News and Events
News & Events
Life Enrichment Blog
12 Pros & Cons of Home Nursing
Approximately 60% of people will require assistance with performing daily activities at some point in their lives, according to the Administration for Community Living. That’s no small amount! Indeed, determining the proper level of care for a senior when they need it can make life a lot easier on them, so how do you choose […] more...
What is Skilled Nursing Care?
When seniors need skilled care, it's good to know what to look for. So, what is skilled nursing care? Learn the definition, requirements, and more. more...
5 Big Perks of Care Partner Jobs
Care partner jobs offer career security and the opportunity to learn transferable skills, but the perks don't stop there! Discover a new career today. more...
5 Fast Facts: Palliative Care
If you or a loved one is facing a difficult diagnosis, you may have already been introduced to one or more of the 5 stages of palliative care. It’s totally normal to have questions about these stages, what they entail, and/or what to expect from an end-of-life treatment program in general. That’s why our calling […] more...
4 Pillars of Community Assisted Living
Independence should be the cornerstone of any quality assisted living community. At first glance, this may seem counterintuitive to some. Meemaw doesn’t need her independence… she needs dedicated care. That’s a common way of looking at it, but in truth, she needs both. A senior who moves into community assisted living is not giving up […] more...
Mount Vernon Mayor Visits With Seniors
There’s been a lot of fun and excitement at The Ohio Eastern Star Home recently, but a visit from Mount Vernon Mayor, Matt Starr, was particularly memorable. Marci Thomas, Director of Life Enrichment, says the seniors were “very excited to be able to meet the Mayor for the city of Mount Vernon.” Considering the mayor’s […] more...
6 Signs of a Great Senior Rehabilitation Center
Physical therapy is a crucial part of recovery for people of any age, but physical therapy for seniors can be especially important. Ensuring that a senior guest meets or exceeds functional outcome measures can help them regain their mobility and autonomy, which is obviously a really big deal. This is why it matters so much […] more...
Happy Veterans Day 2021
Sometimes a particular holiday can feel so weighty that you don’t quite know how to properly celebrate it. It’s a feeling that I suspect many of us get when reflecting on the sacrifices of our active and retired service members during the week of November 11th. A simple “Happy Veterans Day,” while certainly not a […] more...
What Is the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s?
Dealing with cognitive decline can be scary. Adding to the challenge are the facts that 1.) some of the language around dementia is easy to misunderstand. 2.) Things like discussing symptoms, establishing the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s, and researching similar illnesses… these don’t always take place until you or a loved one is experiencing […] more...
What is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes?
The difference between assisted living and nursing homes may seem like a matter of semantics. Don’t these terms basically mean the same thing? Well… not really. That said, it’s true that these terms are 1.) used interchangeably by many folks outside of the healthcare field and 2.) open to slight variation from organization to organization. […] more...
Music Therapy For the Elderly
When it comes to music therapy for the elderly, there’s a lot you can do. But before we get into specific examples and ideas, we want to briefly fill you in on some of the melodies that have been floating up and down our campus halls lately! Music Therapy Activities for the Elderly Providing great […] more...
The Best Assisted Living Facilities Are More Than A Fancy Room
When we opened OESH back in 1951, we started doing things a little differently. We believe that the best assisted living facilities do more than simply provide a nice campus and living quarters — they facilitate and build strong community bonds. Since community and relationships are so important to the way we do things, we’ve […] more...
5 Pros and Cons of Being a Caregiver for a Family Member
There are pros and cons to being a caregiver for someone in your own family. In an ideal world, we would all have the skills, space, and time to personally provide the very best for our loved ones, but life isn’t always so straightforward! Sometimes, through no failing of our own, providing the best for […] more...
Educating Care Partners on Being Community Builders
For those who may not know, The Ohio Eastern Star Home is a not-for-profit Eastern Star organization. As such, the freedom to flexibly invest donations into the care of our Elders and the education of our Care Partners is so important. Of course, our wishlist gives folks a way to donate and know EXACTLY where […] more...
Senior Isolation Has No Home Here
We’ve had our vaccinations, the summer is almost here, and we’re ready to get out and about! But what does the new normal look like? One thing that’s clear is we need to keep finding new ways to build community. If there was ever any question about it, the effects of isolation have become abundantly […] more...
Person-Centered Care for Elders
At The Ohio Eastern Star Home, we promote an approach to senior treatment that is known as “person-centered care.” This treatment method emphasizes a holistic focus on an individual’s wellness while also factoring their own feelings and thoughts on their health care experience into the equation. In a nutshell, we believe that our elders deserve […] more...
