Classic/Vintage Oklahoma City Photos: Memories from the '50's, '60's, '70's and '80's

by Judie Schwerdtfeger

Whether you're a baby boomer or senior citizen (I meant "slightly more mature" Oklahoman) you probably have some great memories of growing up in Oklahoma City and elsewhere across the area. I thought I'd put together a collection of Oklahoma City photographs showcasing landmarks and fun spots that people who grew up in the 1950's and 1960's may enjoy.

And folks in their 40's - who came of age in the '70's and '80's - here are a couple for you, too.

Feel free to share this page on your Facebook or other pages, and if you have any photos you'd like to share, post them to my Facebook page here or email them to me. I'd love to include them in another blog post like this I'll do in the future.

Springlake Amusement Park

Brown's Department Store

I Specialize In Real Estate & Downsizing Help for Adults 55+ Who Are On the Move

Thumbs Up to You if You Saw "Footloose" in 1983 at the Winchester Drive-In

We Love Our Chicken Fried Food in OKC

Ever Enjoyed a Big Bevburger?

Midwest Theater

Bonus Points if You Shopped at Penn Square Mall in the '60's or '70's

You're Very Cool if You Saw the Flaming Lips When They First Formed in OKC in 1983

Paseo Plunge in the 1950's

Baseball: The Oklahoma City 89'ers Diamond Girls in the '80's 

My Featured Oklahoma City Condos for Sale

How Oklahoma's New CARE Act Will Help Family Caregivers of Older Adults

by Judie Schwerdtfeger

I'm proud that the state of Oklahoma has stepped up and is leading the way in efforts to help family caregivers provide better care for their loved ones.

You may have heard about the recent enactment of the CARE Act, the Oklahoma Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable Act. The three main points of the law will:

Require a hospital or rehabilitation facility to record the name of the family caregiver when a loved one is admitted for treatment.

I Specialize in Real Estate Services and Home Sales for Seniors on the Move in Oklahoma

Require the family caregiver to be notified if a loved one is going to be discharged to another facility or released to their home.

Require hospitals and rehabilitation facilities to provide explanations and in-person instruction about medical tasks that the family caregiver will need to provide at home, such as transferring a person out of their wheelchair, giving them medications or caring for wounds.

This is a massive way to help family caregivers from Edmond to Yukon to Moore stay up-to-date with the care their loved one is receiving. After all, in many instances, the caregiver doesn't always attend every doctor's appointment or therapy session.

The Oklahoma CARE Act will help family caregivers ensure quality treatment for their parent, spouse, or grandparents and will perhaps allow some older adults to remain living in their own home (age-in-place) for a longer period of time.

As a Certified Senior Housing Professional (a real estate agent in Oklahoma City who specializes in working with older adults and their family caregivers) my job is about more than simply selling an Oklahoma house for an older adult. My task is to advise seniors and their families on all of their senior housing options. If that means they can stay in their own home longer, then awesome.

Read More About the Oklahoma CARE Act

The Oklahoma CARE Act goes a long way toward helping elders and relieving the large levels of stress on family caregivers.

If you're an older adult and need advice on the many complexities of selling an Oklahoma City house late-in-life or if you're a family caregiver who requires assistance in selling a family home for your loved one and arranging for their move to new housing, please feel free to contact me for advice on senior housing options and how best to proceed.

My Featured Oklahoma City House for Sale

Edmond, Oklahoma Business Review: Bradford Village Senior Retirement Community

by Judie Schwerdtfeger

When I help a senior real estate client or their caregiver family in Oklahoma City or Edmond sell a house and prepare for the older adult's move to new housing, it's my job as a Certified Senior Housing Professional to help them find the proper senior housing and prepare for all contingencies - financial, logistical, and otherwise.

I Specialize in Real Estate Services and "Downsizing" for Oklahoma Seniors On the Move

So, of course, I stay up-to-date on the many different senior retirement communities across the area.

