Easy Living

Masonic Village at Sewickley resident Ron Piroli

Imagine waking up and choosing what to do with each minute of your day.

Since moving to Masonic Village at Sewickley, this is the new reality for Ron Piroli. Living at Masonic Village frees up residents’ time to do things they want rather than mundane tasks, like household chores.

Even more beneficial, Masonic Village frees them of worries.

A Lifecare community, Masonic Village offers a variety of amenities, engaging events and

convenient services, all just minutes from Pittsburgh.

The campus features a combination of retirement living apartments and villas. A centralized clubhouse includes a bank, convenience store, library, medical clinic, restaurant, grill room and salon. The Barley Wellness Center encompasses a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor pool and a hot tub.

Tasks like housekeeping, cooking and home maintenance are overseen by professional staff.

Instead of handling those chores, residents spend their days in the art studio, at lifelong

learning and social functions, on outings to nearby attractions and events and enjoying

entertainment, intergenerational programs or volunteering in the community.

Now Rather Than Later

Ron became familiar with Masonic Village while researching a place for his mother to move

about four years ago. Age 62 at the time, he was already considering downsizing his home as he accompanied her on a tour of the campus.

“I thought it was really nice,” Ron said. “I knew I’d eventually be moving here, too. I know it’ll

be easier down the road here.”

In the process of finding the best option for his mom, Ron found the personal care and nursing services at Masonic Village’s Sturgeon Health Care Center was the ideal fit for her.

Ron joined the wait list for a retirement living apartment at Masonic Village and knew if the

right one became available, he’d be ready. Ron selected an apartment that easily allows him to use the dog park with his dog, Maggie.

He lived in his previous home for 29 years and had been gradually reducing his household items for a few years. He sold his home right away and moved many of his belongings himself. For

him, the move was part of his strategy considering all potential stages of retirement and healthcare.

“It’s a very friendly place with a lot of outgoing people,” he said. “Having a dog has helped. I see a lot of people walking their dogs and going to the grill room. It’s been pretty easy to meet people.”

When Ron’s mother passed away last August, he saw firsthand the dedication of the staff and

the exceptional quality of care and services provided at the Sturgeon Health Care Center.

“I was very happy with her care,” Ron said. “The doctors, nurses, aides and therapists all did

great work. If you get sick or need assistance, you might as well go to the nicest place. If you

wait too long, you’ll end up going where you don’t want to.”

In appreciation of her care, Ron volunteers a few hours each week to help escort residents to

the beauty salon in the health care center.

“It helps the nurses,” he said. “It’s a little thing. I enjoying talking to the residents.”

Ron also saw an opportunity to volunteer delivering packages throughout the retirement living areas. As a part-time job he worked prior to his retirement, moving boxes was something he was used to doing, and he and wanted to get some exercise while visiting with other residents.

When he’s not volunteering, Ron likes to walk Maggie and ride his bicycle around campus and at nearby trails. He’s on the wait list for one of the campus garden plots.

“It’s easy living,” Ron said. “The responsibility of taking care of a house can get to be a hassle. All of that is taken care of here. It’s easier to do what you want and not have something hold you back.”

As a Lifecare community, Masonic Village provides an ideal combination of freedom and

security. If needed, retirement living residents can receive personal care and nursing services

for a modified monthly service fee. The Lifecare plan also affords residents potential tax

deductions.

As Ron and many other older adults have discovered, retirement living at Masonic Village

allows them to live independently longer, gain a level of cost certainty for health care, focus on their health and wellness, have a plan for future long-term needs and minimize caregiver

burden on their spouse or family members.

“The population is aging, and there will be more demand for places like this,” Ron said. “Don’t wait. You might as well make the move when you’re feeling okay. Nobody knows what’s going to happen in the future. Here, you’re taken care of no matter what.”

To learn if Masonic Village at Sewickley might be the right fit for you or a loved one, visit

www.masonicvillagesewickley.org or call 724-242-6060.