Our Top 6 Senior Activities
It will come as no surprise that our elders here at The Ohio Eastern Star Home have been busy. We have one lively campus! It seems like there’s always something going on. And as the weather starts to warm, our options for senior activities open up. We can’t wait! With that in mind, I thought […] more...
Bringing Out Our Inner Artists: Learning How to Paint On Canvas
Aside from all this wonderful summer weather as of late, there’s been another ray of sunshine on our campus… painting class! Watching our elders awaken their inner artists and release all that creativity has been an absolute joy. Painting For Seniors: Learning How to Paint on Canvas After the success of our Northern Lights painting […] more...
Why Pet Therapy is Extremely Important
Animals are an important part of many peoples’ lives. The companionship and entertainment that they provide can have wonderful effects on one’s mental and physical health. Animal interactions such as pet therapy have been shown to offer a number of benefits including reducing blood pressure, reducing stress, improving cardiovascular health, alleviating pain, and of course… […] more...
Centenarian Celebrations — Happy 101st Birthday, Marty James!
February 17th, 2021 — What a day it was for Marty James, celebrating her 101st birthday and loving life here on our OES Home campus. Marty will be the first to tell she didn’t want to move from her home in Apple Valley. She loved that home and it was hard to leave. Upon her […] more...
The Ohio Eastern Star Home 5th Annual Groundhog Day Celebration!
Welcome to the Ohio Eastern Star Home 5th Groundhog Day Celebration! Please welcome our Groundhog club! Tootsie, the cousin once removed of Punxsutawney Phil, will come out of her den and either see her shadow or see no shadow. It’s been a long winter so far with all the quarantine and curfews, so let’s hope […] more...
Northern Lights Paintings
Sharing an inner talent is with the people around you is one of the greatest feelings in the world. And it turns out that we have some real painters in our midst too. We recently had the pleasure of gathering our painting supplies for a virtual lesson in painting! Guided by our on-screen teacher, we […] more...
COVID-19 Vaccinations at OESH!
This just happened… 3…..,2…..,1…..! and it was over for husband and wife Jim & Nancy D. The only thing left to do was fist pump to the future! CEO, Michele E. joined in for the first of the Covid-19 vaccines being given here at OESH. Temperatures were taken for each person with our fancy machine, […] more...
Gingerbread House Contest
Sticky, gooey fingers…That’s what decorating a Gingerbread House all is about! A few of our independent living residents got together with our Director of Development, Diane, and when the icing had dried, they had all created some very unique and individual holiday masterpieces! Some of the ladies had never decorated a Gingerbread House before, and […] more...
Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest
These pictures tell it all. We went above and beyond the usual holiday decorations this year. Our Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest was lots of fun for our elders and staff. A virtual contest was set up in each part of our campus so we could all see and judge our favorite entries. Each Ugly Sweatshirt […] more...
Light-up Night
Since we couldn’t safely gather in our Community Room this year for the Lighting of our Christmas tree, we thought of another way to keep our annual Light-Up Night part of the holiday season! Taking the idea outside and hanging lights in our courtyards and lawns so every elder could see and enjoy the beauty […] more...
Happy Halloween from OESH!
Happy Halloween everyone! We are ready to Trick or Treat with our elders and eat some delicious candy. more...
Third Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest
Our Third Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest did not leave us disappointed! These creatively carved pumpkins made it tough for our judges to pick a winner. But we finally agreed that the Movie Theater popcorn and candy pumpkin — created and carved by the elders of the Hamilton Assisted Living — was our big winner. Bring […] more...
Doughnut Day!
When asked, “Would you like a homemade doughnut?” the answer was given with a smile and a mouthwatering, “You don’t have to ask me twice!” more...
Second Annual Slip-N-Slide Day
We can’t help ourselves, we love to have fun and enjoy the warm temperatures summer has to offer. This is our second year of gathering outside for a fun day of Slip-N-Slide. We had a few folks who had SUCH a great time last year that they wanted to go for a slide again. Some […] more...
Rastin Tower Lighting: Honoring Our Families with Red
The Ohio Eastern Star Home values the relationships it has with the families of our residents and guests. We are lighting up the Rastin Tower tonight in the color red because red denotes confidence. As the families of OESHome continue to show confidence in us, we are grateful. The love they display for their loved […] more...
