Author: Bailey Wallingford

The Time for Seniors to Sell Their Home is Now

If you have been watching the housing market and wondering when the right time to sell your home is, the time could very well be now. According the Wall Street Journal, the real estate market is still strongly favoring sellers. Because of the high demand for homes and the low inventory available, the real estate market is experiencing a boom. Home showings often come with a long list of interested parties and buyers are often offering over the asking price to beat out their competition.

This has created the ideal environment for older adults to list their homes on the market and move into a more manageable living accommodation by downsizing into an active retirement community.

Selling Your Home

When starting the process of selling your home, it is important to consult a realtor. While realtors will typically collect a commission on each home sale, they also bring valuable knowledge and experience to the table that often greatly outweighs the cost. The right realtor can provide you with insight on minor improvements that can be made to your home to increase the value and attract more buyers. A realtor will also manage a variety of tedious tasks including scheduling and hosting tours, speaking with prospective buyers, fielding offers, and ensuring all appropriate paperwork is completed. Having an expert oversee the tasks you are not familiar with can alleviate much of the stress that comes with selling a home.

Homeowners should collaborate with their realtor to review the most recent comparable sales in their area to ensure they are setting a fair price that reflects the market’s current mortgage rates and inventory levels. “It is important to price a home correctly when it first lists as the longer a home stays on the market, the steeper the price cuts typically become” says Veronica Dagher from The Wall Street Journal.

“So far, all homes sold within 30 days in 2023 had an average discount of 7%”, says Lawrence Yun, the National Association of Relator’s chief economist. “Homes on the market over 120 days sold with 16% off list price”. With the right pricing, the equity made on the sale of your house can provide you with even more confidence as you move into your new home.

Deciding Where to Move

One of the most common roadblocks homeowners encounter when deciding to sell their home is having a new place to live lined up. Because the real estate market is currently a seller’s market, finding a new home that is not only available but also within your budget can be tricky.

Fortunately, retirement communities such as Maple Knoll Village provide peace of mind knowing that the price listed for your desired living accommodation is exactly what you will pay. The cost of living at a retirement community is generally allocated into one monthly fee that includes the cost of rent, utilities, maintenance, housekeeping, as well as added services and amenities allowing you to meet your financial goals without having to worry about added HOA fees and other surprise expenses.

Maple Knoll Village, offers a range of villa and apartment floorplans ranging in size from 590 to 4,000 square feet. This wide variety of living accommodations ensures there is something for everyone. The dedicated Marketing and Residential Services team ensure that you will be well prepared for your move to the community.

Moving Into Your New Home

The moving process can be tedious, emotional, and stressful for anyone, especially those who have lived in their home for decades. By starting early and having a well-organized plan, the moving process can become less stressful and even enjoyable.

Maple Knoll Village has numerous resources to make your moving process as seamless as possible including helpful articles on downsizing and partnerships with locally trusted senior moving companies such as Moving Matters.

“In the moving industry, there is no typical day on the job. What I provide my clients with is the assurance that my 16 years of experience in both working for and now owning a small moving business has prepared myself and my team for just about anything” says Brendon Akey, Owner of Moving Matters.

“Because clients who are looking to move typically have different amounts of cherished furniture and items, the timeframe for jobs varies. Some jobs can be completed in a couple of hours and are priced according to the hourly truck and fuel rate. Other larger jobs may require more resources including the full turn-key operation of packing, moving, unpacking, and hanging art on the walls. Most jobs can be completed in one day and are priced accordingly.

No one job is like the next and for that, I provide all clients with a free consultation. I have had the privilege of moving some incredible people, which is why I love what I do.”

If you are ready to start the moving process or just want to learn more about senior living, please visit us online at www.mapleknoll.org or give us a call at 513-782-2717.

When it Comes to Sustainability, Where You Live Matters

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability is most often defined as the ability to exist and develop in the present without depleting natural resources of the future.

Why should living sustainably matter to you?

To put it simply, living sustainably should matter because our entire existence depends on the health of our planet. Natural resources allow us to enjoy many daily activities we take for granted such as breathing, driving our car to the grocery store, or even taking a shower. In fact, according to a Readers Digest article, if we ran out of energy sources such as water, oxygen, or fuel, there would be catastrophic consequences. These energy sources are nonrenewable meaning that they cannot be replaced nearly as fast as they are consumed.

