Tag Archive for: Retirement Living

MCSA is proud to be affiliated with The Overlook in Charlton/Masonic Health System of MA, Inc. to keep our seniors happy and healthy. Read more about our member spotlight of February.

Masonic Health System of MA, Inc./The Overlook in Charlton

About MHS

For over 100 years, Masonic Health System of MA, Inc., or The Overlook in Charlton, has provided a continuum of care and health services for Massachusetts residents and their families. Today, The Overlook tailors to individuals with a wide variety of needs. They offer independent living, enhanced assisted living, memory careskilled nursingshort-term rehabilitation, home health, and  hospice.

Persevering Through the Pandemic

Back in 2020, Masonic Health System of MA, Inc. suffered some substantial blows at the hands of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Extreme staffing shortages, an increase in outside agency wages, and an increase in the costs in delivery of care hit us hard. To add insult to injury, the MA Department of Public Health forced multiple shutdowns to new admissions.

However, perseverance was key at The Overlook, as it still is today. We are still serving our senior community, despite having to absorb decreases in reimbursement and reductions in payments outside of our control, such as:

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
  • Commercial insurance companies
  • Price inflation for supplies and services
  • The growing need for capital improvements to our aging Campus and buildings

These obstacles make us prouder than ever of our 110+ year history at Masonic Health System! We remain extremely optimistic about The Overlook’s future. Our methods of proactively addressing these concerns with grit and innovative solutions are a testament to our resiliency. We refuse to be crippled and derailed like so many other companies. In fact, The Overlook experienced 31 sales in 2022, 28 sales in 2023, and an occupancy rate exceeding 93%. We are poised and positioned for an exciting future!

The Masonic Health System of MA, Inc./The Overlook in Charlton’s Master Plan

In July 2022, The Overlook completed a Request for Proposal for a large Master Planning process, targeting ten highly reputable national agencies. After narrowing the respondents from 10 to 4 finalists, MHS is proud to be working with RLPS & Witz Company, The Overlook’s Master Planning architects and development partners as of October 2022.

From restaurants to hiking trails to meaningful and enriching experiences, The Overlook is determined to enhance the way we age and engage. Excitingly, partnerships and developments have already begun! We now have a full-service veterinary clinic on Overlook’s Campus in Charlton and an affiliation with the National Innovation Center for Aging in Newcastle, England. The Overlook is now the first senior living hub/community of longevity in the United States!

The Overlook’s Master Planning process will also reinvigorate its Fund Development and Philanthropy Program. With the launch of a Capital Campaign to help raise funds for the project, we are already on the road to completion.

A successful Master Plan will ensure The Overlook’s long-term viability and ability to serve its Mission for years to come. The implementation of this plan will progress in two phases:

Phase 1

Phase 1 focuses on relocating and renovating, and will take 2+ years to complete. During Phase 1, we will be:

  1. Relocating Overlook’s Short Term Rehabilitation Unit to a more favorable location on the Charlton Campus.
  2. Renovating and increasing the units from 27 to 40 Private Rooms.
  3. Reducing The Overlook’s Long-Term Care Units from 112 Private Rooms to 78.
  4. Relocating and doubling the size of the Assisted Living Fieldstone Memory Care.
  5. Updating Stonebrook Enhanced Living.
  6. Updating the 1st & 3rd floors of Long-Term Care.

Phase 2

In conjunction with Phase 1, Master Planning Phase 2 will transform The Overlook beyond its singular Mission of serving older adults. Instead, we will be shifting to a multi-generational, mixed-use Campus! This involves creating a “Village Center” with numerous outlets for individuals of all ages. Here, they will be able to build and enjoy life through exciting amenities, services, and programs designed to positively impact lifestyle, health and wellness. We expect Phase 2 to take 5+ years to complete.

We encourage you to read more on our blog and reach out to us for a tour and more information at 866-753-5429!

MCSA is proud to have members like The Overlook in Charlton/Masonic Health System of MA, Inc. to benefit our seniors in any way we can.

See our other Business Member Spotlights on our News Page!

MCSA is proud to be affiliated with Masonic Care Community New York in Utica, Kew York to keep our seniors happy and healthy. Read more about our member spotlight of February.

