by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

Heisman Trophy winner Jason White and the Braum Family farm are arguably Tuttle’s two biggest claims to fame.
But this city in Grady County with a population of barely 6,000 is a test site for a new care model that promises to revolutionize elder care.
Tuttle Care Center is one of four nursing homes in the state involved in a 12-week evidence-based fall prevention study organized by the Fran and Earl Ziegler OU College of Nursing.
The study, entitled It’s Not OK to Fall, is led by Diana L. Studevant, PhD, GCNS-BC, APRN and Teri Round, BSN, MS, RN, BC-NE.
“We were tickled about all the things that would help the elderly not fall,” Childree said.
It has been estimated that one in three women and one in 12 men will sustain a hip fracture in their lifetime.
It has been reported that 86% of hip fractures occur in individuals aged 65 years and older.
More than 25,000 deaths in older adults were attributed to unintentional fall injuries in 2013.
Childree said much research has been done in the state of Wisconsin on preventing falls.
Wisconsin has one of the highest rates of death from unintentional falls in the nation. In fact, the death rate due to unintentional falls in Wisconsin is twice the national average.
That’s when the state decided to do something.
The Four P’s
Childree said the program includes following the Four P’s which includes position, personal needs, pain and placement.
Proper positioning of the resident reduces the need for them to try to reposition themselves on their own.
Meeting personal needs refers to asking whether the resident needs to toilet. Again, having someone there to help the resident meet a need helps reduce the potential for the resident to get themselves in a compromising position that may cause a fall.
Keeping a resident’s pain under control also allows them to rest comfortably.
And, finally, placement of a resident’s call light, reading glasses, walker, tissues and other necessary items is important to prevent residents from having to have to hunt them down.
There is a school of thought that still thinks falls are inevitable.
“I disagree,” Childree said. “The philosophy of this group is ‘what are we doing to cause them to fall.’”
That’s why Childree’s team has adopted a CSI-type approach when investigating falls. Asking questions of the resident involved in a fall is a good first step but also trying to gain as much information as possible including several photos of the area where the fall happens helps.
“We cause them to fall for some reason,” Childree said. “We want them to take a picture of the surroundings before anything is moved that way we can look at it just like an investigator does at a crime scene.”
Childree has a fall team that meets regularly to review all incident reports and decide what actions can be taken.
Childree said sleep is also a major component in falls risk. The traditional method of checking a resident every two hours to see if they are dry might be doing more harm than good.
“They’re not getting into that deep REM sleep so they did a study and that’s like torture,” Childree said. “That’s why you see a lot of nursing home residents that sleep during the day.”
Tuttle Care residents are also taking part in Tai Chi.
Scientific studies show that the practice of Tai Chi improves, and prevents, almost all chronic conditions including arthritis, heart disease and diabetes. In addition, it improves balance, immunity, and reduces stress. In fact, Tai Chi improves practically every aspect of health.
Kelli Brummer teaches Tai Chi at the Care Center weekly and works for the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative, a statewide program through the Department of Geriatric Medicine at the OU Health Sciences Center. In addition to Tuttle she works with residents at Spanish Cover in Yukon and Cedar Creek in Norman.
“It’s been good,” Brummer said. “We’re having a great time at Spanish Cove. They do Tai Chi in the independent part anyway and we’ve had residents come over. It’s fun.”