Water

Water makes up about 70% of our planet’s surface, however, almost 95% of that water is unsuitable to be consumed due to it being confined to glacier formations or being polluted by industrial and agricultural waste. NASA has conducted numerous studies that have found that much of our freshwater sources are being drained much faster than they are being replenished. Increasing population worldwide, global warming, and urban development are three of the biggest culprits, yet, we as individuals are also to blame. The EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that each American uses over 80 gallons of water per day.

What can you do to conserve water?

While we are all probably guilty of unnecessarily wasting water at some point or other, there are simple changes we can make in our daily habits to help conserve water:

Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth
Install and use dual flush toilets in your home
Use a rain barrel to water your indoor and outdoor plants
Fix any existing leaks you might have. A leaky toilet can waste almost 200 gallons of water per day
Run the dishwasher or washing machine only when you have a full load and make sure you are selecting the right load size on your washing machine
Scrape dishes rather than rinse them before loading into the dishwasher
Be mindful of your water use and take shorter showers

Oxygen and Fossil Fuels

NASA has determined that oxygen levels have been declining for hundreds of thousands of years, and the main culprit of this decline is carbon emissions. Carbon emissions come from the burning of fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas. Over 80% of energy in the United States comes from fossil fuels, and if we continue relying on these fuels like we currently are, scientists fear we may be at risk of running out of them by 2060.

On top of the risk of running out of fossil fuels, the carbon that is released from burning these fuels combines with oxygen molecules in the air and creates carbon dioxide (CO2). This process traps the oxygen in the air, preventing us from being able use that oxygen to breathe. CO2 is also the primary culprit of global warming. According to MIT, global warming causes our oceans to warm up significantly. Which might not sound too terrible except for the fact that the warmer liquids like water become, the less dissolved gas they can hold. The less gas our ocean water can hold, the less dissolved oxygen is available for marine life to survive off.

What can you do to reduce your carbon footprint (the use of fossil fuels)?

Turn off lights and devices whenever they are not in use. Try to make as much use out of natural light during the day as possible
Use LED lightbulbs. Not only do these lightbulbs use less energy, but they also last much longer
Reuse or replace products that are produced by fossil fuels.
1. Avoid using disposable paper or plastic shopping bags. Instead opt for reusable fabric shopping bags
2. Invest in reusable containers for water instead of buying bottled water
3. Consider visiting a local zero waste store to explore different products you could be using in your daily life such as reusable towels to replace paper towels or beeswax sheets to replace saran wrap
Recycle plastics, paper, and aluminum whenever possible
Take public transportation, walk, or ride your bicycle if able to
1. If using a car is your only option, consider an energy efficient vehicle
You also might consider investing in solar panels for your home instead of solely relying on power from coal plants

Does it matter where you live?

The short answer is yes. When trying to live a more sustainable life, it is very important to surround yourself in a community that is also practicing living a sustainable lifestyle. In the near future, we can expect an increase in the number of senior living communities that will move towards significantly reducing their carbon footprint by living more sustainably.

Maple Knoll Village, a continuing care retirement community located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is already ahead of the sustainability game in many ways. The biggest strength our community has when it comes to sustainability, is community involvement and education. Our management team and residents recently formed a Sustainability Team dedicated to brainstorming ways they can create a more sustainable environment that will be enjoyed by many generations to come.

Residents have already begun implementing their ideas throughout campus including a shared vegetable and herb garden. While members of the resident community garden club are responsible for maintaining this garden, all residents are welcome to enjoy the produce grown. This not only allows our residents to reduce their carbon footprint by eating local, organic produce, but also provides opportunities for residents to get to know each other and socialize. Other resident efforts include educational pieces in monthly newsletters focused on recycling and daily changes you can make towards reducing your carbon footprint.

Our newest Coventry Court Villas earned the esteemed LEED Platinum Certification in 2020. This is the highest LEED (Leader in Energy and Environmental Design) level of certification available through the U.S. Green Building Council. This status was achieved by including these key design features: storm water capture & water efficient irrigation systems, energy star roof shingles and appliances, high efficiency gas furnaces, tankless gas water heaters, high performance E windows and doors, LED lighting fixtures, air tight building envelope with performance testing and continuous insulation, use of recycled and locally sourced building materials and roughed-in electric in each garage for optional electric car charger stations.

Plans for new construction at Maple Knoll Village feature green energy and sustainability at the forefront. As solar energy becomes more accessible and efficient, implementing solar panels and geothermal energy alternatives in new and existing construction is a high priority of the Sustainability Team as they continue to evaluate efforts towards creating a more sustainable community.