Bradford Village in Edmond, Oklahoma is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) that offers multiple senior housing options including assisted living, independent living, and skilled nursing care. Visit my website here for more information on what these - and other - senior housing definitions mean.

Visit the Bradford Village Website

Owned by the national company Brookdale Senior Living Solutions (you may have seen their national commercials on TV or in print) Bradford Village's entry fee plans provide healthcare and Assisted Living benefits at locked in rates. From a further financial perspective, they offer several, different financial packages and purchase plans.

Senior housing at Bradford Village Retirement Community consists of independent living cottages in 11 different floor plans ranging from 802 square feet of living space to more than 1,500 square feet.

A 360 Degree Virtual Tour of Bradford Village

Meanwhile, residents who require skilled nursing care - either as short-term rehabilitation or on a long-term basis - receive that care in a specialized setting at Bradford Healthcare Center, which is located on the same campus and accomodates up to 113 patients. Here, their goal is always to help patients avoid the feeling that they are in an institutionalized "nursing home" in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Otherwise, across campus at the independent living cottages, residents receive freshly prepared breakfast and lunch Mon through Friday, but are on their own - independently - for dinner throughout the week and for all meals on weekends. Just like all independent adults. They also are provided Fitness and exercise programs, Housekeeping, Scheduled transportation services, Daily cultural, social and/or educational programs, outings or events, Lawn Service, Emergency pull cords, Total maintenance (preventative maintenance inside and out of the cottage), and Therapeutic care when requested.

See Their Floor Plans Here

Here's what those who require Personalized Assisted Living receive:

Three nutritious, freshly prepared meals daily
Snacks and drinks provided throughout the day
Nurse available 24 hours a day for residents’ convenience or in case of emergency
Health and wellness services
Cable TV
Diabetic care
Emergency pull cords and pendants
Fitness and exercise programs
Housekeeping and linen services
Incontinence care
Personalized care
Special diet accommodation
Therapeutic care
Scheduled transportation services
Daily cultural, social and/or educational programs, outings or events

If you are a senior or the family caregiver of an older adult in Oklahoma and need help or advice on selling your house and then preparing to downsize and move to a smaller home - be it a retirement community, nursing home, or "mother-in-law cottage," please feel free to contact me for a no-obligation chat.

Mustang, Oklahoma House for Sale: 

My Review: Moore, Oklahoma Retirement Community Chateau on the Green

by Judie Schwerdtfeger

In my role as a Certified Senior Housing Professional, part of my job is to be aware of the different options in retirement communities in the Oklahoma City area. After all, when a senior client or their family comes to me for help in selling the long-held family home, it's vital that I be able to guide them and offer overall assistance in finding the perfect place for the senior to downsize and call home.

I Specialize in Real Estate Services for Oklahoma City Adults 55+

As such, I'll use my blog here to fill you in and offer some basic information on some of the top senior housing communities across the Oklahoma City metro.

Chateau on the Green is a retirement community in Moore, Oklahoma that offers housing options for older adults as young as 50+.

Intended as a "first option" for older Oklahoma adults who require no assisted care aside from yard and home maintenance, it's essentially a community for independent adults who long to do away with the hassle of home maintenance and upkeep. Residents of Chateau on the Green enjoy independent, cottage homes that really do exemplify the epitome of "downsizing" - a trend that more and more folks are appreciating every day.

Visit the Chateau on the Green Website

The cottages come in three floor plans and are nestled across five acres of manicured grounds that include a walking track which circles the homes and pond. Residents also enjoy access to the clubhouse which may be reserved free of charge for larger family gatherings and includes a library, full kitchen, and TV.

The second community, Chateau Court, is located near Chateau on the Green and features duplexes of 1,250 square feet, each with two bedrooms, two baths, and a two car garage.

By the way, Chateau on the Green was recently voted "Best in Senior Living" in the 2014 Moore Monthly's "Best of Moore and South OKC" poll.

