Ohman Family Fills Need for Senior Housing
By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA com
When maintaining the family home becomes a burden for Geauga County senior citizens and lifestyle changes are needed, homeowners have a new option that still allows them to live in a community.
Ohman Family Living at Briar in Middlefield Village is finishing construction of 24 single-story cottages this summer.
The 1,500-square-foot independent-living units, called The Cottages, are drawing the attention of many seniors and their families, though only the model is finished, said Anderson Ohman Jr., the real estate developer, during an interview in April.
Some seniors who looked at the street plan knew immediately where they wanted to live.
“They come in and say, ‘I want that one,’” he said.
Interest ramped up among the 55-and-older crowd when the model opened for tours, said Dawn Damante, director of market relations for OFL.
“They have a lot of questions. They want to see it,” she said. “People are excited to see (The Cottages) going up.”
The model showcases the open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, natural light, modern kitchens with high-end appliances, plenty of storage space, a one-and-a-half-car garage and two en suite bedrooms.
Plans include private outdoor areas for each unit, according to a press release.
Development of an active senior living community began nearly 10 years ago.
Anderson brought plans to expand OFL’s continuing care retirement community to the village planning commission in early 2016.
The proposal included consolidating four lots on the west side of North State Street across from the Briar Cliff Manor, now called OFL at Briar.
“We had to assemble all the land,” he said, adding the village was very helpful in creating one parcel for the infill project.
The project included three homes facing North State Street, built in the 1880s or 1890s, which were stripped down to the studs, renovated and are now occupied, Anderson said.
A fourth house had dirt floors and was past saving, said Joshua Wallace, the real estate agent and brother-in-law to Anderson Jr. and Christian Ohman. The model and driveway off North State now occupy that site.
Construction of the 24 single-story units started last summer and progressed, despite one of the worst winters in Geauga County.
Deep snow, low temperatures and frozen ground didn’t stop the Amish building crew, said Christian, OFL at Briar administrator.
“They worked through blizzards,” he said. Their efforts kept the project very close to schedule.
“Since we broke ground, we are less than a week and a half behind schedule,” Wallace said, adding the completion date is now expected to be this fall.
The Ohman family paid close attention to a survey of seniors regarding the design of the homes.
“One of the biggest things we saw in the marketing study was (seniors) wanted an ample garage and lots of storage space,” Anderson Jr. said.
Several large storage areas line the entry of the model, each en suite has a large walk-in
closet and the kitchen pantry is huge.
Centrally located in Middlefield Village, residents of The Cottages can enjoy a variety of activities. The Maple Highlands Trail, which extends north to Chardon and south to Swine Creek Park, is easily accessed and provides opportunities for biking or walking, Damante said.
The monthly fee, starting at $3,500, covers all utilities, including water, electricity, gas, Wi-Fi and streaming, as well as bi-weekly housekeeping and maintenance, according to the March press release, which added food service and wellness programs are optional expenses.
“The unique combination of affordable senior living and access to healthcare professionals will lead to more healthy days at home for the next generation of boomers. Pre-leasing for the first 12 units is available,” the press release said.
The rent was determined from a cost-ofliving analysis, and OFL urges seniors interested in a new home to consult with the company’s financial expert and find out how many monthly bills they won’t have to worry about, Anderson Jr. said.
The staff is also able to help Cottage residents if they have health issues, Wallace said.
Nurse practitioners will be available to make house calls and trips to doctors’ offices can be made in an OFL transit bus, he said.
“Our concierge support is invaluable,” Wallace said, adding the healthcare framework established to serve Briar will be extended to Cottage residents.
“Our lifestyle … is wellness-focused,” he said.
Seniors confused by all the health insurance nuances can talk to an advisor.
“We deal with insurance every single day,” Christian said.
The Cottages will provide multiple levels of care at a single location, allowing residents to stay in the same place as their needs change over time, according to the OFL website.