Masonic Care Community New York

MCSA is proud to partner with Value First to keep our seniors happy and healthy. Read more about our business partner spotlight of February.

Value First: A LeadingAge Member Benefit

Value First is a group purchasing organization (GPO) that provides free, no obligation services for senior living communities. We help to reduce their operational costs through discounted pricing and rebates on food, medical, environmental and office supplies, as well as capital equipment. We are honored to be the exclusive GPO for Masonic Communities and Services.

Value First is owned by LeadingAge and 25 state affiliates. Value First was created by LeadingAge and is the only GPO that’s truly focused on serving the purchasing needs of LeadingAge members based on our extensive experience and knowledge of senior living communities.

As a free benefit for senior living providers, we will conduct a thorough supply chain cost analysis comparing their current monthly spend with Value First’s negotiated pricing.  We have contracted vendors in many categories including Food, IT, Maintenance, Medical Supplies, Landscaping, and Environmental Services to name a few. Click on the image below for a summary list of our current suppliers and distributers.

List of Value First Suppliers and Distributors

MCSA is proud to have partners like Groove Tech Solutions to benefit our members in any way we can.

See our other Business Member Spotlights on our News Page!

MCSA is proud to be affiliated with the Eastern Star Masonic Senior Living Community in Colorado to keep our seniors happy and healthy. Read more about our member spotlight of December.

The Story of Eastern Masonic Retirement Community

TMRC is a proud member of MSCA's many branches across the States.

Member Spotlight: the Texas Masonic Retirement Community

Meet our Member Spotlight of the Month, the Texas Masonic Retirement Center! With an expansive and comprehensive campus and plenty of programs to keep our seniors healthy, happy, and comfortable, we’re proud to have members like them. Read more about their No Mason Left Behind Project and about life at the Texas Masonic Retirement Community below.

Texas Masonic Retirement Community

Luxury High-Rise, Cottage Duplexes, or Cozy Apartments

At Texas Masonic Retirement Community, you’ll enjoy the finest accommodations with pricing and payment options to fit your lifestyle. We also offer a special Nursing Care Area to all qualified Texas Masons, relative of Masons, and affiliated Masonic Organizations.

All residents enjoy our expansive array of services including delicious meals, weekly housekeeping, onsite activities, offsite entertainment, shopping excursions, and more. All amenities and services are offered to every resident, regardless of the choice of living arrangements.

We’re proud to offer luxury high-rise living with a variety of floor plans for one-bedroom, two-bedrooms, and efficiency apartments. The high-rise buildings are conveniently connected by enclosed hallways to the dining area and community rooms. No need to get out in the weather to enjoy meals and activities with other residents.

We also offer a wide variety of apartments in our Historic Main Building. These cozy and convenient units are the most affordable option and provide direct access to the dining area and community gathering rooms.

Looking for a choice more like a personal residence? Consider our  Cottage Duplex accommodations. These homes are just steps away from the dining area and all activities–yet give you added options like a garage and patio.

For information on availability or to schedule a tour at the Texas Masonic Retirement Center, contact us at 817-275-2893 or send an email to [email protected].

No Mason Left Behind Project

The No Mason Left Behind Project helps provide comfortable and safe accommodations for older Texas Masons & their loved ones at Texas Masonic Retirement Community – ALWAYS.

We like to share stories of our residents helped by this program in order to help you understand the tremendous difference your donation makes for those who may be facing desperate poverty, unsafe living conditions, or other difficult choices. Read Judy’s story below.

Mother of a Mason Helped By Donations Like Yours – Health Problems, Cannot Live Alone, Unaffordable Housing

Judy, age 80, answered a phone call from her frantic daughter two years ago.

“Mom, I’ve called over and over! Your personal alarm paged me and an ambulance is on the way. What is going on?”

“I had completely blacked out,” explains Judy. “We figured out later that I had gotten up in the night, fallen, and hit my head on the shower door. Just before I became unconscious, I must have pressed my personal alarm button.”

However, the alarm service routed the ambulance to a wrong address. With directions from Judy’s daughter, first responders eventually arrived and transported Judy to the hospital. After a few days recovering from the ordeal, she learned the new direction her life would take.