Sustainable communities like Maple Knoll Village not only provide a healthier living environment for residents but can also provide a more engaged lifestyle for residents offering them many opportunities to get involved and go green with their neighbors. A Harvard study found that the cognitive scores of residents residing in green communities were 61% higher than those that were not residing in green communities. Residents of these communities are also more likely to have a higher sense of purpose, fulfillment, and improved mental health.

Adopting sustainable practices, whether large or small, can have significant impacts in the long run. To learn more about Maple Knoll Village’s efforts towards becoming a more sustainable community and to schedule a tour of our community, contact us here.

Technology Allows Older Adults to Thrive at Award Winning Community

Maple Knoll Communities was recently awarded the Silver Anthem Award for Community Engagement and Responsible Technology.

Maple Knoll Communities has successfully implemented technology into the daily lives of our residents, creating a community that is engaged with and thrives off of technology. Recent technology innovations include Care Predict Tempo watches, virtual reality programs, a resident app, and regularly scheduled technology classes. The leaders of these innovations include Andy Craig, Chief Innovation Officer, and Mark Plunkett, Corporate Director of Information Technology.

Creating community wide engagement with technology is at the core of our Information Technology department and can be seen by our staff’s patient and positive dispositions. Residents enjoy regular access to the ServUS Technology Resource Center. This space is designed to introduce residents to new technology and help them find ways to integrate smart devices into their daily lives by receiving one-on-one help with their questions.

Monthly technology classes with small groups of their peers allow residents to feel confident and connected with technology subjects such as streaming services, social media, using smartphones, and the Resident App. All of these opportunities are designed to allow our residents to become more familiar with technology.

Engagement with technology is at an all-time high on our campus. By creating an environment that is positive and patient surrounding technology, residents feel more comfortable learning and trying new things. They are excited for and welcome any technology that allows them to thrive and enjoy life!

Learn more about technology about Maple Knoll Village here.

The Hemsworth Wellness Center Welcomes the Community Once Again

Located on the Maple Knoll Village campus, the Hemsworth Wellness Center has been a beloved wellness facility to residents for many years. Prior to the pandemic, the Hemsworth Wellness Center also served the Tri-County area including seniors residing in the Glendale, Wyoming, Forest Park, Springdale, Princeton, Sharonville, and Fairfield neighborhoods.

We are excited to announce that beginning today, March 1, the Wellness Center will once again be open to our friends in the surrounding neighborhoods with the return of the Silver Sneaker program!

The staff at the Hemsworth Wellness Center are dedicated to the overall health and well-being of all members. A whole-person approach is emphasized to personal health by encouraging members to develop, improve, and balance their entire well-being.

The Hemsworth Wellness Center is located at 11100 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45246. To learn more about class schedules, please visit our webpage or call us at 513-782-4340.

The Health Benefits of Swimming

Staying healthy and active can become more difficult as muscle and joint pain set in and range of motion becomes limited with age. Alternative exercises such as swimming are much safer and easier on the body. Swimming is an ideal workout for older adults, mainly because it presents little risk of injury and is low impact. Here are 3 health benefits of swimming for older adults:

Tones muscles while staying gentle on the joints. Every movement in the water engages multiple muscle groups at the same time. Aquatic exercises are a great form of resistance training that help tone muscles without the stress on joints typical full body workouts can present. Because swimming is not weight-bearing, it’s easy on the joints for those who suffer from joint pain or discomfort.

Increases flexibility. While stretching before and after exercising is a sure way to increase flexibility, the act of swimming itself can also help increase flexibility in your hips, legs, arms, and neck. Swimming lengthens the muscles in a way that can make your joints more flexible and help muscle recovery.

Improves mental health. Swimming is a great way to reduce stress levels and boost your mood. Swimming can be a relaxing, individual activity but it can also be a fun, active, and social activity. Water Volleyball is a favorite exercise of Maple Knoll residents that allows them to have fun and socialize while also working out.

Our extensive warm water aquatics program at the Maple Knoll Village Hemsworth Wellness Center is perfect setting for aquatic exercises.

Our dedicated staff provide personally guided warm water exercises that give residents the option of swimming or walking laps, floating or exercising on their own, or even participating in a guided class. The various classes within the program help residents improve range of motion, muscular strengthening, cardiovascular conditioning and endurance.

For more information on our state-of-the-art Wellness Center and pool, please call 513-782-2717.

The Importance of Involvement

Social involvement is important at any age, especially for older adults. Having an active role in the community adds purpose and meaning to their lives while also providing opportunities to build lasting friendships. Residents of Maple Knoll Village are encouraged to be as involved in the Maple Knoll community as they desire. Three of the biggest ways residents can be involved on campus include resident committees, social and recreational programming, and volunteer opportunities.