In-depth interviews of staff, current residents and their families were resoundingly positive regarding the OFL facilities’ standard of living, Christian added.
“Our quality rating on all levels of services are top-notch,” he said.
The population is aging and there is a shortage of age-appropriate housing, Wallace said.
“We’re addressing the problem in Northeast Ohio. There is a very limited amount of single-story homes for aging adults to move into,” he said, adding seniors who want to move in this summer should pre-lease soon.
“These cottages aren’t going to last long,” he said.
The units will provide a much more manageable lifestyle close to many amenities and, by forming a neighborhood within the village, seniors will feel safer and have more opportunities to socialize than if they were isolated in a large home on 5 acres, Christian said.
“It will be a community within a community,” he said.
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Damante at 440-321-2499.
Engage in Activities That Promote Cognitive Health
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Maintaining physical health as a body ages is an important consideration, and often one of the first things that comes to mind when people think about being healthy. Yet physical health is only one component of a healthy lifestyle; individuals also must pay attention to what they do to promote cognitive health.
A 2023 study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the National Institutes of Health indicated that some decline in cognitive abilities is a natural part of the aging process. Attention, memory, executive cognitive function, language, and visuospatial abilities all exhibit measurable declines with age, according to the study.
Just because some measure of cognitive impairment occurs as the years march on doesn’t mean that seniors are powerless against Father Time. Certain behaviors and activities can help improve cognition.
Physical activity
It is important to stay physically active, not only for the body, but also for the brain. Harvard Health says research shows when animals exercise regularly, the number of tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the brain increase. More oxygen can reach an area of the brain that is responsible for thought and help improve brain function. Exercise also lowers blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar, all of which can be beneficial to the brain.
portant to engage in behaviors that promote happiness and restfulnesss for mental health. Meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and activities that help a person smile and laugh can be good for the brain.
Participate in stimulating activities
Stimulating activities, like word games, gardening, dancing, or playing a musical in-
Read more often
Various studies indicate that reading can promote strong mental health. In addition to keeping a person entertained or informed, reading exercises the brain. There are new words to learn, new scenarios to imagine and locations to envision. Sharing a summary of what was read with others also helps work
the ingredients, putting the ingredients to gether, and producing the finished product all can work the brain. A person is reading, engaging in math, predicting the results, and utilizing the senses during the process of cooking.
Various activities can promote strong cognitive health and may help to reduce or delay cognitive decline through the years.
Discover the Care You Deserve at Meadow Falls
Formerly The Lantern of Chagrin Valley
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At Meadow Falls Senior Living, we provide more than just a place to live—we offer a warm, welcoming community where your loved one can thrive. Formerly known as The Lantern of Chagrin Valley, we are proud to continue our tradition of exceptional care under a new name that reflects our peaceful setting and commitment to wellness.
We specialize in Assisted Living and Memory Care, with personalized support tailored to each resident’s needs. Whether it's a helping hand with daily activities or compassionate care for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, our dedicated team is here 24/7 to ensure safety, comfort, and dignity.
What Makes Meadow Falls Special?
• Thoughtfully designed spaces for comfort and accessibility
• Engaging activities to promote mental and physical well-being
• Chef-prepared meals served in a family-style dining atmosphere
• Secure, nurturing memory care neighborhoods
• A true sense of community that feels like home
Let us show you how we’re redefining senior living—one smile, one connection, one moment at a time. Schedule your personal tour today and experience the Meadow Falls difference.
Visit us at MeadowFallsSeniorLiving. com or call Nicole at 330-472-3720.
Did You Know?
The benefits of exercise for seniors are innumerable. In order to get the physical activity they need, many older adults are turning to pickleball. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, wiffle ball and ping-pong into an activity that is drawing new enthusiasts every day. Fans often say that pickleball is the most fun racket sport they have played. With a smaller court than tennis and a lighter ball, pickleball is ideal for seniors who won’t have to worry about the sport being too high-intensity.