Rastin Tower Lighting: Honoring Our Elders with Purple
The Ohio Eastern Star Home would like to recognize the residents of our campus. Purple is a color that represents wisdom, calmness, dignity, and courage. We think these words best describe our residents. It’s been a difficult time for all of us adjusting to a new standard of living. But in spite of all that, […] more...
Rastin Tower Lighting: Honoring Our Staff with Gold
The Campus of the Ohio Eastern Star Home is lighting up the Rastin Tower this evening with the color GOLD! Just like gold, our employees sparkle with courage and passion to keep our elders healthy and happy. Thank you to all our staff for adapting to the changes and additional roles we have all assumed […] more...
Apple Valley Lake: An Ohio Getaway
We are so fortunate to have a bus that can accommodate the social distancing needed for an outing. Times are tough, but we’re following guidelines as they emerge. If you could use a little ray of sunshine in all of this, maybe the joy of our Elders will cheer you up! We had an especially […] more...
The Dog Days of Summer
The Dog Days of Summer are here and our Dog Park is ready for the Shade Sails to be installed later this week! Lu is checking out the progress and ready for the landscaping and agility equipment to be put in place so she and her friends can play. more...
Memorial Day Parade
On Memorial Day we had the honor of watching a parade that the Gold Wing Road Rides Association put on for us. Patriotic music flowed from their speakers as the bikes and bikers — decorated in Red, White and Blue — rode around the OES Home campus. Memorial Day is a huge part of our […] more...
COVID Car Parade
The Mount Vernon community is the best! A simple idea for a car parade turned into a week-long show of support that gave our elders a chance to see their family and friends at a safe distance. So many loved ones drove by waving and holding signs of love and encouragement. It was such a […] more...
We may be stuck indoors
We may be stuck indoors until the weather gets warmer but we know how to make the most of it! Our Life Enrichment staff created this new and unique style of the game Hungry Hippo. We learned rather quickly that our elders are very competitive and rose to the challenge of trying to win! Silly […] more...
Hearing your loved one
Hearing your loved one’s voice is sometimes just not enough, seeing the smile on their face can make all the difference in the world. We are so thankful that our elders are embracing the window visits from family and friends and learning how to visit using Facetime and Skype. more...
BEATING COVID-19
We gave our staff an opportunity to BEAT the COVID-19! These homemade piñatas were a definite stress reliever for our staff. Some swung and missed but that didn’t discourage them from trying again and again until they made contact and did some major damage to the COVID -19 piñata. Each piñata was filled with sweet […] more...
COVID-19
The families and staff at OESHome will go to great lengths to make sure we share smiles during these days of isolation. We were blessed with a visit from a local church who gathered in none of our courtyards during the pouring rain to share their songs. Columbia Elementary School student made beautiful, colorful window […] more...
Punxsutawney Phil (aka Tootsie)
No Shadow ! The OES Homes Punxsutawney Phil (aka Tootsie) made her way out of her burrow on Ground Hogs Day to reveal NO SHADOW. We voted and majority agreed and all welcome the idea of an early Spring. We can find any reason to eat cupcakes too! more...
Christmas Holiday Celebration
Oh the joy of the Christmas Holiday!!! We know how to celebrate here at The OES Home. Food, family and friends along with a mini version of The Nutcracker was performed by some of the OES Home staff. The performance was a crowd-pleaser. After our holiday meal, everyone received their Christmas gifts. It looks like […] more...
Ugly Sweater & Gingerbread House Competition
We can get a little competitive around here, and we have lots of talent under our one big roof. Between the ugly sweater competition and gingerbread house contest, our Elders and care staff got pretty creative this year. We’re so grateful to our life enrichment team for keeping us busy and having lots of fun […] more...
Light Up the Night
The crowd gathered for our 2nd Annual Light-Up Night and then the count began…..3….2….1 Light it up! Santa arrived for photos and to spent some time with everyone and there so so many smiling faces! \ more...
2019 Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving was certainly a time to be thankful for family, friends and fellowship here at The Ohio Eastern Star Home, a celebration of the Holiday was held in the Gallagher Centre. Everyone was welcome by CEO, Michele Engelbach, and she gave a Thanksgiving blessing before our meal. Our very own OES Home Choir performed for […] more...
2019 Light Up Night
The Ohio Eastern Star Home "Light Up Night". Wednesday, December 4th. Lighting of the tree - 6:30pm. more...
Senior Slip and Slide 2019
The senior slip and slide has become a tradition here at the Ohio Eastern Star Home. The laughter and smiles below tell the story of a fun afternoon in 2019 — an afternoon that paved the way for more of its kind. Building a senior slip-n-slide to embrace that hot summer weather being such a […] more...