Resident Committees
At Maple Knoll Village, we believe that the best way to improve community life for our residents is by listening to the residents themselves. Maple Knoll residents have the opportunity to be involved in the Resident’s Council. This council is overseen by Erin Navaro, our Residential Services Manager, and is comprised of various committees focused on dining, safety, technology, hospitality, and activities as well as a representative from each neighborhood. Residents work with staff in these committees to provide suggestions and ideas to enhance campus life. These suggestions are reviewed at Resident Council and then passed onto administration.

Social and Recreational Programming
The amenities at Maple Knoll Village allow residents the freedom to be as active as they wish. Our 54-acre campus features a certified arboretum, walking paths, and gardens providing an outdoor sanctuary. Inside our main building you will find Main Street which is lined with the Bistro on the Green, the ServUS Technology Lab, Mane Street Salon, our 24-hour Marketplace, chapel, weaving room, and multiple spaces for resident gatherings. On campus you will also find a state of the art Wellness Center with a warm water pool and sauna, the Woodshop, shuffleboards, ping pong tables, and Cheers pub.

Each level of care at Maple Knoll Village has trained Activity staff dedicated to ensuring our residents live their lives to fullest. This can be seen through various planned social, cultural, and educational programs. Local entertainment from the community and area colleges are frequently brought in for residents to enjoy as well.

One of the most popular activities offered is the weekly “Wine ‘n Words” happy hour. Independent living residents come together to enjoy food and drinks, socialize, and even meet new people. Residents also have frequent opportunities to enjoy life outside of Maple Knoll Village by visiting the Cincinnati Zoo, attending Reds games, or enjoying a morning at the Symphony.

Volunteer Opportunities
Maple Knoll Village provides both residents and the outside community with many volunteer opportunities. Residents can volunteer on campus several ways including: assisting at the front desk, bartending for various social events and weekly happy hours, crafting projects for the community in the Woodshop, working in the Re-Run shop, or doing compassionate care visits in our Bodmann Skilled Nursing Pavilion.

Residents of Maple Knoll Village enjoy volunteering in the Montessori Child Center on campus which provides mutually beneficial intergenerational relationships between the seniors and children.

To learn more about socialization opportunities offered, check out our social media profiles on Facebook and Instagram @mapleknollvillage for an inside look at life at Maple Knoll Village or give us a call at 513-909-7935.

An Award Winning Community

With so many misconceptions surrounding senior living communities and older adults, many people view senior living communities in a negative light and look at older adults as having mundane, inactive lifestyles. The active, bright, and out-of-the box media presence of Maple Knoll Communities’ programs and services has helped to dispel these misconceptions regarding seniors through numerous national accolades this year.

Below is an exhaustive list of all awards won July 2021 – June 2022

Apex Awards
MKV Facebook & Instagram – Award for Public Excellence – Social Media Sites

Telly Awards
Happily Ever After commercial – Bronze Winner – Non-Profit
Life is Better with a Little Craziness commercial – Bronze Winner – Non-Profit
Life is Better with a Little Craziness commercial – Bronze Winner – Local TV
TKO I Still Got It commercial – Bronze Winner – Non-Profit

Davey Awards
Never a Dull Moment commercial – Gold Winner – Best Use of Humor
Never a Dull Moment commercial – Gold Winner – General Non-Profit
Never a Dull Moment commercial – Silver Winner – Best Videography

DotCOMM Awards
Virtual Reality commercial – Platinum Winner – Non-Profit
Happily Ever After commercial – Platinum Winner – Non-Profit
Iconic Movie Posters Remade – Gold Winner – Facebook
Iconic Album Covers Remade – Gold Winner – Instagram
14 Days of Valentines – Gold Winner – Instagram
TKO Uncorked and Livin’ It Up – Platinum Winner – Retirement Community Commercial
TKO Uncorked and Livin’ It Up – Platinum Winner – Non-Profit

Ava Digital Awards
Levels of Care booklet – Gold Winner – Content Marketing E-book

Marcom Awards
The Retirement Resource – Gold Winner – Print Media/External Newsletter

McKnights Tech Awards
Telehealth – Bronze Winner – Quality category for technology

Communicator Awards
Do Blondes Have More Fun? – Award of Distinction – Print Advertising
Kickoff Your Retirement Living – Award of Distinction – Newspaper Ad

W3 Awards
Virtual Reality commercial – Silver Award – Non-Profit
Virtual Reality commercial – Silver Award – Best use of visual effects/motion graphics

