LIFE PACE

BY ADRIAN ROLLE, LIFE PACE INTAKE MANAGER

LIFE PACE, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, is a comprehensive, coordinated senior healthcare program that uses a team approach to provide medical, social, nutritional, personal and home care services. LIFE PACE allows individuals in need of skilled care to remain in their homes or community setting while receiving the care they need. At the core of the LIFE PACE program is the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT). With LIFE PACE, you have a team of healthcare professionals working with both you and your family to ensure you get the coordinated care that you need. But what does that mean?

The IDT uses an integrated approach, where each of the team members actively works to coordinate care and services across disciplines, sharing each other’s knowledge and skills. This leads to a more comprehensive approach to assessing needs, as well as identifying specific strategies to meet those needs. The IDT then works with the participant and their caregivers to create a personalized plan of care, focused on what that participant needs most. The IDT, along with PACE providers, then implements that plan of care to provide care, support and services for the participant. This approach makes PACE much more adaptable than other care models.

If someone has a sudden change in condition – a fall with injury, or a stroke – changes in lifestyle may have to be made. They need additional support to get better, or may need more long-term solutions to continue to live independently. In traditional care settings, this usually leads to provider visits, then having to wait on referrals to home health, or skilled therapies. This is where the care of an IDT makes the difference. With all the disciplines already in place – home care, skilled therapies, nutritional support – the LIFE PACE participant is able to get care more quickly, care catered exactly to their needs.

Coordinated healthcare is the core of LIFE PACE. The common-sense proactive approach that the LIFE PACE IDT uses to provide medical care and support services helps keep people in their homes so that they can be near friends and family. As a welcome alternative to costly in-home or institutional care, LIFE PACE may be the perfect care solution for you and your family.

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OPERATION DOWNSIZING, continued from page 18.

“Every cabinet they go through has memories of kids and grandkids – 40 or 50 years of memories in their house that they have to figure out what to do with,” Willard says. “It truly becomes an emotional situation for everyone involved. We’re trained to know how to relate to people who have the emotional side or who have dementia/Alzheimer’s.”

If you’re not able to hire someone, then find a friend or family member who has time and will sensitively help you with the undertaking of downsizing.

2. START EARLY – If you have a plan to move in June, for example, then begin in January.

The process will inevitably take longer than you expected. Take it one room at a time, and take plenty of breaks. If you aren’t rushed, the process will be less stressful. “Take little bits and pieces. Don’t try to do it all at one time,” Willard says.

3. LIVE MINIMALLY – Sometimes downsizing isn’t planned. Sometimes quick decisions are required because of a change in a person's health. Willard suggests having the mentality that you could have to move or downsize unexpectedly. She discourages seniors from keeping items in their attics because they could become difficult for you to reach or move. She also recommends giving away or selling items that are not regularly used.

“When you gain more things, you should get rid of things in the meantime to balance it out,” she said.

4. HAVE FUN GETTING RID OF IT – Instead of dreading the actual act of downsizing, why not have some fun with it? Sometimes, older adults may be disappointed at the lack of interest their successors show in inheriting their treasured items. “People are saving up all these things to give to their family, but the people they’re leaving them for may not understand the value. Don’t be offended by the fact that your kids don’t want your things,” Willard said. One idea is to throw a downsizing party. You can set out all of the valuable items you think your friends and family may want and allow them to choose items.

Get started with these helpful resources.

When you’re in the trenches of downsizing, organization is key! As you go through each category, divide items into groups – definitely discard, maybe discard, not ready to discard, donate and throw away. You could use colored stickers to designate which group an item belongs to.

– Check with an accountant or tax person to find out what records need to be kept. Shred or recycle the papers you no longer need like old, canceled checks, magazine articles, catalogs, etc. Gather important papers like wills, deeds, medical records, military records, birth certificates, identification papers, etc., and keep them together in one place. Make sure a key friend or family member knows where they are.

