Spotlight Member Archives

United Methodist Homes and Masonicare Merge

Historic Milestone as Two Legacy Organizations Join Forces

[Wallingford, Shelton, CT] – On May 13, 2024, two of Connecticut’s legacy senior living providers announced their intent to join forces in a historic strategic alliance. Masonicare Corporation, Connecticut’s largest not-for-profit senior care organization and United Methodist Homes, Inc. (“UMH”), a 150-year-old organization with five locations in Connecticut as well as an active third-party management business, entered into an agreement to join forces through a carefully planned alliance designed to strengthen the delivery of care and services for the approximately 6,500 residents and patients in their care. Once concluded, this strategic union will mark a significant milestone in the history of both organizations and will set the stage for a new era of growth, innovation, and sustainability.

With a shared commitment to excellence and a rich heritage steeped in values, Masonicare and UMH will bring together a wealth of strengths, resources and expertise that will propel the unified organization to new heights. “By combining our complementary capabilities and talent, we will be poised to create a stronger, more resilient organization that is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of our residents, patients and stakeholders,” states Jon-Paul Venoit, President and CEO of Masonicare. “From our dedicated teams, to our cutting-edge technologies and extensive partner networks, we are confident that the alliance will enable us to deliver even greater value to those in our care.”

As part of the agreement, UMH will become part of the Masonicare family. Jon-Paul Venoit will remain as President and CEO of Masonicare and David Lawlor, the current President and CEO of the United Methodist Homes, will hold an executive role serving as Masonicare’s CFO and also President of its management/consulting services division. The alliance remains subject to, among other things, regulatory approvals and approval from the organizations’ governing bodies. The parties anticipate that the affiliation will be completed in early 2025.

“Our goal is clear: to harness the collective strengths, talent, and know-how of both companies to form one stronger, enduring, mission-based organization that redefines the standards of excellence in the field of senior living. We are excited to embark on this transformative journey and thrive into the future,” states Lawlor.

Upon consummation, the newly combined organization will work to integrate their teams, systems and processes in a seamless transition.

Both Masonicare and UMH credit their dedicated staff and visionary Board members with making this alliance a reality.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Ann Collette
Chief, Strategy
Masonicare
203-695-2799
acollette@masonicare.org

Masonicare

Masonicare is Connecticut’s largest not-for-profit integrated senior care continuum. With residential living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, senior behavioral health hospital, home health care, homemaker companion, and hospice & palliative care, Masonicare cares for nearly 4.500 patients and residents a day. For more information, visit them on the web at www.masonicare.org

United Methodist Homes

UMH is a 150-year-old organization which owns and operates five communities in Connecticut and also owns The Long Hill Company, a for-profit management and consulting firm with current operations in Texas, Oklahoma and Oregon. Together, UMH and Long Hill care for approximately 2,000 residents each day.

See our other Member Spotlights on our News Page!

MCSA is proud to be affiliated with Masonicare in Connecticut to keep our seniors happy and healthy. Read more about our member spotlight of April.

Historic Milestone as Two Legacy Organizations Join Forces

[Wallingford, Shelton, CT] – On May 13, 2024, two of Connecticut’s legacy senior living providers announced their intent to join forces in a historic strategic alliance. Masonicare Corporation, Connecticut’s largest not-for-profit senior care organization and United Methodist Homes, Inc. (“UMH”), a 150-year-old organization with five locations in Connecticut as well as an active third-party management business, entered into an agreement to join forces through a carefully-planned alliance designed to strengthen the delivery of care and services for the approximately 6,500 residents and patients in their care. Once concluded, this strategic union will mark a significant milestone in the history of both organizations and will set the stage for a new era of growth, innovation, and sustainability.

With a shared commitment to excellence and a rich heritage steeped in values, Masonicare and UMH will bring together a wealth of strengths, resources and expertise that will propel the unified organization to new heights. “By combining our complementary capabilities and talent, we will be poised to create a stronger, more resilient organization that is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of our residents, patients and stakeholders,” states Jon-Paul Venoit, President and CEO of Masonicare. “From our dedicated teams, to our cutting-edge technologies and extensive partner networks, we are confident that the alliance will enable us to deliver even greater value to those in our care.”

As part of the agreement, UMH will become part of the Masonicare family. Jon-Paul Venoit will remain as President and CEO of Masonicare and David Lawlor, the current President and CEO of the United Methodist Homes, will hold an executive role serving as Masonicare’s CFO and also President of its management/consulting services division. The alliance remains subject to, among other things, regulatory approvals and approval from the organizations’ governing bodies. The parties anticipate that the affiliation will be completed in early 2025.