Grand Tapestry at Quail Springs is now OPEN

by Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer

Meet Ms. Anja Mottern, serving as the Community Manager of Grand Tapestry at Quail Springs managed by Greystar in December 2015. Prior to joining Greystar, Ms. Mottern worked at KETTLER Management, a real estate development and management company based in McClean, VA. During her 15 years at KETTLER, she was a Property Manager and prior to her move to Oklahoma she was responsible for transitioning all new acquisitions related to residential management. She also served on the Executive Committee as ARM Chair for the Institute of Real Estate Management for 4 years.
Ms. Mottern moved here from Virginia where she lived for 15 years. She went to Penn State and majored in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education. She moved here to be with her sister, niece and nephew. Making the 3-day trip with her cats Lil’ Boo and Baby Emma. “It was a very interesting trip,” she commented. “We made it though. I have really enjoyed living in Oklahoma but the tornados have proven to be a bit scary,” she added. Asking her to describe herself in 3 words, she replied, “I would say loyal, passionate and energetic,” she answered.
Ms. Mottern, a pleasant individual that was excited to share the news about Tapestry at Quail Springs. “We are excited to let you know that Tapestry at Quail Springs is now OPEN! Currently right now we have 12 apartments occupied. Our pool is due to open mid-June. We have been waiting for the opening of Tapestry and I am excited to see what lies ahead,” she said. “This is a great place to live! Here you will find a new luxurious apartment community, exclusively for active adults 55 years and older. We have a community garden, outdoor dining and a dog park. We do 2-4 activities every day and we offer a continental breakfast Monday thru Friday. It really has everything you would want,” she commented.
“We are located at 14101 North Kentucky Avenue in Oklahoma City, OK and we are proud to show off our newest development,” said Ms. Mottern. “I would be happy to show you around. When the people come in to look at the individual rooms, I think they are pleasantly surprised. We have all of the conveniences of home. We are so proud to be the first Tapestry in this area. What a unique and wonderful place to live! This is a place you can call HOME,” she said. “Here at Tapestry at Quail Springs, you will find that we are located in a most convenient area. We are close to Quail Springs Mall, retail, entertainment, restaurants and medical facilities. You will have convenience, comfort and availability under one roof. There are also churches close by,” Ms. Mottern added.
Tapestry is designed to fit the needs of people 55 and older; the new place for active adult senior living. Providing a safe and secure lifestyle with a full daily schedule of physically invigorating, emotionally engaging and socially stimulated activities. The senior tenant lives independently with a full amenity and activity package. Shuttle transportation is available and garage apartments are available if needed. There is a comfortable, monthly rental cost that meets a senior’s budget and there are no buy-in or entrance fees. Additional services can be added by the tenant on a la carte basis, so that the senior pays only for the services needed.
Tapestry at Quail Springs offers spacious rooms, granite countertops, paying close attention to the detailed work throughout. There are many daily activities to choose from, a continental breakfast Monday through Friday and several meeting rooms that will be offered free to our residents. Another feature that residents seem to like; several area chefs that will be coming in to do food demonstrations. The 3-tier theater room is fabulous! Catered brunches for residents and their families will be available on Sundays. “This is a great place to make new friends. It’s like a close-knit community. Activities that one can enjoy with others; it’s like a little community with all the extras,” said Ms. Mottern. “The Tapestry brand will be expanding into Colorado, Tennessee and Illinois in the future,” she added. Feel free to call Grand Tapestry at Quail Springs at 405-605-6901 or stop by and take a tour. You will be glad you did.