“The doctor told me I couldn’t live alone any longer. It was just too dangerous. I looked into senior living in Florida. The prices were far beyond anything I could afford. Then my son, Charles Powell, a Master Mason living in Mansfield, Texas, said, ‘Well, mother, I know you need a safe place to live. Let’s see if we can get you into the Texas Masonic Retirement Community (TMRC). They accept relatives at no charge, if you qualify for eligibility.’ ”

With approval of her application, Judy moved into TMRC in November 2020. If she chooses, Judy may live the rest of her life in her cozy private apartment at no cost. This includes all meals, activities, medical care, and more.

“I’ve had two strokes since I’ve been here,” says Judy. “They’ve taken great care of me through it all.”

A woman of strength and purpose, Judy raised three children. She added to the family income as a waitress, cook, and in other food service positions. With her children grown and settled, Judy decided to see the world—as a semi-truck driver.

“I bought my own rig and worked as an owner/operator pulling 18-wheeler trailers up to 53 feet long. I drove in 48 states and Canada. People here love to hear my stories!”

Although she has significant health care challenges, Judy zips around on her scooter with a bright smile.

“I get up every morning and thank God I have place to call home. I go and I do. Tomorrow night we’re going to Cleburne for a Marananth meeting. It’s great living here!”

The No Mason Left Behind Project helps provide older Texas Masons and their qualified loved ones with all-inclusive 24 hour a day/7 days a week accommodations at Texas Masonic Retirement Community–including medical services and nursing care. The cost of these benefits exceeds $2.5 million annually.

Want to make a donation to the No Mason Left Behind Project?

You can use our secure online donation service or print out and mail in a donation form. We look forward to paying tribute to your kindness and benevolence.  A complete list of recognition awards and amenities is included at YourTMRC.org/donate.

MCSA is proud to have members like the Texas Masonic Retirement Center to benefit our members in any way we can.

Check out more of MCSA’s incredible Member Spotlights on our News Page!

Masonic Homes of California Named Top Short-Term Rehabilitation Center

Big news for Union City patients: The Masonic Homes of California has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s top short-term rehabilitation centers.

Established in 2016, the Masonic Homes of California’s Transitions short-term rehabilitation center is open in Union City to patients of all ages to recover following surgery, illness, or injury. The program’s highly qualified staff includes a dedicated registered nurse case manager assigned to each patient, plus an extensive interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, therapists, social services managers, and nutritionists. Specialized services are offered to patients recovering from orthopedic, neurological, and cardiopulmonary surgeries, as well as those who have experienced strokes.

Through the award-winning Transitions short-term rehabilitation program, the entire East Bay community is able to experience the world-class care that has defined the Masonic Homes for the past 125 years.

Read the whole article to discover the benefits of short-term rehabilitation at the Masonic Homes of California and reach out to an admissions coordinator at (510) 299-9144 today!

If you’re interested in what else is happening with the members of the Masonic Communities & Services Association, visit our News Page or contact us today!

MCSA is proud to be the sponsor of several members that benefit our senior communities, like Masonic Homes of California with their short-term rehabilitation care.

Three Pillars Senior Living Communities gives our residents a high-quality retirement living option, even if there's a heath condition.

Three Pillars Senior Living Communities: Expanding Every Day

Meet Our June Member Spotlight, Three Pillars Senior Living Communities!

Masonic Villages has a variety of different campuses across the US with specialties that serve our senior communities. Our Wisconsin Masonic Home’s Three Pillars Senior Living Communities span across Dousman, WI with 5 different residence centers that each focus on unique care plans. These centers include:

An Exciting Expansion

Just recently, it was announced that Three Pillars Senior Living Communities will be adding 8 new residence centers to their neighborhood in a variety of garden home, courtyard, loft, and villa styles centered around a Town Center. All living centers and residents will have access to the Town Center, which will include:

  • Casual Dining
  • Supper Club
  • Pub
  • Spa/Wellness
  • Performing Arts Center
  • Social Connection Spaces
  • Walking/Biking Trails
  • Fitness Center
  • Dog Park
  • Bark River Access

This campus expansion seeks to take the change in the needs of the retirement community in stride and meet them as they come with the same high-quality services delivered by trusted, compassionate staff and volunteers.