2. Family Heirlooms – Includes jewelry, antique furniture, china and other items that someone will inherit. If there’s someone you’d like items to go to, make a list or give it to them now. If your family members are using your house as a place to store their memories, now is the time to pack them up and move them out. Your home is not a museum for old homework, clothes and other items.

3. Sentimental Items – These can be gifts, photos and souvenirs that you bought while traveling. Take a photo of items and keep that instead of the item itself. Perhaps you could record memories of the trip on your phone or camera.

4. Charitable Contributions – Gather musical instruments, clothing and books that you might take to a nonprofit or give to a friend. Many charities pick things up, or you may know a particular group or person who could use the items.

5. Trash – Professional mover Sharyn Willard suggests that an estate sale professional should check out items first to determine if they have value. If not, call the city to arrange for an extra trash pickup and say goodbye!

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Brady Heights is one of the earliest built neighborhoods in Tulsa. Architects and builders used elements of Queen Anne as well as other styles, houses built on a larger scale and of a more sophisticated design than those of adjacent neighborhoods.

Queen Anne style was popularized by English architect Richard Norman Shaw in the 1860s. The style was oddly named, having nothing to do with the 18th Century reign of Queen Anne.

After World War II, tract homes were built to provide for the families of returning servicemen. One of the more easily identified tract home developments in Tulsa is Lortondale, located near 26th Street between Yale and Darlington Avenue in what was considered south Tulsa at the time.

Lortondale homes were designed by Tulsa architect Donald Honn and built by developer Howard Grubb. They were the first spec homes to be built with central air conditioning as a standard feature.

On June 27, 1980, Brady Heights became Tulsa’s first district to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

These mid-century modern homes with extremely low-pitched roofs and open floor plans were some of the first of their kind in this part of the U.S. They were priced at $12,750 to $16,650.

Ranch-style homes became very popular in the 1950s. Homes in Tulsa's Ranch Acres sold from $25,000 to $100,000 in 1954 when “lower price” homes were in the $6,500 to $9,000 range. The neighborhood near 31st Street and Harvard Avenue is named for the ranchstyle architecture the subdivision features. The one-story ranch house is a mix of historical precedents and an adaptation of ideas from several sources, including Prairie style.

Ranch-style was created by architect Clifford May and is a domestic architectural style originating in the United States. The ranch-style house is noted for its long, close-to-the-ground profile and wide open layout.

Wedgwood near 21st and Yale is another example of 1960s ranchstyle homes.

The area bounded by Cheyenne to Elwood, between 15th and 17th Streets is the Stonebraker Heights Historic District. Providing additional variety to the district is that even the houses classified as the same style are not identical, thus the Stonebraker ARCHITECTURE STYLE FAST FACT Heights Historic District is a unique expression of period architecture in Tulsa. This piece of true architectural history was built by worldrenowned architect Bruce Goff at age 16. As one of Tulsa's real estate treasures, this Prairie School-style Stonebraker Heights home has retained it's historic character over the last 101 years.

Dominated by the Bungalow/Craftsman style, the district also contains a notable percentage of Prairie School and Colonial Revival style homes.

Significant construction of residences in the Yorktown district began in 1921 and nearby Gillette the next year with Bungalow/Craftsman style the majority. Tudor Revival style gained popularity in the late 1920s.

Craftsman is an architectural style, inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, beginning in the last years of the 19th century. It began the movement away from Victorian style.

Historic neighborhoods such as Yorktown and Gillette represent windows of time that are architecturally homogeneous for that period of Tulsa’s history.

Between the censuses in 1960 and 2010, the City of Tulsa population moved further east and south. Modern architectural styles derived from the ranch-style, such as two-story split-level and the low, flat-roofed contemporary emerged.

A split-level home has staggered floor levels. There are typically two short sets of stairs.

Further residential developments and in-fill projects include large “McMansion” style homes, a Neoeclectic or Neo-Colonial creation from mix-and-match decorative details.

