Senior Living Today

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!

What should I ask on a senior living community tour? What should I look for? How should I compare multiple communities? We’re answering these questions and more as we discuss the most important things you should know when you tour a senior living community.

Before moving to a senior living community, touring is an important first step. Hear from Melissa Todd, Corporate Sales Manager for The Ohio Masonic Communities, about why you should consider a “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” approach and learn how to find your perfect senior living community. We’re here to give you advice on what to look for and what to ask. 

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. 

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!