Congratulations!

As an Oklahoma City real estate agent who is also specially trained as a Certified Senior Housing Professional of the Seniors Real Estate Institute, I provide information and assistance on downsizing, retirement housing, and the many variable that come into play when a senior adult is faced with the need to sell a home.

I'll be happy to get together with you for a no-obligation chat. Contact me here at any time.

 

My Featured Oklahoma City House for Sale: 821 N Peniel St, Oklahoma City, OK 73127

Dignity for Oklahoma City Family Caregivers and the Seniors They Love

by Judie Schwerdtfeger

Here's what I've learned as a Certified Senior Housing Professional in Oklahoma City - or, in other words - a real estate agent who specializes in working with seniors or their caregiver families.

Yes, that's exactly it. Dignity. 

Dignity for the senior, his or her spouse, and the family members who are involved in the care of an older, senior adult.

People occasionally ask why- although I help people of all ages buy and sell houses in Oklahoma - I chose to dedicate time, energy, and expense to the specialized training necessary to achieve the designation of Certified Senior Housing Professional of the Seniors Real Estate Institute.

When I initially came across the graphic pictured above, I realized that quote summed it up quite nicely.

It's because I believe that, in my job as an Oklahoma City Realtor, I have an opportunity to truly be of special assistance to seniors and their families who typically find themselves in a very tough spot.

As their real estate agent, I become part of their caregiving team, and that's a responsibility I do not take lightly. 

Dignity can very easily be eroded when the time comes for a senior to sell their family home and move into a senior housing community. Emotions jump to the surface, and it can very easily seem as if something horrible is coming to pass.

The truth is that it does not have to be anywhere near that dramatic. I love the fact that as a Certified Senior Housing Professional, I am specifically trained to anticipate and solve all of the issues that may spring to the forefront when a family faces financial, legal, and emotional stresses.

I love the fact that I can help a senior in Edmond or Moore maintain their dignity during the process.

I love the fact that I can help family members - some of whom may be scattered across Oklahoma or the country - stay afloat and handle the pressure they are under.

What is a Certified Senior Housing Professional?

I love the fact that I can help everyone maintain a firm grasp on the process and yes, on their dignity.

Seniors deserve to be treated as so much more than just another house to sell - or another transaction - when they go through a late-in-life transition that involves the sale of an Oklahoma City house. 

Dignity

Now that deserves a big Amen!

My Featured Oklahoma City House for Sale: 6451 Masons Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73142

Fabulous community offering a carefree living with neighbors that care. HOA is responsible for lawn, roof, watering, painting and exterior maintenance. Home has a lot of natural light and offers open large living/dining. Spacious kitchen with breakfast bar and pantry. Bedrooms have great closet space and each have their own bathroom. Deck is amazing for cookout and relaxing!

   

Oklahoma City Mother's Day 2014 Gift Ideas, Restaurant Brunches, Events, Activities & Flower Shows

by Judie Schwerdtfeger

Whether your mother is living on her own in Oklahoma City or the resident of a retirement community or assisted living facility anywhere from Moore to Edmond, Mother's Day in OKC is, of course, a special day for her and you.

I've compiled a list of Mother's Day gift ideas for senior citizens along with links to Mother's Day brunches, restaurants & other activities in Oklahoma City and all across our area. Enjoy and Happy Mother's Day 2014 to you.

I Specialize in Real Estate and Housing Services for Oklahoma City Adults 55+ and Seniors

Mother's Day 2014 Brunches in Oklahoma City

Of course, Mom will love spending time with you at the time-honored tradition of a Mother's Day brunch. From Downtown Oklahoma City to Mustang, Yukon, Bethany, and more, here are some places to take your Mom or elderly parents for Mother's Day in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma City Mother's Day Brunch Restaurants 2014 via OpenTable.com

Mother's Day Flowers and Florists in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City Mother's Day Events, Activities, and Things to Do

Free Admission for Moms on Mother's Day at the Oklahoma City Zoo

Mother's Day Gift Ideas for Seniors in Oklahoma City

Memory Jar

Grab a jar, decorate it nicely, find some small pieces of paper or cards, and pause to think. On each card, write a quick sentence detailing a fond memory of time you spent with her. It could be something from childhood or anything at all. She'll love picking one out once in awhile and smiling at a cherished memory.

