Monday, May 19, 2014

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.


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!



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!





   

Friday, May 2, 2014

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.




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.


Mother's Day Flowers and Florists in Oklahoma City



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




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




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!