social connection. Plus, we’re talking about the mutual benefits of intergenerational connections and how senior living can help older adults stay connected.