Photo Bouquet

Sure, mom will love some beautiful, fresh, real flowers. But make her a photo bouquet also. Even if you're not especially "crafty," this is pretty easy to do. Cut a few shapes out of construction paper and make copies of some of your favorite, family photographs, be they "vintage" or ones you snap today with your smartphone or digital camera. Glue one photograph to each piece of construction paper, and drop by a florist and ask to buy some of the plastic sticks they use to attach cards to their floral arrangements. They should be happy to sell you a few, especially if you also purchase an Oklahoma City Mother's Day floral arrangement from them!

Freezer Meals

If Mom is a bit older and living independently in Moore, Edmond, Yukon or anywhere in Oklahoma, she'll probably appreciate you saving her from cooking. Spend some time on Mom and prepare her several casseroles, bags of vegetable treats, or other meal ideas that can be easily stored in a freezer and reheated. 

Happy Mother's Day from Judie S. to All Oklahoma City Moms

My Featured Oklahoma City House for Sale: 6451 Masons Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73142

Fabulous community offering carefree living with neighbors that care and everyone is like family.. HOA is responsible for lawn, roof, watering, painting and exterior maintenance. Home has a lot of natural light and offers open large living/dining. Spacious kitchen with breakfast bar and pantry. Bedrooms have great closet space and each has their own bathroom. Deck is perfect for cookouts and relaxing!

  

What is Long Term Care Insurance? Facts for Oklahoma City Boomers and Seniors

by Judie Schwerdtfeger

Oklahoma City boomers between the ages of 49-67 and older, senior adults, should soon decide whether or not to buy a long term care insurance policy.

Fewer than 2 out of 10 adults have such a policy, a number that means many older Oklahomans could spend a lot of years living far below their expectations.

I Specialize in Real Estate Sales and Services for Oklahoma City Adults 55+

A very real possibility is that those without long term care insurance could be forced to sell off all of their assets before qualifying for Medicare. According to the National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information, about 70% of people over age 65 require some type of long-term care in their lifetime.

That means your house, savings, and all assets sold in order to pay for any assisted housing needs that come up. Sort of scary, huh?

The State of Oklahoma has developed an excellent: 

Oklahoma Long Term Care Insurance Shoppers' Guide

Additionally, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Oklahoma Insurance Department are working with private insurers to create the Oklahoma Long-Term Care Partnership program, a program with benefit options that may protect the consumer’s financial future.

 Oklahoma Long-Term Care Partnership

Long-term care insurance policies reimburse policyholders a daily amount (up to a pre-selected limit) for services to assist them with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, or eating.  You can select a range of care options and benefits that allow you to get the services you need, where you need them.

The cost of your long-term care policy is based on:

How old you are when you buy the policy

The maximum amount that a policy will pay per day

The maximum number of days (years) that a policy will pay

The maximum amount per day times the number of days determines the lifetime maximum amount that the policy will pay.

Any optional benefits you choose, such as benefits that increase with inflation

As a Certified Senior Housing Professional, I do far more than only help folks buy or sell a house in Oklahoma City. Feel free to contact me anytime for information and advice on planning for a late-in-life move relevant to real estate, senior housing, and any other issues affecting those who are 55+. If I don't know the answer or can't specifically help you, I can point you to other professionals or groups in Oklahoma who can.