Viddy Awards
This is Where I’m Supposed to Be commercial – Gold Winner – Retirement Community commercial
Happily Ever After commercial – Gold Winner – Retirement Community commercial
Virtual Reality commercial – Platinum Winner – Retirement Community commercial
TKO I Still Got It commercial – Platinum Winner – Retirement Community commercial

Cincinnati’s Best of the Best 2021
Best Senior Rehab Center
Best Senior Living
Best Senior Care Facility
The Maple Knoll Montessori Child Center – Best Preschool

2021 Greater Cincinnati Non-Profit of the Year Awards
Best Assisted Living Facility

MKV Resident Inducted into the Senior Citizen Hall of Fame

For some older adults, retirement might mean taking it easy, traveling the world, and relaxing. But for Maple Knoll Village resident, John Anderson, slowing down was never a part of the plan.

John has always had a passion for helping others that began long before he retired. During his time working at Procter and Gamble, John participated in the creation of P&Gs technology help center which continues to flourish today. After many well spent years at P&G, John decided to kick off his retirement by immediately starting to work again, only this time, he wasn’t getting paid.

He became a “friendly visitor” volunteer for the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and has remained in this role for over 20 years. He has also spent a lot of time teaching illiterate adults to read through the Laubach Literacy program, assisted visually impaired older adults through local senior services, as well as volunteers with local Boy Scout troops.

In 2010, he made the move to Maple Knoll Village in order to receive extra care for his wife that had been diagnosed with Alzheimer ’s disease. As an individual who has spent a significant amount of time caring for his spouse, he has become a valuable and trusted resource among his peers in the community. He allows the nursing staff at Maple Knoll Village to share his contact information with others struggling to care for their spouse as he has been through it himself and can provide a unique perspective and support.

Additionally he serves as an intergenerational mentor with engineering and nursing students of the University of Cincinnati. He also regularly volunteers at the Maple Knoll Montessori Child Center by reading books to the students and spending time with them.

Recently, John was inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame to celebrate the many ways he continues to impact his community. This induction honors Ohioans that are over the age of 60 and go above and beyond to make their community, state, and nation stronger.

There is no one in the Cincinnati area more deserving of this award than John Anderson and we are so honored to have him be a part of our Maple Knoll Village community.

Award Winning Breese Manor Continues it’s Winning Streak

Having three meals a day prepared for you, resort-style amenities at your fingertips, and continuous recreational programming provided might sound like a dream vacation. But for the residents living at Breese Manor Assisted Living, this is just their daily life!

The goal of the staff at Breese Manor is to help their residents relax and enjoy themselves as much as possible. Assisted living care is often provided to older adults who want to maintain their independence, but need assistance with activities of daily living. Personal care assistants and licensed practical nurses conduct regular safety and wellness checks and each resident has access to an emergency call system providing them with confidence they need to live life to the fullest.

At Breese Manor, located at Maple Knoll Village, we believe that your golden years are your best years. And with all of their medical needs taken care of, it’s no wonder Breese Manor residents are busy being active and social. You will often find residents of Breese Manor skydiving or traveling to Venice via their Virtual Reality headsets, enjoying a glass of champagne while they receive a manicure, or trying out a new hobby like gardening or painting.

Breese Manor recently expanded services to residents with the addition of memory support services. The Memory Support Wing is specially designed for those with assisted living needs and memory impairments, such as Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Residents enjoy a setting that is as secure as it is comfortable featuring a dedicated entrance, nurses onsite 24/7 and individualized activities based on cognitive abilities. Our advanced monitoring systems allow the freedom to move about our common areas freely, while help is always just a moment away.

As a leading nonprofit assisted living community, Breese Manor is proud to be named as the Number 1 Assisted Living Facility in the Greater Cincinnati Non-Profit of the Year awards for the third year in a row!

Maple Knoll Village Launches Live Cooking Demonstrations

With the recent addition of our 24-Hour Marketplace on Main, Maple Knoll Village now has the space available to host cooking demonstrations for residents. Chris Jenkins, Morrison Living’s Assistant Director of Food Service, recently launched a new program for residents called Cooking with Chris.

In this new program, residents are able to attend a live cooking demonstration in which Chris will prepare and cook various recipes in the Marketplace. Each participant receives a copy of the recipes being prepared and can ask questions throughout the presentation. The best part? Residents get to enjoy all of the yummy food prepared after the demonstration!

View the August Cooking with Chris recipes here!

513.782.2717