by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

Most people after 40 years in the same field think about winding things down, maybe taking a break and looking to relax.
For clinical social worker Ron Marlett, he’s running for public office.
“When you take into account our state legislature has made funding decisions that put over 250 of the 318 nursing homes in this state at risk of bankruptcy, when you look at cutting or denying Medicaid to working poor and you look at cutting food stamps to children it just can’t continue,” Marlett said of why he decided to run.
June 28 will be the democratic primary that Marlett is building towards.
“I want to increase funding for public education. I want to restore funding to long term care and make sure our seniors don’t have to choose between food and medicine,” Marlett said. “That’s a choice they should not have to be making. Along the way I’d like to see us make some major reforms in the criminal justice system. Prisons do not treat drug addiction and do not treat mental health issues.”
At this point, Marlett sees prison as the funnel for people with addiction and mental issues. He blames deals made with the private prison entities for contributing to the problem of overcrowding.
With Oklahoma currently facing a $1.3 billion shortfall, Marlett has been amazed at the bills showing up on the house and senate floor.
“We’ve got schools closing and the biggest concern they have is bathroom monitors?” Marlett said. “It’s the most misaligned set of priorities I’ve ever seen at the state capital. It’s been corporations first and then people if there are crumbs left.”
Marlett ran previously in 2008 against the polarizing Rep. Sally Kern. He gained 42 percent of the vote.
Kern terms out after this session.
“We have to look at at the proper role of government and the proper role is to help us do as a collective what we can’t do as individuals,” Marlett said. “I can’t build a road. That’s why we have governments, to put the infrastructure in place. It’s not the role of the government to monitor bathrooms. It is not the role of the government to insert itself into people’s bedrooms or in their private lives.”
This May Marlett celebrated 40 years in social work. All but two years have been spent in the field of mental health with the past 15 in geriatric care.
He works for Community Pathways Unlimited, a private mental health agency established in 1995 to serve the behavioral health needs of the citizens of Oklahoma.
He routinely visits four nursing homes in the metro area to provide counseling to seniors and disabled people.
Born in Binger, Marlett is a fourth generation Oklahoman, who is running for office because he wants to see an improvement in our political culture. He has seen the state he loves torn apart by people who would rather divide us into warring factions, instead of uniting us in the common struggle of ensuring a better day in Oklahoma.
“I’ve always worked hoping to make a difference in people’s lives,” Marlett said. “I love what I do. I think you’re really blessed when you can work at what you love.”
He grew up in the Union City Public school system and recognizes the value of a good education. After graduating from Union City High School, he attended El Reno Jr. College, and Oklahoma City University, where he earned a degree in Sociology, and the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work.
Having worked for four decades as a clinical social worker, mostly in the field of mental health, he understands the need to properly fund critical services in order to address our state’s most pressing issues.
He believes Oklahomans deserve a state government that functions well and works for the common interests of all.
He has been married to Liz Waring Marlett for 32 years. They have a daughter Chelsea, a son-in-law Chris, and a granddaughter named Cailey.
“The crisis we’re facing is not created by the oil and gas bust it was created by the decision to lower income taxes and give hundreds of millions (away),” Marlett said. “Out of $1.3 billion dollars in our deficit nearly three-quarters of a billion goes to corporate welfare.”
“If you want to solve the problem, end that. Right now we’re in a crisis.”

story and photo by Jason Chandler

When Pam Ross was a young girl, she always knew she wanted to be a nurse, she said. Today this registered nurse serves as the Director of Nursing at SYNERGY HomeCare.
“I wanted to help people because my passion is to help them feel better”, Ross said. “Through personal experiences of my own with my own family, I feel I have a good sense of how to do that with SYNERGY HomeCare.”
Ross started her career working in hospitals and surgery centers. She joined SYNERGY HomeCare a little over a year ago and has been a registered nurse for 24 years.
“I feel like we’re family,” she said. “I admire everyone’s loyalty and passion to help others.”
Ross said she enjoys working with Weama Kassem, the owner and Chief Executive Officer of SYNERGY HomeCare as well as with Charlotte Carey, the Administrator.
“SYNERGY HomeCare is not a home health nursing agency, but is a non-medical care provider,” Carey said. The company provides one hour to 24 hours of care for people in their place of residence, whether that is in a home, assisted or independent living community as well as in hospitals and rehab facilities.
Being non-medical, SYNERGY HomeCare does not require a doctor’s order as is the case with home health.
“We do have a Director of Nursing, Pam Ross, and an Associate Director of Nursing, Ramona Wilson on staff with us,” Carey said.
Carey said SYNERGY HomeCare looks to the in-depth experience and knowledge of different diagnosis and disease progression in both Ross and Wilson.
“Our nurses are able to impart some of that knowledge to our caregivers through their daily interactions as well as our monthly in-service training. Although we are non-medical, the knowledge and experience is important because it allows the RNs to work effectively in the capacity of a case manager to coordinate care with different agencies to accomplish a complete continuum of care for our clients,” Carey said.
“SYNERGY HomeCare helps individuals to maintain their independence for as long as safely possible,” Carey said. “It also adds a set of eyes, ears and hands for family caregivers who usually bear the responsibility for caring for an aging or disabled loved one.”
Carey said Kassem’s heart trickles down through the staff. She has attracted a team of people with similar passions which has created the company’s own synergy.
“We have a wide range of caregivers in the field,” Carey said. “We hire CNAs and CHHAs to take care of the clients in their places of residence,” Carey noted. “We do have some caregivers that are not CNA level certified, but our RNs see to it that they are supportive assistant trained. We don’t have “companion sitters”. Some other companies do and that is one of our distinctions. We’re also one of the largest providers for veterans in the state and we are quite proud of that.”
SYNERGY HomeCare has a Moore and Norman territory as well which allows them to cover north to Guthrie, south to Lexington, east to El Reno and west to Shawnee. The home office is based in Edmond, Oklahoma.
“We’re in the process of opening a new office that will serve Moore, Norman and south Oklahoma,” said Kassem.
She said her family has always been dedicated to taking care of elder members of the family. This sense of family inspires her career.
“We stay with our elders. We are the caregiver for them,” said Kassem, who was born in the United States but lived for a time in the Middle East before returning to the U.S.
She earned her Masters Degree in Business Administration at Oklahoma City University and decided to focus on her passion of caring for others at home.
“I love to take care of people, especially the elders. It’s something that’s just in my blood,” Kassem said. “Starting the franchise is one of my greatest accomplishments.”
The corporate owner in Phoenix, Peter Tourian, began the company as a caregiver 15 or so years ago. Kassem liked Peter Tourian’s message of compassionate care. “For Kassem to have been born in Arizona, then to live in the Middle East with her parents only to return to the corporate headquarter in Arizona where she was born is an amazing example of destiny. She has come full circle,” Carey said.
“The people in this company are my family,” Kassem said. “And we go for the bigger picture which is our client. They are our family. We become part of the family with each client, with each family. I fill my life with the love that they give. I love to give to people a lot. This is my truest passion.”
You can reach Pam, Charlotte, Weama, or any other members of this staff at (405) 254-3046 or Contact OK02@SYNERGYHomeCare.com

