Judson at Home offers the support to allow members to stay healthy and safe at Home, with all the‘extras’ that cater to a lifestyle of convenience.

Dining with friends at Judson Manor one evening, Max Bunker and Tony Bianchi discovered much more than a delightful meal and good company. They hadn’t fully considered a membership, but when they learned about Judson at Home’s access to peace of mind and concierge services — transportation,dining, fitness, and care “just in case” — the idea of securing arrangements without moving from home was music to their ears.

The two continued to a performance at the Manor they were invited to attend, realizing that

membership could unlock a community of support and engaging social offerings.

 “We are not ready to move from our home, but we like the security of knowing there is a nurse we can call, a place we can go if we need rehab after being in the hospital, someone who can provide meals and a community with amenities we use all the time,” Max says.

Max is a professional musician and longtime University Circle United Methodist Church organist. Tony was the voice of WCLV Ideastream Public Radio from 1964 until retiring in 2001. For the last decade, the couple has resided in Bratenahl, with Lake Erie and Downtown views and conveniences they appreciate, such as a restaurant, spa, pool, and around-the-clock security.

But there were several gaps they wanted to fill. They weighed the what-ifs: What if one of them were hospitalized? What if they needed help with meals or laundry? What if they needed physical therapy or extra care support? Who would help? They proactively arranged care should health circumstances or lifestyle needs change. Plus, they liked the idea of accessing Judson’s enriching lifelong learning opportunities, cultural events, unlimited access to the Health and Wellness Center, personal training, and fitness classes. 

“It’s like a home away from home,” Max says. "Living is Easy."

Max and Tony became Judson at Home members about five years ago, shortly after they visited with friends. They quickly settled into a comfort zone. 

“We were sitting at dinner at Judson Manor last night, and we had at least four or five members come over to us, and we have had many invitations — it’s a real community,” Max says.

During the pandemic, they often took advantage of home-delivered meals. This is always an option, but lately, they prefer in-person socializing. Also a benefit: a range of dining venue choices, with access to South Franklin Circle’s Radius Restaurant in Chagrin Falls, along with Café Louise, Judson Park’s airy Overlook Dining Room, and their go-to tables at Judson Manor.

Max has even borrowed books from the Judson Manor library, and he will sometimes peruse the treasures in the lower-level resale shop. He regularly schedules massages at the Manor’s wellness center, and they both enjoy weekly Tuesday and Sunday musical performances. At the same time, Max and Tony attend most Cleveland Orchestra concerts, with University Circle attractions just steps away from Judson Manor, where they can dine before curtain calls. 

“If we decide to make a permanent move, the proximity to Severance Hall is convenient,” Max says.

Connecting to a Community Judson at Home membership provides Max and Tony with a sense of security so they can continue enjoying their lifestyle, knowing they have 24/7 support if they need it.

“It’s a comfort to have people who can come to your home, and Judson Manor is just 10 minutes away from where we live,” Max says. 

Trained caregivers work with Judson’s professional nursing staff so members can stay comfortable and safe in their own homes. Essentially, members gain freedom from handling life’s little details—and can use as much or little of Judson’s on-campus and Home-based services as they choose. Those include reminders, respite, physical therapy and exercise, hygiene, wellness, companionship, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and home assistance like laundry and housekeeping.Support extends beyond Home and Judson’s campuses. For instance, access to transportation services includes rides. 

“I still do most of the driving, but it’s there if we need it in bad weather or if something should happen,” Max says, adding that this came in handy when they were visiting New York City. “It’s like an Uber — you tell them where you want to go, and they pick you up.”

Aging in place looks different for everyone. Max and Tony, both 85 years old, are leveraging all the extras and sense of community Judson at Home offers, with a safety net of care on board should life introduce limitations down the road. They are paving a smooth path for life’s following chapters by establishing connections now.

“They know us, and that helps when you have to make the move,” Max says. “As we get older, that looks better and better, and then the transition will be turn-key.”