The Medical University of South Carolina says pickleball is the fastest-growing sport today, particularly among seniors. The 2023 Sports & Fitness Industry Association Report on Pickleball says pickleball has attracted 8.9 million U.S. players of all ages and fitness levels. The SFIA report notes that the 65+ age group accounts for the second highest number of participants.
A Senior’s Guide to Exercising Safely
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Exercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle for people of any age, including the over-50 crowd. Seniors may have been told by their physicians that exercise promotes heart health and is essential to maintaining bone and muscle strength as well as balance and flexibility. Joining an exercise class or a gym also can be a social activity that promotes interaction with others of similar ages and with shared goals.
Exercise is undoubtedly beneficial for seniors, but it is important for older adults to exercise caution when starting a workout regimen. Prioritizing safety can circumvent injuries that could waylay progress. Temple Health says that seniors can suffer overuse injuries, torn ligaments or cartilage, broken bones, and other physical problems if they do not embrace safe exercising strategies. Most injuries can be avoided when following these healthy habits and guidelines.
• Find an activity you like. Engaging in regular exercise helps you maintain a higher level of fitness compared to those who are sedentary. Maintaining a consistent exercise regimen ensures you won’t be starting over each time you stop exercising and have to build up again to your previous fitness level.
• Start slowly and then increase gradually. People hear “exercise” and they may think that translates to hours at the gym and high-intensity workouts. But general guidelines state older adults need about 2.5 hours
of aerobic activity per week, not each day. So exercising does not have to take as much time or be as intense as one might think. Combine aerobic exercise with activities that strengthen muscles.
• Warm up before activity. It’s important to get the body acclimated to exercise before each workout. Walking in place, doing arm circles and engaging in some gentle squats or lunges can prepare the body for what is to come. Stretch afterwards when ligaments and tendons are warmed up.
• Remember to stay hydrated. Touro LCMC Health says that older adults are at greater risk for dehydration because they naturally have less water in their bodies or take medications that increase risk of dehydration. Drinking enough water during exercise is key.
• Know your limits and adapt. A workout that is fine for a 30-year-old may not be the same for someone who is 60. You might need to embrace walking instead of running, or even swap lifting weights with using resistance bands or doing body weight exercises.
• Focus on some balance activities. Balance issues can cause seniors to fall and risk serious injury. Working on your balance may help to lower your risk of these types of injuries, and can be as simple as standing on one foot or marching in place.
Exercise is important for seniors, and finding ways to incorporate safe physical activity can promote good health throughout one’s golden years.
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Cardinal Physical Therapy Marks Nearly 14 Years of Healing in Chesterland
Cardinal Physical Therapy, located at 12656 West Geauga Plaza, is proud to celebrate nearly 14 years of service in Chesterland and Geauga County. With a deep-rooted commitment to personalized care and clinical excellence, Cardinal has become a trusted provider for physical rehabilitation in the region.
The longevity and success of the clinic are fueled by two key factors: the welcoming Chesterland and Geauga County community and a staff dedicated to continuous learning and clinical growth.
“The support we’ve received over the years has been incredible,” said owner Marie Szczyglowski. “And our team’s passion for ex-
panding their skills is what allows us to keep delivering outstanding care.”
The Cardinal team includes nine highly trained professionals, each bringing unique expertise to offer a comprehensive, collaborative approach to every patient’s recovery. From orthopedic rehabilitation to chronic pain management, Cardinal provides customized treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
Dr. Jennie Avsec, a valued member of the team, recently expanded her credentials and is now trained in dry needling, in addition to her existing certifications in Vertigo, Graston and Falls Prevention.
“I am so excited to be able to offer dry needling as part of my treatment toolkit,”
she shared. “Having multiple tools to address various diagnoses ensures I can provide real results for all my patients.”
Dry needling is a specialized technique that targets pain and movement impairments by inserting thin needles into muscles and trigger points. Graston, another advanced technique used at the clinic, involves instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to break down scar tissue and improve function.