Campus Dog Park benefit
Kim Weitkamp, nationally awarded Singer Songwriter, Humorist and Storyteller offered to us a performance to benefit our Campus Dog Park (CDP). Her generosity stems from the care given to her father-in-law, Charlie Gum, during his stay with us almost three years ago; and the family’s love of dogs. more...
Staff Chili Cook Off
Nine entries! Doctor Wilson, aka Judge Wilson took the tasting just as serious as his medical profession, tasting 9 different chili recipes containing ingredients like peanut butter, white beans and some secret ingredients never to be shared by the chef. We did have a winner after lots of tasting and some chilies got a second […] more...
Elvis is in the House!
January’s birthday celebration started off with us being “All shook Up” by Elvis. He rocked the house with some of our favorite songs and adorned the ladies with his bright red scarves. Tapping our toes and clapping our hands wasn’t enough for some of us, so dancing did happen! If you missed this special celebration […] more...
Knox Pages Cover Speech by OESH CEO
Michele Engelbach, CEO of The Ohio Eastern Star Home talks at the Exchange Club of Mount Vernon and Knox County luncheon. Reporter Cheryl Spain of Knox Pages highlights what sets The Ohio Eastern Star Home Campus apart from other nursing homes. Read the full article from Knox Pages: knoxpages.com more...
Christmas Meal
On December 20th we all came together with some family and friends for a wonderful meal and entertainment. more...
Light up the Night with Santa
The pictures and smiles on these faces say it all. What a night to remember. more...
Tree Delivery
Let the Christmas season begin. Christmas trees, wreathes and table top decorations were delivered early in December for all of our residents who wanted one! Our campus boasts the beauty of Christmas after the delivery and all the festive holiday decorations were in place. This was just the beginning of a wonderful holiday. more...
Thanksgiving at Home
Wow, we have so much to be thankful for here at The Ohio Eastern Star Home–especially the Thanksgiving that just passed. Our biggest blessing this year was being able to sit down with our loved ones to enjoy a feast at our homes. We laughed about memories and shared heartwarming stories as we ate up […] more...
Veteran’s Day
What an honor and privilege to share this day with our Veterans here at OESHome. The program opened with the OES Home Choir singing and all attending recited the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the Star-Spangled Banner. The Armed Force Melody was played followed by TAPS and a Moment of Silence to reflect and remember. Our Medical Director Dr. Wilson MAJ, MC, USA and SRA Garcia presented all of our Veterans with pins and certificates honoring them and their service to our country. There were tears and smiles along with handshakes of appreciation and support. Dallas Waggle of Kindred-Hospice closed the program with God Bless America and a prayer. Thank you Kindred-Hospice for sponsoring this event. more...
Our Hard Work was SO Worth it!
We found out our baking and cooking skills are absolutely amazing, from the flaky pie crust to the tender turkey our meal was a very delicious one. The first day we conquered pie making, mixing, rolling and filling 12 pie pans with ingredient for Pumpkin and Pecan pies. The second day we made all our side dishes, our menu consists of REAL mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, deviled eggs, green bean casserole, jello salad, turkey, dressing, ham and gravy of course! The third day we sat back and enjoyed our homemade feast and each other’s company. We all gathered for a Prayer of Thanks and then we shared what we are thankful for, many said this meal and the friends they have made at OESHome. Most everyone finished everything on their plates and a few had seconds. All this was followed by the traditional Thanksgiving nap! more...
Miniature Horse Therapy
Pretty Boy lived up to his name during his visit at OES Home, the crowd went crazy over this miniature horse. Pretty Boy made his rounds receiving affection and some love from all of us. He was so gentle and seemed to enjoy all the fuss we made over him. It was therapeutic and all […] more...
Fall has Arrived
Our Pumpkin Carving Contest took place and each neighborhood along with the Assisted Living and Apartment residents teamed up together for a total of 5 entries. All the pumpkins were creatively designed and carved and displayed for our panel of judges. Although it was a tough decision, one pumpkin stood out more than the others. The Pumpkin Carving contest winner is..............Neighborhood Rose! Congratulations to everyone for a job well done. The pumpkins will be on display thru the fall holidays. more...
Halloween Competition
Grease is the word around our campus! Our costume competition was so much fun and the judges had a hard time deciding on a winner. After a good look around, it was decided that the winner was Rose Neighborhood with the outstanding décor and costumes. There were pony tails, poodle skirts, blue jeans and white […] more...
Spotlight
Spring 2022 Spotlight
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