Oklahoma Senior Journal PETS magazine - fall 2016 spring2017 by Robin Gunn

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FALL/SPRING 2016-17

Villagio...

Pet and Grandchildren

friendly!

Assisted Living & Memory Care

See page 52-53 INSIDE: Life without

compromise at Village on the Park. page 57

Valir HosPets: a pawwarming pet therapy program. page 54

Why not stay in your home with your fur baby instead of MOVING? page 58 50a

It's All About PETS and the People They Own ... ! ® 2016-17

Everybody’s PASSIONATE about something.... Your pets are our passion.....naturally! All Fur Paws is your one-stop shop for promoting a healthy lifestyle for your pups and kitties. 100% All-Natural Foods Choose from our extensive selection of 100% all-natural foods, treats & supplements.

Supplies Spa Products, Bedding, Toys, Bowls, Collars, Leashes & more!

Try our Self-Serve Dog Wash We provide everything except the dog...and the best part... we clean up the mess!

15220 N Western Ave, Suite E2 in Edmond (on the northeast corner of NW 150th & N Western Ave) (405) 348-6888

Open Mon. - Sat. 10am - 6pm 50b

The name has changed, everything else is the same!

It's All About PETS and the People They Own ... ! ® 2016-17

Valir HosPets Program Pet Therapy

HosPets is Valir Hospice’s pet therapy program. This paw-warming program began in 2005 and continues to grow in popularity. Since its inception, Valir Hospice patients have received thousands of visits and tail wags from HosPets volunteers and their guardians, including trained therapy dogs and miniature horses. Well-behaved animals, of many breeds and sizes that lend a calming presence are welcome to participate in HosPets. However, each dog must first successfully pass the Canine Good Citizen examination and the Therapy Dog International (TDI) test, which includes skills needed to interact with hospice patients such as maneuvering around walkers, staying at the bedside, and not jumping up.

Patients often benefit from pet therapy because they: • Experience a sense of comfort, warmth, and normalcy • Relax and release feelings of anxiety and depression • Focus on something other than their illness • Respond to a living touch • Feel motivated to complete tasks • Perhaps most important of all, look forward to the next HosPets visit!

To volunteer or schedule a time with HosPets, call us today!

(405) 609-3636 Valir Hospice Care | 405.609.3636 | valir.com 54

It's All About PETS and the People They Own ... ! ® 2016-17

We got your paws, beaks and tails covered! If you live in Oklahoma City or surrounding areas and need a trusted veterinarian to care for your pets – look no further. Healing Hands Veterinary & Wellness Center is a full service animal hospital offering services including:

• Vaccinations • Acupuncture • Chiropractic • Teeth Cleaning • Digital X-Rays • Spays and Neuters • Therapeutic Laser • We treat birds, exotics and Pocket Pets, too!

Call 405-525-2255 | HealingHandsVetCenter.com Veterinary Housecall Service

The Pet Food Pantry of Oklahoma City Monetary and pet food donations are needed!

W Visitors! Nothing feels better than being at home! That's why I provide vet services in the most comfortable environment for your pets. • annual wellness exams & vaccinations • minor illness & injury care • senior pet hospice care, euthanasia & aftercare arrangements

Waggin’ Wheels

“Helping your pets feel right at home”

Dr. Tracey Ann Alden 405.517.8399 www.wagginwheels1.com

Providing pet food to /ow-income seniors, veterans and the homeless.

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� www.pfpokc.org (405) 664-2858

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It's All About PETS and the People They Own ... ! ® 2016-17

Our Residents' care is our passion. We offer a beautiful home and caring staff and we are committed to exceeding your expectations in every way. • The Oklahoma City neighborhood you love • Close to Family • Daily activities and social programs

1515 Kingsridge Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73170 405-692-8700 www.rcmseniorliving.com

Facility ID #AL1412-1412

It's All About PETS and the People They Own ... ! ® 2016-17

Retirement is life as you know it, but better. Located in the neighborhood you love, close to family and days filled with possibilities. Our spacious cottages and apartment homes offer high-quality amenities and services for carefree independent living. If you need extra help with daily activities, our assisted living services and memory care neighborhoods ensure the continuum of care you deserve. Our park-like setting provides walking trails, landscaped courtyards and plenty of open spaces for you and your pet to enjoy. Our restaurant-style dining offers a variety of healthy flavorful menus. Enjoy companionship and courteous service at every meal. Feel free to invite your family and friends – they’re always welcome too! Village on the Park’s thoughtful, individualized care is here to help you live life well. We understand that no two people are alike and it’s our responsibility to design your own personal plan to deliver the right level of assistance and support while fostering independence. Our memory care provides a safe haven dedicated to the special needs of older adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Built upon a person-centered care philosophy we’ve designed a soothing, tranquil atmosphere that gives our residents a sense of security, comfort, dignity and well-being in a familiar home-like setting. From personal health assessments and individualized service plans, Village on the Park simplifies daily living and enhances your quality of life. CALL OR STOP BY FOR A VISIT TODAY. THERE’S SIMPLY NO BETTER WAY TO GET ACQUAINTED!