One of the defining features of Cardinal Physical Therapy is its dedication to individualized, one-on-one care.
“We never treat every person with the same plan,” said Szczyglowski. “Every patient receives a treatment regimen specific to their injury or condition. That’s how we
ensure the best outcomes.”
Cardinal is currently accepting new patients and offers a broad range of services, including post-surgical therapy, sports injury recovery, vertigo treatment, balance training, and more. The clinic is staffed by licensed physical therapists with extensive experience treating both musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.
With nearly 14 years of dedicated service, Cardinal Physical Therapy continues to lead the way in comprehensive, compassionate care for the Chesterland and surrounding communities. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Cardinal Physical Therapy at 440-688-4186 or visit cardinalphysicaltherapy.com.
The Quiet Revolution in Aging: Why Home Care Is Redefining How We Age
When Carole, 85, fell and broke her hip, the prognosis was grim. Her family braced for what they thought was inevitable: a move to a long-term care facility.
Instead, with the help of an in-home caregiver, Carole returned to the home she’d lived in with her family—where her morning routine includes watching the birds outside her large window, listening to classic songs from her past and spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
These small rituals may seem insignificant. But for many older adults, the ability to maintain them is everything.
We are quietly living through a revolution in elder care. As the population ages, and as the shortcomings of institutional care become more visible, a growing number of fam-
ilies are turning to professional home care as a humane, flexible, and—in many cases—safer alternative. This is not merely a logistical choice. It is a cultural one, rooted in dignity and autonomy.
“At Cherished Companions, we see home not just as a place, but as a source of personal identity and autonomy,” said Douglas Wilber, president of Cherished Companions Home Care, the most award-winning home care agency in Northeast Ohio. “Our job is to support people to thrive by remaining who they are, where they’ve always belonged.”
Unlike assisted living or skilled nursing facilities, home care allows aging individuals to retain more control over the structure of their lives. It offers continuity of environment and of care through one-on-one assistance— factors that have been shown to reduce hospital readmissions, slow cognitive decline, and improve emotional well-being.
There’s also a practical dimension. Institutional care can cost over $100,000 per year. Home care is scalable: it can begin with a few hours a week and grow only as needed. In an era of rising healthcare costs, that flexibility is crucial for middle-income families.
Safety, too, is redefined at home. Fewer infections. Fewer falls. More consistent relationships. The familiar becomes the protective.
For Carole and thousands like her, staying home isn't just possible—it’s preferable. When Cherished Companions Home Care was brought in to help Carole she had a path back home. Due to this new model of care, aging no longer requires surrendering one's sense of self. In the hands of thoughtful, personalized support, how we age can be written on one’s own terms.
Three Tips to Stretch Your Retirement Savings
Cost-of-living has garnered significant attention in recent years and was one of the key issues surrounding the 2024 presidential election in the United States. That extra attention is warranted, as a recent Bankrate analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that consumer prices were 23 percent more expensive in February 2025 than they were in the same month in 2020.
Rising consumer prices have been a cause for concern among people from all walks of life, but retirees might be among the most vulnerable to such increases. Lacking a desire to return to the workforce or opportunities lucrative enough to make such a transition worthwhile, retirees may be looking for ways to stretch their retirement savings. The following three strategies may help seniors do just that.
1, Seek the help of a financial planner. Some seniors may see working with a financial planner as another expense at a time when they’re trying to cut costs, but such professionals can provide a notable return on investment.
Financial planners can help seniors currently navigating complex financial waters without a compass direct their resources toward low-risk vehicles that can grow wealth with the goal of ensuring a rising cost-of-living does not drain existing savings and leave seniors destitute. Even incremental growth can help combat inflation, and financial planners can identify options that promote growth while limiting risk.
