Senior Living Today
Welcome to The Ohio Masonic Communities' podcast Senior Living Today! In this podcast, we will be discussing all aspects of senior living. From debunking myths about senior living to caregiving tips and health and wellness advice for seniors, we are here to answer all of your questions, and what life is like at our communities. We are excited to share our expertise on a variety of senior living topics, with a new podcast every two weeks. We will have a wide variety of guests ranging from experts in the field to those living their best life in one of our communities.
Senior Living Today
Season 3 Listener Questions
We’ve been collecting questions from listeners and now we’ve gathered the experts to answer them. We’re covering everything from when it may be time for your loved one to move to memory care and what Medicaid Waiver is to how to have your favorite recipe added to our menu. Plus, a question with an answer that may surprise you about pet lizards!
Have other senior living questions you want answered? Let us know at omhmarketing@omcoh.org!
Want to learn more about something we discussed in this episode or connect with The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center? Give us a call at 877-881-1623 or visit omcoh.org!
Welcome back to another episode of Senior Living Today.
Today we have a special episode for our listeners.
We've been collecting questions from you all season long, and today we are here to answer them.
The director for the Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center, Melissa Todd.
Corporate sales manager for the Ohio Masonic Communities and Michelle Whittaker.
Member experience director for Western Reserve Masonic Community.
Ladies, thank you so much for joining me today.
It's always a fun time, absolutely.
So Michelle, we're going to actually kick it off with a life enrichment question for you.
So can you walk them through that process and how that works?
We have an events and outings committee.
It's made-up of about 10 of our community members.
They come with suggestions that they've received from other members.
Along with some of their own suggestions for restaurants day trips.
You know, plays theaters, things that they want to do.
I think those suggestions and I basically.
Is suggestions that they've given me?
So let's talk a little bit about dining.
Another question was, can I offer a recipe to the dining room manager?
I have a great recent story about that so.
One of our members was having dinner in our in our dining room with her husband and our.
Dining Services manager was walking around talking to everybody.
He asked her how her dinner was, she said.
I don't like sweet potatoes, he said.
So she shared with him that she found this recipe for vanilla sweet potatoes and she loves it.
He asks for the recipe, so she gave it to him along with her apricot chicken recipe.
Two weeks later, it was on the menu.
Our chef loves to get recipes and try new things.
Yeah, you said vanilla sweet potatoes.
What A twist on a fall classic.
So can you give a little bit of insight to our listeners on what your team does?
So the Resource Center is the one call way to receive information and support.
Whether that be on one of our campuses in their own home or elsewhere.
We make referrals, we coordinate services, we do well checks and.
Anyone can receive services from the Resource Center.
You do not have to have a Masonic affiliation to receive information.
That you are hearing that Samantha.
And one additional thing is we do also make referrals.
Or those that that need help getting connected to.
You do have to have a Masonic affiliation to receive financial support from us.
But certainly there are a lot of community organizations out there.
So someone does not have a Masonic affiliation then we.
Can still help connect them to other benefits and services that are available.
So that if you do need to connect with the Resource Center.
You'll be able to contact them.
I am looking for the best location to move my mother and I keep hearing the acronyms DCRC.
What does that mean and is that a good option to consider?
Yes, we do use the acronym CCRC quite a bit.
And in any healthcare or medical entity, we love our acronyms.
Just so they know exactly what they're looking for.
So I usually break it down in two parts for families continuing care.
Constant ability to move from independent living through an assisted living level of care.
Also considered a nursing home entity at the campus or location that you're looking at.
So having all of those components makes up a true continuing care.
And then the retirement community comes with everything that we do every day.
For a senior on our campus that is 55 years or older.
So as long as you fall within 55 to 105.
Maybe even greater than that, we're supporting the seniors in our area in a continuing basis.
Well, I think you made a great point there too.
That continuing care retirement communities are wonderful option, but they are also location based.
So somebody is looking in an area where one of the CRC might not exist.
That's something to keep in mind that they are not everywhere.
For the Ohio Masonic communities, we do have two.
CCRC's we have one in Springfield.
Ohio, for those listening, if you are in those areas.
Are interested in moving to one of those communities.