To learn more about the upcoming groundbreaking in the Fall of 2023, as well as the other recent modernizations and additions that have been made to the other existing neighborhoods, you can attend one of Three Pillars’ Informational Sessions or download their brochure via their website!

These healthcare-based living residence centers are part of the Masonic Community’s efforts to deconstruct the stereotypes surrounding age, care, and the options that are available outside of the traditional retirement living sphere. Learn more about Three Pillars Senior Living Communities on their website under their “Our Story” tab, with the History,News, and more at the click of a button!

Want to become a member of the Masonic Community? See about a membership!

MCSA is proud to be the partner of several retirement homes across the country, including Three Pillars Senior Living Communities in Wisconsin.

Join 3 Pillars Senior Living Community in their Memory Care Campaign.

Three Pillars’ Memory Care Campaign

Three Pillar's Memory Care Campaign is a great way to get involved in MCSA's mission to care for our senior communities.

With specialties across the board, Three Pillars’ Living Communities in Wisconsin has seen the growing need for memory and dementia care and is working hard to satisfy it.

Three Pillars Senior Living Communities’ exciting memory care vision is built around the continued evolution of dementia-capable spaces. Intentional at every turn, they aim to set a new standard of caring for individuals and families affected by dementia, which involves providing a full spectrum of holistic dementia care along with a strong sense of inclusion. They plan to change barriers and stereotypes surrounding memory care – how?

From their Memory Care Campaign Page:

“Three Pillars has developed a thorough, strategic plan to address the pressing need for more services, support, and programming for those affected by varying stages of dementia, along with their loved ones. The two keystones of this plan include:

  • Building three, new Residential Memory Care neighborhoods (with the opportunity to add a fourth). Each will serve 18 residents.
  • Establishing a Cognitive Resource Center to serve individuals and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Primary components will include memory care training, resource center, wellness and respite programs.

These additions, located close to a brand-new childcare center, walking paths, garden home neighborhoods, and our town center, will become a vital part of our Three Pillars campus. They will be thoughtfully designed for maximum social engagement, security, and cognitive stimulation.”

Learn all about Three Pillar’s Memory Care Campaign and what you can do to support them on their website page dedicated to the campaign.

The time to contribute is now, and Three Pillars is aiming to meet the need for specific dementia-related care in Wisconsin before the need becomes overwhelming – join them in their goal to be proactive and donate today! You can contact them on their website or find them in the MCSA directory for any questions or further discussion.

 

MCSA is proud to be the partner of several retirement homes across the country that specialize in memory care, including Three Pillars Senior Living Communities in Wisconsin.

From CNA to Management: A Journey Featuring Jobs in Senior Living

Follow along with a blog from the Careers department at Masonic Homes Kentucky about healthcare jobs in the senior living industry and the 4 factors you need to consistently climb the senior living ladder!

From Their Newsroom:

If there’s one thing to know about senior living, it’s that the industry is largely dynamic and ever-growing. It has dramatically changed over the last few decades going from the idea of only being skilled “nursing homes” – lined with sterile rooms furnished with hospital beds – to flourishing retirement, independent, assisted living and memory care communities; communities that foster dignity, independence, purpose and respect.

If you’re just beginning your journey in senior living, a community-level position may be the perfect fit for you! These positions would include NAs, dining servers, cooks, housekeeping, maintenance generalist, and others. There are leadership roles in these departments as well like hospitality manager, activities and/or life enrichment director, sales director, registered nurse (RN), certified nursing assistant (CNA), or even an Executive Director.

According to MHKY, here are a few steps to take personally that will greatly impact your professional growth and upward movement in your career:

Climbing the corporate ladder in senior living and care to a management position is a natural flow, especially in environments like Masonic homes and communities.

 

Read the full blog from Masonic Homes Kentucky on their news page!

About Masonic Homes Kentucky

Founded in 1867, Masonic Homes Kentucky’s aging care services include independent living, assisted living, personal care, rehabilitation therapies, memory care, skilled nursing care, home care, dialysis, medical clinic and child development. Its campuses are located in Louisville, Shelbyville and Northern Kentucky. For more information, visit www.masonichomesky.com!

If you’re interested in becoming a Masonic member, visit our Membership page today!