2. Take up gardening. People from all walks of life have lamented rising grocery bills in recent years, but seniors are not helpless against rising food prices. The Economic Research Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates food prices will increase by 2.2 percent in 2025. Retirees are uniquely positioned to combat those increases, as many have the time and space to grow their own foods at a fraction of the cost of buying the same items at the store. Though gardening requires an investment of time (to learn the trade) and money (tools and a landscape adjustment, if necessary), it’s possible to recoup such initial costs rather quickly. A 2021 report on the website Greenhouse
Today estimated that a single tomato plant, which in 2025 typically can be pur-
chased for less than $10, can yield 20 to 30 lbs. of tomatoes, producing somewhere between 20 and 90 tomatoes (size of the tomatoes will affect total yield).
Grocery shoppers know that one pound of store-bought tomatoes is likely to cost around $5, give or take a dollar or two. In this example, seniors can save a substantial amount of money by growing their own food at home. Seniors can even join gardening groups where each member grows a particular food and then yields are shared among the group, leading to even more savings over time.
3. Request generic medications. The cost of medication is not fixed and is often vul-
nerable to changes in governmental policies. However, it’s fair to note that many seniors spend thousands of dollars per year on medication. Seniors can request generic alternatives to brand-name medications. The health care experts at Humana estimate generic drugs cost 80 to 85 percent less on average than brand-name drugs. That’s a considerable cost savings, and that advantage could prove even more significant if policy changes increase out-of-pocket medical costs for seniors in the coming years.
These three strategies can help seniors manage their money and protect their retirement savings in an era marked by a rising cost-of-living and an unpredictable economy.
Activities for Seniors With Limited Mobility
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Physical activity is a valuable tool in the fight against chronic disease and other conditions. Children, adolescents, young adults, and even men and women in middle age may not face too many physical hurdles when they try to exercise, but seniors are not always so lucky.
Aging men and women with mobility issues may wonder if they can reap the rewards of physical activity, and thankfully there are many ways to exercise even if getting up and going isn’t as easy as it might have been in years past. Sometimes referred to as “aerobic exercise” or simply “cardio,” cardiovascular exercise is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of physical activities that raise the heart rate and improve endurance. Seniors with mobility issues can look to various forms of cardio for inspiration as they seek to be more physically active without compromising their overall health.
• Walk your way to a healthier you. Walking is a form of cardiovascular exercise that is ideal for older adults with mobility issues because it need not be physically demanding and it’s safe to walk just about anywhere. Walking in a place such as a local park can be particularly good for older adults because they can take periodic breaks on benches if aches, pains or stiffness is affecting their ability to keep moving.
• Take up swimming. Swimming might be tailor-made for seniors with mobility issues because it’s a great workout and exercising in
water tends to be less taxing on muscles and joints. The Cleveland Clinic notes that swimming promotes heart health, strengthens the lungs, helps to burn calories, and builds muscle, among other benefits. And many seniors find swimming is just as fun in their golden years as it was in their youth, which means aging adults might not face problems with motivation when the time comes to get in the pool.
• Use an exercise bike or portable pedal exerciser. Cycling is a wonderful exercise but one that seniors with mobility issues may feel is no longer possible. If doctors advise against riding a traditional bike, an exercise bike or portable pedal exerciser can provide many of the benefits of cycling without as great a risk for accident or injury. A portable pedal exerciser can be carried to a park, where seniors can still spend time in the great outdoors, which is one of the most appealing reasons to get on a bike and go.
• Take beginner yoga or tai chi. HelpGuide.org notes that gentle yoga or tai chi can help to improve flexibility and reduce stress and anxiety. Though yoga and tai chi can provide as much demanding physical activity as individuals allow, beginner classes in each discipline don’t require much movement but do provide enough for seniors hoping to be less sedentary.
Even seniors with mobility issues can find safe and effective ways to be more physically active. Prior to beginning a new exercise regimen, seniors with mobility issues are urged to discuss activities with their physicians.
How to Determine if the Time Is Right to Downsize
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The phrase “bigger is better” has endured for quite some time.
Though it may be impossible to pinpoint precisely who coined the phrase, its lesson that larger things tend to be more valuable than smaller alternatives is appli -
cable in numerous situations.