When the Frisco Railroad line came to Tulsafrom Vinita in 1882, the city’s population was about 200 people. The City of Tulsa was incorporated in 1899. The 1900 U. S. census reported a population of 1,390. In 1901, wildcatters and investors floodedinto the city and the town began to take shape, an official survey was done and streets laid out. Neighborhoods began to spread out from downtown Tulsa. As the population of Tulsa grew, neighborhoods developed to the west, east and south.

Population of the newly incorporated Tulsa

1910 CENSUS: 18,182 Population growth during first oil boom

1920 CENSUS: 72,075 The City sees a big growth spurt with second oil boom in early statehood

1930 CENSUS: 141,258 The Roaring ‘20s and annexation spurs growth

1940 CENSUS: 142,157 Great Depression slows city’s growth

1950 CENSUS: 182,740 Oil and aviation industry bring prosperity

1960 CENSUS: 261,685 Many buildings lost in period of urban renewal

1970 CENSUS: 330,350 Continued, slow growth and construction

1980 CENSUS: 360,919 City goes through oil bust years

1990 CENSUS: 367,302 Recovery years are aided by factory and tech jobs

2000 CENSUS: 393,049 City leaders urge investment in infrastructure, downtown area

2010 CENSUS: 391,906 Downturn in economy stalls expansion

2020 CENSUS ESTIMATE: 401,190 Tulsa attracts new residents with Gathering Place, revitalized downtown area

hey are the experts when it comes to home inspections, repairs, mortgage lenders and insurance. They are realtors, and their priority is helping you find or sell your home. Meet two of Oklahoma’s long-time realtors and hear their stories of buying and selling.

Sally Carter moved back to Tulsa from Boston as a young, single parent in the late 1970s. She was a teacher, but a teacher’s pay in Oklahoma wasn’t cutting it, so she began looking for a better paying job. “I did secretarial work for my parents who owned The Martin Company Realtors,” Sally explained. “After editing some commercial contracts, my father, Jack Martin, suggested I take the real estate class so I’d have a better understanding of real estate law.” Sally sat for the broker’s exam a couple of years later.

In 1984, after Tulsa experienced the Memorial Day Flood, Mayor Terry Young hired Sally to negotiate the purchase of 350 homes the Corps of Engineers had marked for removal. That project took more than a year. While she was focused exclusively on buying flood houses, her mother took up golf and her father delved deeper into the oil and gas royalty business, so Sally moved her license to Tulsa’s Walter & Associates where she remains to this day.

In 2002, Lori Cain was offered a job to prepare a website and marketing materials for a small, start-up real estate brokerage. In February 2003, she took her real estate test and got licensed. “The job didn’t really work out, but by then, I was bitten by the real estate bug – and I just started selling,” Lori said. Today, Lori is with eXp Realty, a cloud-brokerage with close to 40,000 agents worldwide.

All agents remember their first sale – and there is always a story. Lori remembers her first.

“It’s a sad story. A woman was selling her home because her husband was years behind on child support, and she just had her hours cut at her job. She cried all over my listing paperwork,” Lori recalled. “I felt so sorry for her and wanted to make everything better. When we finished the paperwork and I returned to my car, I burst into tears, thinking ‘what have I gotten myself into?’ I learned a valuable lesson that day about compassion.”

When asked what keeps her going, Sally talked about homeownership as the best road to personal wealth. “Through the years, there have been dramatic changes in the economy with interest rates as high as 18-20%, stock market crashes, etc., but people still

need a place to live so I tackle those challenges, figure out how to make it work for buyers and sellers,” she said.

“Economics aside, it is the joy I feel when I find a house that wraps its arms around the buyer, offering them solace from our crazy world, a neighborhood where people care about and look out for one another. I’ve received gifts, flowers, thank you notes and the ultimate compliment of referring me to friends and family.”

Because all real estate agents are independent contractors, they are their own bosses, which can have advantages. “Being able to schedule my work so I could attend Little League games, school plays and other activities with my son was a huge incentive to me. After he went to college, I began to travel. This kind of freedom doesn’t pay the bills, so you have to be disciplined, a self-starter and save for a rainy day (like quarterly taxes, health insurance & retirement),” Sally explained.

