Masonic Health Systems
Address: 88 Masonic Home Rd., Charlton, MA 01507
Phone: 508-434-2800
Fax: 508-434-2801
Website: www.masonichealthsystem.org
Number of Employees: Approximately 825
Top Executive: David C. Turner, Chief Executive Officer
Product or Service: Health care
Year founded: 1911
Raising the standards for health care
With people over 65 representing the country’s fastest-growing population group, Masonic Health System sees a lot of interest in its community of care.Located on 450 acres in Charlton, Masonic Health System serves people needing short-term health care, skilled nursing services or home care, in addition to many with no "care" requirements but who are just looking for a vibrant community to pursue their passions.
On May 1, 2006, the first independent living residents began moving into the apartments and cottages that comprise The Overlook Life Care Community. These people have access to several dining venues, an indoor pool and fitness center, performing arts center, chapel, library, computer and games rooms, and even a woodworking shop.
A recent calendar of events included a Las Vegas magician, a talk on Pablo Picasso, a Newport Rhode Island cruise, a performance of classical pianist Frederick Moyer and a day trip to Boston’s Arnold Arboretum.
"We provide a safe and secure environment that frees people from many of the headaches of homeownership," says David C. Turner, Chief Executive Officer.
This is not the typical image of 62+ housing. "A move to The Overlook exercises an individual’s mind, their zest for life and their physical health," says Patrick McShane, Vice President of Corporate Communications. "Some folks who move here are working on their continuing education, some people are working on their careers and others are working on their triceps."
The myriad of benefits translates into years. People who move into life care communities, live 2.5 years longer, on average, than an individual who chooses to not move to a community setting. "People who move to a community are far less likely to need skilled nursing care," says Turner. "We give them opportunities to eat nutritious meals, enjoy social interaction and find spiritual care."
Together with the new Life Care Community, Masonic Health System has other subsidiaries that span the healthcare continuum:
• Overlook Masonic Health Center, with 112 traditional long-term care beds, including a 39-bed dementia "memory care" unit, 27 short-term post-acute beds and 42 intermediate care beds, also known as enhanced living.
• Overlook Visiting Nurse Association, which cares for approximately 1,700 patients on a daily basis in their homes, reaching 60 percent of the state.
• Overlook Fitness offers specialized 55+ fitness programs to local communities.
The latest acquisition is a hospice service for southern Worcester County that serves the terminally ill both at home and in medical settings.
The goal? Seamless healthcare services through one agency, not a patchwork of providers.
After Turner’s arrival in 1999, Masonic Health System studied life care needs in Central Massachusetts. Since then, he’s literally rebuilt the model, replacing the former Juniper building, a traditional nursing home, with a new 112-bed facility. That opened in October 2003. "Pods," neighborly clusters of bedrooms, include activity rooms and nursing stations nearby. Down the hall, country kitchen-style eating is an option to the more formal dining rooms. "No trays and no endless corridors," notes McShane.
An "enhanced living facility" opened in February 2005, offering post-acute care and services for those who need some assistance in their daily living.
Masonic Health System is a charity of the Grand Lodge of Masons of Massachusetts, Turner explains. "We keep asking ourselves, how do we meet the full spiritual, social and psychological needs of the individual?" Turner says. "It is our responsibility to change the way we treat older adults."
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