“Our goal is clear: to harness the collective strengths, talent, and know-how of both companies to form one stronger, enduring, mission-based organization that redefines the standards of excellence in the field of senior living. We are excited to embark on this transformative journey and thrive into the future,” states Lawlor.

Upon consummation, the newly combined organization will work to integrate their teams, systems and processes in a seamless transition.

Both Masonicare and UMH credit their dedicated staff and visionary Board members with making this alliance a reality.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Ann Collette
Chief, Strategy
Masonicare
203-695-2799
acollette@masonicare.org

Masonicare

Masonicare is Connecticut’s largest not-for-profit integrated senior care continuum. With residential living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, senior behavioral health hospital, home health care, homemaker companion, and hospice & palliative care, Masonicare cares for nearly 4.500 patients and residents a day. For more information, visit them on the web at www.masonicare.org

United Methodist Homes

UMH is a 150-year-old organization which owns and operates five communities in Connecticut and also owns The Long Hill Company, a for-profit management and consulting firm with current operations in Texas, Oklahoma and Oregon. Together, UMH and Long Hill care for approximately 2,000 residents each day.

See our other Member Spotlights on our News Page!

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 care, skilled nursing, short-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:

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

See our other Business Member Spotlights on our News Page!

Masonic Care Community New York

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.

See our other Business Member Spotlights on our News Page!

The Ohio Masonic Communities

The Story of Eastern Masonic Retirement Community

November Brings Opening of New Assisted Living at NC-Based WhiteStone Community!

Masonicare Connecticut, founders of the ConnectCare Navigator Services, is a proud member of MSCA's many branches across the States.

Masonicare Connecticut: CareConnect Navigator Services

The challenges and complexities of the U.S. health care and senior services system are real. Trying to navigate the system during a difficult time in one’s life can add additional stress to patients, residents, and their families. To alleviate those pressures, Masonicare, our Connecticut membership branch, created CareConnect Navigator Services.

What are Masonicare’s CareConnect Navigator Services?

Masonicare’s CareConnect Navigator Services — a complimentary program — was designed to help guide you through the process of acquiring the care and services you need. Masonicare strongly promotes freedom of choice and gives recommendations so you can make the most informed decision about where you receive services.

Our CareConnect Navigator, Audrey Grove, can walk you through your financial commitments, insurance coverage and transitions of care. If your relative is the one who is entering the health care system, Audrey can help you understand where your loved one belongs in the array of health and wellness options.

Audrey has dedicated her career to working with older Americans as they transition through retirement and senior living. She facilitates support groups and coordinates a statewide educational program for seniors, working with community partners to help craft better resources and opportunities for them.

Who is Eligible for the CareConnect Navigator Services?

Like all Masonicare services, this program is open to all. From referrals and recommendations to education and support, the CareConnect Navigator is available to assist you with accessing the services, care and support you or your loved one needs.

What’s Next for Masonicare?

The MasoniCARECONNECT app is launching this September for residents in our Wallingford Independent Living community. The app offers streamlined access to the Masonicare continuum as well as the ability to easily take advantage of social and wellness programs.

Plans are already in place to expand the app to other locations/communities, as well as give access to families, employees and future residents.

In the meantime, you can contact our CareConnect Navigator directly at 888.332.0033 or via email at CareConnect@masonicare.org.

For information on Masonic Membership, visit our Membership page.

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 info@YourTMRC.org.

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.

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

Tag Archive for: Spotlight Member

Historic Milestone as Two Legacy Organizations Join Forces

Historic Milestone as Two Legacy Organizations Join Forces

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

About MHS

Persevering Through the Pandemic

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

Phase 1

Phase 2

Masonic Care Community New York

Value First: A LeadingAge Member Benefit

The Ohio Masonic Communities

The Story of Eastern Masonic Retirement Community

November Brings Opening of New Assisted Living at NC-Based WhiteStone Community!

Masonicare Connecticut: CareConnect Navigator Services

What are Masonicare’s CareConnect Navigator Services?

Who is Eligible for the CareConnect Navigator Services?

What’s Next for Masonicare?

Member Spotlight: the Texas Masonic Retirement Community

Texas Masonic Retirement Community

Luxury High-Rise, Cottage Duplexes, or Cozy Apartments

No Mason Left Behind Project

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

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