Lori loves the fact that you truly get out of real estate what you put into it.

“We can make our own hours and choose to work when we want – which may be 18-hour days or two-hour days! No ceiling, no limitations – you work for the goals you’ve set for yourself,” Lori said.

Let’s face it, not all showings over the years can be perfect. From the unexpected to high emotions to embarrassing occurrences to emotional situations – anything is possible.

“In a gated neighborhood with a guard on duty at the gate who assured me the house was vacant, my clients and I walked into the bathroom where a well-known public figure was showering! Talk about a hasty exit! I found out later he was a frequent house guest who had his own key to use when the owners were out of town,” Sally recalled.

There is a reason that realtors choose to stay and work in the area. From the world-class ballet company, symphony orchestra, theater, outstanding museums, performing arts venues and beautiful parks, Tulsa is increasingly attractive to potential homeowners. The city has a lot to offer – from interesting neighborhoods and unique homes to a rich history and genuinely friendly people.

“Fortunately, our housing market is pretty affordable for people of all ages and stages of life,” Sally said. “Tulsa is a medium-size town with a big city vibe.”

“Tulsa is a diverse community with something for everyone. It’s a great place for any demographic,” Lori said. “There are some beautiful areas in our city that I would like to see restored."

Treetops does not discriminate against individuals with handicaps.

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“Active adult communities simply provide more carefree living with an appropriately designed residence linked to active recreation, entertainment and continuing education – as well as proximity to healthcare, fitness and other community services,” said Bradford Perkins, architect and author of “Building Type Basics for Senior Living.”

Active adult communities can Cohousing is a particular kind of simply be a conveniently located neighborhood with intentional community. age restrictions for residents, You live in a close-knit or they may offer an array neighborhood where you know your neighbors. It’s of services similar to a a neighborhood that cruise ship. Demonstration you can lean on. kitchens, tennis and – Suzy Sharp pickleball courts, travel clubs, spas and workout facilities are often included. They may Baby Boomers also offer facilities for swimming, horseback riding, a walking track or a golf course. Like-minded residents can band Redefine Senior together to play Bunko, ride their Harleys or start an investment club. It’s all about lifestyle, and Boomers are setting Living Trends the pace. Active retirement communities promote maintenance-free living with easy access to shopping, entertainment venues and travel opportunities. Florida continues to be a BY JULIE WENGER WATSON dream location for many retirees with no state income tax, a cost-of-living around the national T hey’re known as Baby Boomers, and they make up about 25% of almost every state in the country, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Born in the time of prosperity following World War II, ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES Ready or not, Boomers are coming – and they want more from senior living communities, seeking amenities that support an active lifestyle. In response, even traditional average, no tax on retirement income, and, of course, the weather. Some Florida communities resemble small cities with different residential styles, communal buildings and activities directors. around 73 million Baby Boomers are now in retirement communities have upgraded their Age-restricted communities must have at their mid-50s to mid-70s. They’ve spent their services with chef-prepared meals, concierge least one person over the age of 55 in at least lifetimes redefining how the country works services, and opportunities for travel, exercise, 80% of homes, according to the Fair Housing and recreates – and now they’re redefining life hobbies and a variety of social activities as Act. Age-targeted communities are marketed during retirement. part of the offerings. With an emphasis on to people 55 and up but aren’t limited to those hospitality, many senior communities are also homeowners. Be sure to check specific rules

when considering an age-restricted community as some limit how long grandchildren can visit. They generally don’t provide home health care but may have a referral network should it become necessary for residents. Search for active adult communities at www.whereyoulivematters.org.

“Smart-sizing” is a popular trend when it comes to living choices. As opposed to “downsizing,” which can imply compromise or loss, smart-sizing embodies simplicity and enjoyment – finding the perfect space for your lifestyle needs. The idea of having a smaller mortgage, less responsibility for yardwork and maintenance and fewer bathrooms to clean can have a lot of appeal to retirees who have moved repeatedly in their careers and don’t mind embracing change.