1515 Kingsridge Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73170 405-692-8700 www.rcmseniorliving.com

It's All About PETS and the People They Own ... ! ® 2016-17

Why not stay in your with your fur baby instead of by Vic Vickers

MOVING

because of aging?

Us older folks (including my 78 year old self) don’t like change... would you agree with me on that? I love my home and I’ve been living in it for over 24 years. It would take a pry bar to get me out of it. However, I’ve remodeled it several times (wife’s idea) to keep it updated and more accommodating to our needs. As we grow older, our needs change. Also due to circumstances, we may find ourselves in the need of: A wider door to the bathroom (older homes are only 24” wide and it’s impossible to get a wheelchair through it.) You even pretty much have to turn a walker sideways. Folks, if you cannot get yourself into the bathroom, you’ve got a BIG problem. Once in the bathroom, you may not be able to step up and into the bathtub. Wouldn’t a roll-in shower (See photo) with a bench seat be great AND MUCH SAFER! How about a shower wand (hand held) that adjusts up and down on a bar? Also, we’re going to need some grab bars strategically placed in the home as well. Lever door handles are also great as our hands become more arthritic and it’s difficult to twist a knob. Is a ramp necessary to get your into the house? We do those as well. Ramps don’t have to be out in front of your house for all to see as we can bring them into the back, the garage, etc.

Shower remodels for easier, safer transitions in and out are a popular service of Handymen R Us.

Also, as we age, we require about 60% more lighting. We’re installing a lot of ceiling can lights with LED inserts that not only help you see better but are more economical as well. What good does it do you to stay in your home if you can’t afford the utilities? Well folks, Handymen R’ Us is your go-to company to get these things done. Handymen R’ Us is a seven-time Angie’s List Super Service Award Winner! I’m founder, President and a graduate of the National and Oklahoma Home Builders CAPS (Certified Aging In Place Specialist) training as well as the Universal Design and Build Program. I’m also President-Elect of the Oklahoma State Remodelers Council and keep up my continuing education hours whenever possible. Handymen R’ Us is insured and bonded for your protection. We’ve served over 2,000 customers during our 24 years in business—many of those we serve time and time again. We do quite a few whole-house makeovers. We literally can re-do everything from the ceiling to walls, flooring, appliances, counter tops, bathroom and kitchen remodels, etc. Whether you are putting your house on the market or just remodeling, we can do it all! 58

It's All All About About PETS PETS and and the the People People They They Own Own... ...!!®® 2016-17 2016-17 It's

It’s said that the average Assisted Living facility costs around $50,000.00 per year. We can make a lot of changes to your existing home that will allow you to AGE IN PLACE! We can literally be your “One Source for All Your Needs” as “We Do Everything, (almost).” Our goal is to make your home safer, more secure, and beautiful! I’m also a pet lover – see picture below. When you contact us for a Free Estimate, mention that you’re calling from this article and that you’re also a Pet Lover, as I am, and we’ll give you a discount. Somehow, Pet Lovers are just special people and we want to reward you for that. We accept cash, check, money order, as well as Visa or MasterCard for payment, generally due AFTER the project is completed (except for major projects). There are many ways to contact us. First, I would encourage you to visit our web site and check us out – www.handymanokc.com. You can also e-mail us at handymanok@aol.com or call us at 405-670-1733.

Here’s a couple of my favorite testimonial letters Handymen R' Us has received from our valued customers:

FREE TO LIVE

TUARY A NON-PROFIT NO-KILL ANIMAL SANC EDMOND, OK January 28, 2013

Dear Friends: s Thank you so much for your generou build to ls eria mat contribution of labor and at ed valu , area age stor our office supplies use. d goo to area this put will We $946.91. h Your donation not only provides a muc supthe in s needed area for us, but help on our port of our dogs and cats by saving expenses. Sincerely, Annette Becker, Director of Business

“My husband had total hip replacem ent and the hospital would not release him surgery had a ramp or hand rails at our hom until we e. Our only son is out of state serving active duty with the US Air Force and I had no idea who to call or what to do. I said a short prayer before I calle d R Us and knew I would find an answ Handymen er. I called... and spoke with Vic Vickers. He was compassionate and gave me clear options of wha t could be done. Within 30 minutes, Jacob was at my home taking measurements and I had a firm quote within 45 minutes of my phone call. The ramp was completed when I came home with my husband the next day! Handymen R Us did what they said they would do, in the time limit we had agreed on and at the price they had quoted me. A is only as good as their word. It is a company joy to have found a company that I trust and can recommend to my friends.” —Pam Stottman Note from Handymen: Within a few weeks, we took out the bathtub and built a low curb shower for Pam’s husband, remodeled their Bath room, and did the same for her friend and neig hbor across the street. Pam’s prayer was great for us too!

CALL FOR A

Vic Vickers, Founder of Handymen R Us has many fur babies himself!

FREE ESTIMATE (405) 670-1733 Handymen R Us Visit www.HandyManOKC.com or e-mail at handymanok@aol.com © OKLAHOMA SENIOR JOURNAL 2016-17