My Featured Oklahoma City House for Sale: 821 N Peniel St, Oklahoma City, OK 73127

Nursing Home Costs in Oklahoma and How to Pay for Them

by Judie Schwerdtfeger

Let's be clear: no one wishes to move themselves or a loved one into a nursing home. But the time may comes when - with other options exhausted - health concerns demand such a move, either to a nursing home or assisted living facility.

Contact Judie for Help in Buying or Selling an Oklahoma City House

As an Oklahoma City real estate agent, part of my job entails helping seniors or their caregiver families sell a family home and prepare for such a late-in-life transition.

I came across this good graphic that details the approximate costs associated with nursing home care and/or home health care.

My Website Has More Info on the Different Types of Senior Housing Options

Those are some pretty significant numbers.

As a Certified Senior Housing Professional, ( a real estate agent who's specially trained to help seniors and their caregiver families) another part of my job is focused on educating seniors and their families on all available options, including the possibility of employing age-in-place techniques to allow a senior to remain in their home for as long as possible.

I also have vetted a resource team of other professionals in the area who provide senior-focused services (like elder law attorneys, tax specialists, estate sales, and more) and can help in the effort to either remain in the family home - independently - for as long as possible, or prepare for a move to a retirement community, a smaller apartment, or whatever the situation dictates.

Information from Oklahoma's News 9 on How to Pay for a Nursing Home

Regardless of your situation or that of your loved one, I hope you'll contact me for advice on your unique set of circumstances. If you need help in selling an Oklahoma house, I'll be happy to help with that.

However, I'll also be happy to simply provide a set of ears and offer no-obligation advice. Just let me know how I may hep.

Contact Judie for Advice

My Featured House for Sale: 821 N Peniel St, Oklahoma City, OK 73127

The Sandwich Generation: Help for Oklahoma City Baby Boomers with Older Parents

by Judie Schwerdtfeger

Do you belong to the "Sandwich Generation?"

The Sandwich Generation (typically those between 40 and 60) makes up a huge part of the Baby Boomer demographic in Oklahoma and also includes those people who are 10 years or more TOO young to be considered a Baby Boomer. The Pew Research Center says that one out of every eight Americans (thus one of every eight Oklahomans) is responsible for the care of both their parent and child.

Contact Judie S. for Advice if You're Feeling "Sandwiched"

One member of the Sandwich Generation may be 59, living in Edmond, and caring for a 90 year-old parent. Meanwhile, they're paying tuition and costs for a 20 year-old daughter attending Oklahoma State University.

Another may be 47 and caring for a 77 year-old mother in Moore suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer's. In their spare time, they juggle the activities of a a 9 year-old daughter in OKC.

If you're a member of the Sandwich Generation and are feeling sandwiched and pressed to the extreme, keep in mind that help is available. 

As a Certified Senior Housing Professional, (an Oklahoma City real estate agent trained to help senior citizens and baby boomers) part of my job is to help boomers and seniors understand their options in senior housing, while also directing the family caregivers to other senior-focused professionals in Oklahoma – businesses I have personally vetted and can recommend for their quality.

In other words, while I'm certainly available to help boomers and seniors in selling or buying a house in Harrah or anywhere in the area, I'm also happy to meet with family caregivers and share with you what I've learned about helping elderly parents in Oklahoma City. It's not about requiring that you hire me as a Realtor or even have a need to sell a house. My goal is to build relationships and help where I can. It's what makes me happy and gives purpose to my day. It's why I've spent so much time gaining education and expertise in how to help baby boomers and senior through late-in-life transitions and moves.

Contact Me for a Chat, Advice, or to Schedule a Meeting

My Featured Oklahoma City House for Sale: 821 N Peniel St, Oklahoma City, OK 73127

The Judie S. Business Review: Affiliated Movers of Oklahoma City

As an Oklahoma City real estate agent I regularly come across other professionals who do an excellent job for their clients.

One of those is Affiliated Movers of Oklahoma City, a company that I refer clients to based on my past experience with them and their quality approach to providing diligent moving services in OKC.

