The intimate environment at Ohman Family Living at Briar means that seniors get more attention, engagement and loving support

By Mary Malik

Protecting ourselves and our families from Covid-19 is part of our daily lives. We wear masks, socially distance, avoid crowds and take all of the precautions the experts recommend for our protection and that of our loved ones. With our elderly population most vulnerable to coronavirus, assisted living communities like Ohman Family Living at Briar in Middlefield (formerly Briar Hill Healthcare Residence) are on the front lines of both care and prevention of this disease.

“Like so many assisted living communities, we, too, experienced a Covid-19 outbreak back in April,” says administrator Christian Ohman. “We gained control very quickly and have had no resurgence. We credit our success with suppressing this virus to our staff, our partnership with University Hospitals, and our proximity here to our skilled nursing facility and the resources they provide in terms of physicians, infectious disease specialists and clinical staff. It was their expertise and immediate availability that got us through the outbreak so quickly and successfully.”

The Ohman Family Living at Briar campus consists of a 30 suite assisted living community, independent living and a post-acute care skilled nursing facility.

“We have full-time respiratory therapists on staff to monitor and treat our residents,” says Christian. “And the nursing staff has undergone training in infection prevention along with adhering to all CDC precautions to keep everyone healthy.”

The staff is also keeping everyone active and engaged throughout these challenging times. Social distancing is standard in the dining room, and music, activities and wellness programs are all meticulously planned and executed with safety in mind.

“The fact that we have 30 suites helps with the social distancing yet still allows for an intimate environment where residents can interact socially while staying safe,” says Christian. “We never want to lose the community feel. It’s vital for our residents to stay mentally and physically active.”

Christian is just one of many Ohman family members who has been involved in this family business that started over 50 years ago.

“My grandfather started in 1965 with the intent of taking care of his brother who had MS,” says Christian. “He said at that time that he knew how he would want to be treated and what he wanted for his brother, so he created it himself. They had nine residents and provided nursing and regular full-time care in a small house. He and my grandmother lived in the converted garage apartment and it grew from there to where we are today.”

And where they are today is three communities in Middlefield, Huntsburg and Newbury, all born out of one family’s desire to take care of their own.

“We are the largest post-acute care provider in the county,” says Christian. “And, we have a contract with the Veteran’s Administration and care for many veterans, which is another family legacy we are proud of.”

The Ohman family is also proud of its ability to connect with your family, and help you make the transition into assisted living both emotionally and financially. Anyone who has considered assisted living knows that the financial aspect can be daunting, especially during current economic times. Ohman Family Living at Briar understands and has come up with some creative ways to help your family navigate the move.

“We have two options available,” says vice president Joshua Wallace. “One is a rate lock of $4,825 per month, with no level of care increases for the entirety of your stay if you move in by September 30, 2020. The second option is a technology package that will include an iPad along with an Apple TV-ready room so residents can easily access family, friends, physicians and anything else they desire.”

These options are just another way Briar management shows its commitment to finding meaningful solutions for families.

“Our admissions staff is extremely skilled in working with healthcare agencies, the VA, and others to access benefits and find financial solutions for your family,” says Joshua. “One positive outcome of Covid-19 has been the changes in insurance that now allow coverage for medical care received here at Briar, foregoing a previously necessary hospital visit for coverage.”

Everyone at Ohman Family Living at Briar strives for excellence in every aspect of care, from the food and activities to medical care and treatment.

“We put our residents’ needs first,” says Christian. “When you’re caring for the personal needs of another, that has to come from a place of love. Here, it does. We celebrate life no matter the stage you are in. As a family, we have built something here and our residents are a part of it. We couldn’t be more honored to care for them.”

Ohman Family Living at Briar is located at 15950 Pierce St., in Middlefield. For more information, call 440-632-5241 or check the websites BriarHillHealthcare.com or OhmanFamilyLiving.com.