But no adage is applicable to every situation, and in some instances people may find that bigger is not better.
Downsizing is an approach many individuals consider after turning 50. Parents who are empty nesters and others nearing retirement may wonder if the time is right to down-
size from their current homes.
Though that’s a strategy millions of people have adopted over time, the decision is not always so simple. Individuals over 50 who are trying to determine if downsizing is right for them can consider a host of factors before making a decision.
Emotional Attachment
Downsizing may be considered with cost savings in mind, but it’s important to consider your emotional attachment to your current home. Many homeowners over 50 raised their families in their current homes, and letting go of a property where so many memories were made can be difficult.
Homeowners who are not prepared to move on from properties that are meaningful to them and their families can consider additional ways to downsize their financial obligations. Downsizing is something many homeowners over 50 consider. Any decision regarding downsizing is best made after considering a range of variables.
Monthly Housing Expenses
Before downsizing their homes, individuals should determine just how much they’re currently spending on housing. Individuals who have fixed rate mortgages likely know the amount of their monthly mortgage payment, but what about maintenance?
Home maintenance expenses fluctuate,
but a careful examination of the previous 12 months’ expenditures can give homeowners an idea of just how much they’re spending to maintain their properties.
The number may be eye-opening, as Thumbtack’s “Home Care Price Index” released in the third quarter of 2024 revealed that the average annual cost to maintain a single family home reached an all-time high of $10,433. If such expenses are preventing homeowners from building their retirement nest eggs, then it might be time to seek alternative housing.
Real Estate Prices
Real estate prices have skyrocketed in recent years, which can be both good and bad for current homeowners considering downsizing. Many people who downsize look to move from a single-family home into a condominium, where maintenance tasks are typically handled by a homeowners’ association (HOA). Such communities typically charge HOA fees, which can be minimal or considerable. In addition, the price of condominiums has risen in recent years, with the lender New American Funding reporting in early 2024 that the median sale price of a condo reached $341,000. So homeowners who want to downsize their homes may end up taking most of the profit from selling their current properties and reinvesting it in a costly condo. Some may deem that worthwhile, while others may find the cost savings of downsizing in the current market are negligible.
Step Into Spring: The Season of Movement At Maplewood at Chardon
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There’s something especially uplifting about spring in Chardon — the fresh blooms, longer days and soft breeze that signal the season of renewal. At Maplewood at Char don, we believe this is the perfect time for older adults to embrace the outdoors and pri oritize movement in a way that feels joyful, restorative and accessible.
Staying active doesn’t have to mean strenu ous workouts. Even a gentle walk through our beautifully landscaped grounds can do won ders for both body and mind. Physical activity like walking supports cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, improves balance, and helps maintain independence. Just as import ant, time spent outdoors — surrounded by na ture and fresh air — boosts mood, eases stress and promotes a greater sense of well-being.
Springtime movement offers cognitive benefits, too. Studies show that regular phys ical activity increases blood flow to the brain, sharpening focus and memory. For our res idents, this might mean joining a morning garden stroll, participating in a group fitness class or simply enjoying a quiet walk with a friend along our scenic paths.
For those with limited mobility, we of fer thoughtful alternatives that bring the benefits of movement within reach. Seated stretching sessions, chair yoga, and sensory experiences—like time spent in our sunlit garden rooms — are all part of our holistic
At Maplewood at Chardon, we make it easy to stay active, engaged, and connected— regardless of the weather or mobility level. Residents can choose from indoor walking programs, outdoor activities or personalized
ual needs while fostering a vibrant lifestyle. It’s not just about movement; it’s about creating moments of joy, community and purpose. As the season awakens, so too can our energy and spirit. This spring, let’s walk,
Schedule a private tour today to experi ence how Maplewood at Chardon helps residents thrive—physically, emotionally, and socially—all year long. Call 440-285-3300 or visit maplewoodseniorliving.com to learn more.