Melissa, I think another thing that you hear often and that we got questions about is pets.
Do we accept pets and what kind of pets are acceptable?
We had some listeners right in asking about snakes and lizards.
If we accept any exotic pets, so can you break down our cut policy?
How many they can have all the stores.
Yeah, kind of the whole gamut around pets because a lot of individuals that any age have.
Furry friends or as you may have mentioned, exotic reptile friends.
But this simple answer is yes.
We most often see cats and dogs.
So there is a 2 pet maximum in most of our standard size apartments.
Some of our campuses do have very large.
Very unique floor plans that are very large square footage.
But ideally, as you know, an encompassed answer, it's a 2 pet maximum.
And then occasionally we'll have a unique situation where there's, you know.
2 cats in a small dog in a large apartment that we're able to.
Just make sure that it's an appropriate environment safe for everyone.
Not only the resident, but the animals and then their neighbors.
As far as exotic pets go, I have yet to.
Have an individual or family tell me they have a boa constrictor or a reptile.
But I think we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.
And we do have some folks who, you know, double check with us and say, you know.
I love you know, this type of fish and I've always, you know.
Been fascinated by aquatic life.
So tests we can have fish and aquariums, we've have had a few folks in the past with birds.
So that's another type of pet that we have accepted in the past.
But everything pet wise from you know, a cat or a dog.
Does have a conversation about having a one time that fee?
And that goes for all three of our Ohio Masonic communities.
And that is just not the case with us.
Well, thank you for clarifying all the INS and outs of our pet policy for our listeners.
Now we're going to talk a little bit about.
How do they sign up and where can they go with the community transportation that we offer?
We offer we offer transportation for independent living and assisted living on our campus.
Once a week, and we also offer a city.
Where they can sign up and let.
Us know what store they'd like to go to.
Leave around Medina dropping off, picking them up where they need to go.
Well, when it comes to doctor's appointments.
Our transportation team will even schedule.
And you know, pick them up and drop them off to their appointments.
And that works out really good.
I think that's such a great service that we offer as well.
It's something to consider, something to ask questions about when you're touring communities.
And I think Michelle said something too, like, you know.
Our transportation team takes that next step.
Because a lot of times they'll community members like I have an appointment this day at this time.
But our transportation team has, you know, taken it upon themselves to say, hey.
Maybe we can't, you know, figure out that exact time.
But why don't you let us call the doctor and find a time that works for both of them?
And that takes the resident out of feeling like the middle person.
Because we know if the transportation team is scheduling it.
We know it's an appointment that we can fulfill for that resident.
So I never seen it go two ways, and that's just so unique to the Ohio Masonic communities.
So, Melissa, I think you can help us out with the next question.
What is Medicaid waiver and is that something that any of our communities offer?
Yes, it is a hot topic right now, and for good reason.
That is because the Medicaid waiver program was recently rolled out at.
The Browning Masonic community in Waterville. OH.
Medicaid waiver is a state and federally funded program.
It is something that not all communities offer.
Receive this service and receive this state and federal funded program so.
A2 year private OK spend down.
Is that a Social Security or pension most common is and you know.
So there is a lot of paperwork, but there is also a lot of support that our team.
But we are so happy to, you know, be able to.
And that's why, in the Waterville area, there are very few places that offer Medicaid waivers.
Well, thank you for sharing all the information on that.
And so our listeners know, we do have an FAQ page on our website about waivers.
So we'll go ahead and link to that in the description as well.
If you have any additional questions, you can always call the Ohio Masonic communities.
Melissa would be happy to walk you through any additional questions you have and then we have Julie.
Who is our sales manager at Browning?
Which Melissa mentioned is where we accept Medicaid waiver currently.
And she'd be willing to help you as well.
The next question that we have is a little bit of a tough one.
But how do I know when is the right time to move my mother to memory care?
And so hard to know what's best.
And I know this is something that a lot of our adult children struggle with.
How do we know when that right time is?
So do you have an answer that you can help this listener out with?
And yes, it sounds definitely written by a loving family member because we hear it a lot.
You know, how do I know it's time?
You know, consider memory care over an assisted living for an independent living option.