Buy or Sell an Oklahoma City House: Contact Judie Schwerdtfeger for a No-Obligation Chat

And, as a Realtor who often specializes in helping seniors and baby boomers transition through late-in-life moves, I value Affiliated Movers as part of the resource team I am building of professional service providers in the area. It's important to me that I'm able to refer my real estate clients to reliable providers in a number of different sectors pertaining to seniors, boomers, and a move to new housing.

Affiliated Movers is a family-owned business that has served Oklahoma for more than 30 years. I regularly work with Nathan - tell him I said he is a rock star in the moving world! He really is and does a fantastic job for me and my clients.

Affiliated provides both local and long distance moving and full service packing and storage.

The fact that they offer special discounts for Seniors on the Move also makes me especially happy! And, as members of the National Association of Senior Move Managers, they have a thorough understanding of the specific issues faced by seniors and boomers when they launch the task of a late-in-life move.

Visit Their Website

Thank you for your excellent work, Affiliated Movers of Oklahoma City!

My Featured Edmond, Oklahoma House for Sale: 1209 Copper Rock Dr, Edmond, OK 73025

Watch Oklahoma City Videos: Information on Retiring or Moving To Oklahoma

by Judie Schwerdtfeger

Forbes Magazine has rated Oklahoma City "One of the 25 Best Places to Retire in 2014." Of course, as a proud resident of Oklahoma City (and yes, also as an Oklahoma real estate agent who specializes in helping baby boomers and seniors downsize and move to new homes) I think this is fantastic news and very enlightening! Thank you Forbes Magazine for recognizing the gem that is our fine community.

Forbes cited our good economy, a cost of living that's 7% below the national average, a typical home price of $161,000, and a good state tax climate among the reasons that boomers and seniors should consider making Oklahoma City their home.

See the Forbes Magazine Piece Here

I thought I'd put together a blog post with a collection of short videos that showcase some of the great things about Oklahoma City.

Contact Me, Judie Schwerdtfeger, for a No-Obligation Analysis on Buying or Selling a House in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City Videos

The website below, GreaterOKC.tv is a project of the Greater Oklahoma City Partnership and the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. It has literally hundreds of videos showcasing various communities, restaurants, recreational activities, museums, arts, the waterfront, and plenty more in OKC.

GreaterOKC.TV

Ride along on a motorized tour of Oklahoma City that follows the planned streetcar route for our community.

Bricktown

Living Downtown in Oklahoma City

Edmond

If you're interested in learning more about retiring to Oklahoma City or - regardless of your age - if you're interested in buying or selling a house in our fantastic town, I hope you'll reach out to me - Judie Schwerdtfeger - for more information, advice, a chat, or even a no-obligation analysis of your options.

Contact Me

Oklahoma City House for Sale: 821 N Peniel St, Oklahoma City, OK 73127

Resources for Seniors and Family Caregivers in Oklahoma City

by Judie Schwerdtfeger

Family caregivers - those who take care of an older Oklahoman - do amazing work. As a Certified Senior Housing Professional - a real estate agent who helps those family caregivers and seniors in the sale of a family home and move to a new phase of life - I regularly come across folks who are engaged in this stressful (yet so important!) part of life.

Real Estate Services and Advice for Seniors and Family Caregivers in Oklahoma City

It's part of my job to know as much as possible about things that can make life a bit better and easier for both those caregivers and their loved ones. I wanted to use this blog post to provide information on some of the community resources available to family caregivers across Oklahoma.

The Lifespan Respite Grant Voucher Program

Respite vouchers help family caregivers in Oklahoma pay someone who has temporarily taken their place as a care provider. The Oklahoma Contracts and Coalition Unit of Aging Services provides vouchers to caregivers who are not eligible for other respite programs.