Meyers Research, a housing research firm located in California, reports smart-sizing isn’t just about square feet but is about a home that’s designed with the owner in mind. Construction should be affordable, focus on areas where residents spend most of their time, and use glass and light for spaciousness. Smart-sized homes are generally described as energy-efficient with a smaller building footprint and a minimal outdoor area to maintain, according to the research firm.

Smart-sized homes generally include smart technology as well. Baby Boomers are also leading the way in choosing homes that use technology to monitor and control a variety of systems remotely and with voice commands. Smarthome technology is becoming more prevalent in the form of lights, thermostats, appliances and security systems.

This technology can even reach into areas of health monitoring, with everything from wearable apps to telemedicine. Pria, a Black & Decker product, is a medication manager that provides alerts at med times and two-way video calling to help keep long-distance caregivers informed. Other technology can help monitor health conditions and detect changes that cause concern.

Voice-activated devices such as Amazon’s Alexa can be ideal for helping an older adult use convenient services like ride-sharing programs and grocery delivery. More importantly, voicecontrolled security systems mean help is just a voice command away. Smart appliances can remind you when maintenance is due, and sensors are available to detect leaks before the damage becomes apparent. Video doorbells allow remote screening of anyone who comes knocking on the door.

Cohousing communities are described as people living together in neighborhoods designed for both community interaction and personal privacy, according to the Cohousing Association of America. Residents live in private homes but can easily interact with each other. Common spaces may bring them together for meals and

Future residents of Heartwood Commons Cohousing Community break ground near 71st Street South and Riverside Drive in Tulsa.

other activities like gardening. People attracted to cohousing generally have a wish to share their lives and work collaboratively with others. It may be particularly appealing to single adults but is attractive to many married couples as well.

Oakcreek Community in Stillwater was the first cohousing community in the state. It began with a group of eight households of people who wanted to retire in Stillwater but couldn’t find the housing they wanted. They found a site and worked with an architect to design a plan of private homes in four different sizes and remodeled an existing home to become a common house for meals. It opened to the first residents in October 2012.

Tulsa is now getting its first cohousing community. It came about after group of interested adults toured Oakcreek in the spring of 2016 and were inspired to move forward with cohousing plans. Four years later, the group broke ground near South 71st Street and Riverside Drive for what is now known as Heartwood Commons.

The 55+ cohousing community will eventually include 36 private homes built around shared spaces. The purpose of cohousing communities like this one is to foster connection. While households have independent incomes and private lives, community activities are collaboratively planned and managed with neighbors.

“Cohousing is a particular kind of intentional community,” said Suzy Sharp, the point person for Heartwood’s marketing and membership team. “You live in a close-knit neighborhood where you know your neighbors. It’s a neighborhood that you can lean on.”

Sharp and other future Heartwood residents have all had input into the development of this community, something Sharp says is unique about cohousing for seniors.

“They are involved in deciding what the community will look like, what the houses look like, what kinds of common amenities the community wants, and how the community is going to live together,” she explained.

While residents own their homes and are responsible for their electric bills, property taxes and homeowners’ insurance, some expenses are shared, similar to a Home Owners Association.

“It’s common for cohousing fees to include things like water, sewer, trash, and even cable and Internet,” Sharp said. “You share common expenses, and the other thing that’s included in them is money that goes towards a long-term savings account, or reserve account, to cover major replacements like roofs, dishwashers in the common area, etc.”

Although the community doesn’t provide levels of health care to its residents as a multi-level facility might, the homes are designed for “aging in place,” and residents can hire any in-home help that is needed.

For Sharp, cohousing is all about the community.

“I’m looking forward to living in a place where I can walk out my door and run into somebody with whom I want to have a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine, with a good conversation,” she said.

For more information visit www.heartwoodcommonstulsa.com.