So I would you know, share with our listeners that.
In the life of your loved one.
But it's a combination we always talk about.
With our families safety concerns and that can look different for everyone.
It's not just a focus on wandering or exit.
Seeking their home could be, you know, more frequently getting lost.
You know, while driving to very common places and your loved ones life, grocery store, bank.
Orientation becoming more troublesome.
Right before we moved my grandmother into a memory care.
So notice some of the behavior changes.
Is there increased confusion, increased agitation or increased fear?
Those are some of the things we look at.
It could also be increased friendliness.
So we definitely take those factors into consideration.
But also we look at caregiver stress.
So if you, the daughter, Son, niece, nephew are feeling and overwhelmed.
Sense of frustration because you're having more caregiver stress.
That's an important factor to consider.
It's not just about your loved one safety or the increasing care needs that you're seeing.
But you're now being impacted by the increase and the changes in your loved ones.
So you have to weigh that heavily on the conversation table as well.
Prioritizing safety and well-being, along with your own.
Is going to be the moment that you reach out to the Ohio Masonic communities.
And we can better help you with some deeper discussions to talk about the.
They're becoming more that day today, but you got to just you know.
There's a hospitalization or crisis.
Absolutely, and that's great advice, Melissa.
So, thank you for sharing that.
So Sam, we have another question for you this.
We have an 877 number that anyone can call, no matter where they're located.
And we have coordinators that are located across the state.
So, wherever you are, wherever your primary residence.
We'll connect you with your local coordinator and.
They are familiar with all the resources in your area.
So absolutely you do not have to be close to one of our.
So Melissa, we had another question come in regarding the rental model that we offer.
So they were wondering if we can explain the difference.
Yeah, we hear a lot of different families, you know.
Because they're doing their research and I promote that if you don't it you know.
Because entry fees are something that we don't do, we actually give the option to do.
If someone's comfortable with it.
Because everything around financials and money is going to be a comfort zone conversation.
So an entry fee community, plain and simple, if someone.
Participates in the entry fee battle.
It's saying you are giving a lump sum.
Typically, large amount of six figures or more upfront.
To that community and then in addition, paying a smaller monthly.
It's due, you know, the first week of every month.
It's all inclusive and we and that's how we.
Decide and handle things because it can be very sensitive and overwhelming.
You know, for a family to say, why am I giving you $200,000?
That's where I err on the side of caution.
So I usually ask families, you know, what is your preference?
What are you comfortable with and is it something you want to talk about and if not?
All right, Michelle, our next question is for you.
It sounds like you have an abundance of activities on the calendar.
Communities have calendars and a life enrichment team member in place.
I would say if you're looking at a community that would be something you should look at.
Going on, what's on that calendar?
Is this going to meet the needs of mom?
Where she's at this stage in her life.
Our life enrichment team is in all care areas and our calendars are appropriate for those areas.
You know to best meet the needs of that member.
So those are definitely things that you should look at and make sure those things are being offered.
Oh, I think that one for me, isn't it, Alexandria?
We'll continue on with the pricing conversation.
Depend on what care area you are looking at.
So independent living has a different offering and package and cost man.
So we've got to start with identifying what care level.
One is going to be best served.
Bedroom is going to cost less than a 2 bedroom and two bathroom apt 1.
So then there's that level of conversation.
Appropriate floor plan for your loved one.
And is that within the budget?
Figure out if there's any additional things that are going to be needed the insurance.
Conversation comes in a few different ways.
Your loved one is always going to use their insurance cards when they go to the doctor's.
City loop to pick up their prescriptions.
So you know your insurance is important to the normal things that you're used to using it for.
Have a hospitalization and they come back home to us.
We do know that that is a trigger for your insurance to potentially get some additional.
And that's where I think the three of us here have worked together a lot on.
Because if there are covered services, we're always going to go that route first.
And that's going to be specific to whatever insurance you have chosen.
Continuing care campuses so they have had some type of health ailment, they.
Most likely had a hospitalization.
They are not ready to go back to their home villa.
Apartment or original setting and they need to do a short term rehabilitation.
It comes into play acknowledging that we have.
CCRC campuses and we will use that insurance in every way we can.