Contact:

Eleanor Kurtz

Programs Administrator

Phone:    (405) 521-4358    

Fax:       (405) 522-6738

The Voucher Respite Program

This is a voucher respite payment program for caregivers caring fulltime for older adults in Oklahoma with developmental disabilities.

Oklahoma Adult Day Services

Oklahoma City Adult Day Services is a community-based program designed to meet the needs of functionally impaired older persons, generally those aged 60 and over, through an individualized plan of care. The program assists participants to remain in the community, enabling families and other caregivers to continue caring for a senior adult at home.

ADvantage Services of Oklahoma

The ADvantage Program of the Home-and Community-Based Services provides Medicaid services to help people stay at home instead of going to a nursing home. The program assists frail elders and adults who have physical disabilities. The senior must first qualify for Medicaid.

Oklahoma City Veterans Administration Caregiver Support

National VA Caregiver Support Website

Oklahoma City VA Medical Center

If you're the family caregiver of a veteran in Oklahoma, the Veterans Administration provides a wide variety of resources to help not only the veteran, but also YOU - the family caregiver of a veteran. These include respite programs, the free, online workshop "Building Better Caregivers," and plenty of other assistance.


The caregiver Support Coordinators at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center are:

Sandra Nikkel: 405-456-5569

Kelly White, LCSW: 405-456-5556

Oklahoma Respite Resource Network

The Oklahoma Respite Resource Network (ORRN) is a partnership  of public and private agencies 

working to improve support for families and caregivers by increasing the availability of respite care for all ages, including older adults and seniors.

Please feel free to contact me, Judie Schwerdtfeger - a Certified Senior Housing Professional - for advice on the unique needs of seniors and their families when the time comes to downsize to new housing or a new phase in life.

OKC House for Sale: 11900 Kimberlyn Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73162

Cold Weather Safety Tips for Oklahoma City Senior Citizens

by Judie Schwerdtfeger

While we're clearly used to cold winter conditions in Oklahoma, the nasty temperatures recently have been especially painful. I thought it was worth a reminder that we all need to be extra careful and to pay special attention to the elderly in our communities. Please be kind and check in on your parents, senior family members, and older Oklahoma City neighbors and friends.

Contact Judie S. for Advice on Buying or Selling an Oklahoma City House

Tips on Senior Citizen Winter Safety 

Changes that come with aging can make it harder for you to be aware of getting cold.

Wear several layers of loose clothing when it's cold. The layers will trap warm air between them. Don't wear tight clothing because it can keep your blood from flowing freely. This can lead to loss of body heat.

Ask your doctor how the medicines you are taking affect body heat. Some medicines used by older people can increase the risk of accidental hypothermia. These include drugs used to treat anxiety, depression, or nausea. Some over-the-counter cold remedies can also cause problems.

When the temperature has dropped, drink alcohol moderately, if at all. Alcoholic drinks can make you lose body heat.

Health Problems

Some illnesses may make it harder for your body to stay warm. These include problems with your body's hormone system such as low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), health problems that keep blood from flowing normally (like diabetes), and some skin problems where your body loses more heat than normal.

Did You Know That:

Those over the age of 65 account for nearly half of all hypothermia deaths. As the body ages, the ability to maintain a normal internal body temperature decreases, creating an insensitivity to moderately cold temperatures. Seniors may not realize they are putting themselves at risk until symptoms appear. Symptoms of hypothermia include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. If symptoms are present, immediate medical attention is necessary.

Fire Safety in Oklahoma City

Cold weather heightens the risk of house fires as we all strive to find more ways to stay warm. Here's what to avoid:

Never use a stove or oven to heat the home.

If using a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep anything flammable at least three feet away – things such as paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs. Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.

If using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

Use generators correctly – never operate a generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage.

Don't hook a generator up to the home's wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment someone wants to power directly to the outlets on the generator.

Oklahoma City House for Sale: 4124 Cherry Hill Lane, Oklahoma City, OK