But your monthly rent is still going to be.
Be considered private pay or an out of pocket cost that your insurance isn't going to touch.
Well, thank you for clarifying that for our listeners, Melissa.
Another thing I think you might be able to help with some clarification on is the term ADL.
We had some listeners write in asking what that means.
What that stands for, how that plays into the type of care that their loved one might need.
Yes, back to the acronyms, that is.
I wish I could give a guide to the family so they feel comfortable with our language.
Activity of daily living and if you broke down your.
Those are all their activities of daily living.
How they get out of bed, what their routine looks like.
Do they have breakfast first or do they go to the bathroom first?
Motion of events when they get up.
Their mobility is considered an activity of daily living.
You know how they navigate around their space.
Is it independently on their own 2 feet?
Does it include an assistive device like a cane Walker or rollator?
So those are the activities of daily living we're looking for and it.
Can be broken down even to, you know, their medication routine.
Do they fully still cook breakfast, lunch and dinner?
Or have they substituted the you know topic?
Easy, fast food to go meals or.
Microwavable meals and why is that?
You know, do they prefer that or do they just no longer have the ability to make a home cooked?
Do that is considered an activity of daily living.
And then our next question was in regards to home health and adult day options.
So this listener was kind of wondering what the difference is between that and moving 2.
As far as the amount of care that's offered, if care can be offered around the clock.
Have any advice for them as far as what option might be the best and?
What the differences are between them?
The difference between adult daycare and a full time, you know.
Resident at one of our communities is going to be extremely different.
Adult day programs are, I would say, harder to find.
Robust and we want to make sure that.
You're finding a good one that has a good reputation.
Just like any community, because the essence is you're, you know.
Dropping off your loved one for ASAP period of time.
So with a set drop off and a set pickup.
And there's usually a daily rate, you know, a cost that comes with that.
Whereas if your loved one was truly submerged in the community.
They have more likelihood to build friendships and build a routine.
We see a lot of folks that you know, have used adult daycare.
As you know, an intervention to cover something else, they needed to do.
It's a one off situation that's really supportive.
But living at a community is this 24/7 encompass support?
It's 24/7, it's around the clock, whereas adult daycare is going to be just a set amount of time.
So I'd say that is a great option, but if you're going beyond.
It's definitely time to look at a community that.
So Sam, my last question is going to go to you.
We would love to have more volunteers across.
So if anyone is interested, they should call our 8.
Number and call us and talk to us once tier opportunities.
Really someone can do whatever they choose or are able to if they want to.
You know do well checks, make phone calls.
And definitely we could not do.
What we do without our volunteers?
Alright, so before we close out today, I wanted to go around.
Are there any common questions that you get that you think?
Would be beneficial to share with our listeners.
I was just thinking, listening to Sam, how much?
And he wasn't brought it up a little bit to how we coordinate things on our campus.
Maybe Mom is an independent living, but there's a need there. I.
Can reach out to Samantha Lloyd.
She's going to call the family.
I think that is very important to mention that because, yes.
Our Resource Center does a lot of things across the state.
But amazing things on our campuses as well.
And yet some common things are like help getting orders for therapy.
Or if someone wants a personal emergency response system, you know the full pendants.
We can help make referrals and coordinate that or coordinate private duty home care.
I think one of the situations that comes to me.
You know whether it's pertinent in the moving process or not.
Michelle and Samantha at the Resource Center is, you know.
There's some tough conversations that come along with considering moving to a retirement community.
And most recently I was helping a family, you know.
Have talking points to the conversation about driving and safety concerns.
Sometimes on the front end, but more often.
The three of us are working together with the family.
After someone moves in and they're realizing, you know, family wise.
Maybe it's no longer safe that mom or dad is driving and you know.
You know, driving isn't a necessity.
But I think we do get that conversation in question a lot.
It's more often from families.
But it's something that the three of us work together to try to provide a nice.
Intervention that everyone's in agreement with, or just bring up the conversation.
Yeah, that's a hard conversation for them.
It takes that burden off of the family to have us go and talk to the member about the driving.
In the conversations we're having with fancies.
I want to thank you all again for joining me today.