The famous cat, named Zooby, turned 18 years old this month! Yes, she is still alive and well! To celebrate, her caretaker and author, Sherry Kelly, is giving away 18 copies of Zooby’s book, A Cat Named Zooby. The book is being handed out randomly in various places around the OKC area. Kelly says some people are very reluctant to accept something for free, while others are very pleased and excited. Zooby is slowing down in her old age and spends most of her time lying in the sun or on her heated pad. Since recovering from paralysis eight years ago, she has become one very spoiled miracle of a cat!

“The fresh corn. My daddy would always bring it in.” Glennell Combs

“Not the tornadoes. I just like everything being fresh”. Ethel McKinney

“The flowers and everything growing. “Doris Wright

“I always loved planting the garden with my granddad.” Michael Burdick

by Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer

The birthday activities were just beginning Tuesday morning, May 3, 2016 at Brookdale Assisted Living as birthday balloons were scattered around. Two of the residents were celebrating birthdays today. Not just any birthday but their 100th and their 108th.
Resident Bertha Moore turned 100 years old. Born in Oklahoma, she lived here her whole life. She has three children and some great grandchildren. Living at Brookdale for 8 years, she has come accustomed to the everyday activities, etc. Bertha enjoys being around other people and likes the excellent care that she is given. She has seen such a change in the progression of automobiles and technology. She said that when she was young, she rode a horse and buggy to school. “Quite a change from those days.” I commented. Bertha remembers the days of working on the farm helping out in any way that she could. She has fond memories of her father working for Sinclair Oil and later on, getting a job herself, working for Sinclair Lease.
The other resident celebrating her 108th birthday is Leora Henderson. She has been a resident of Brookdale for 8 years now. She was born in Oklahoma, just 1 year after the state of Oklahoma was established. She remembers working in the soup kitchen during World War I and being a school secretary at the time of World War II. She can still recall when food had to be rationed. She also rode a horse and buggy to school and has some memories of the depression. In Leora’s opinion, history books don’t do women justice. She believes firsthand accounts are the most important.
Surrounded by family and friends, these two women celebrate their birthdays. Thanks to Rachel Kidd and Brookdale Assisted Living Facility for recognizing and honoring these two fine women. Happy birthday, Bertha and Leora!

by Judith Coker Center

If you live in Norman, you may want to join a new non-profit group for seniors called the 21st Century Norman Seniors Association. They are in the middle of a membership drive and seek active seniors and their family members who are interested in senior issues. There are no dues or age restrictions.
The association plans to advocate for Norman seniors on local issues and want to have a positive effect in building an inclusive community for Norman. They have no political, religious, or social affiliation. Currently they have over 200 members.
“We saw a need for this kind of group several months ago,” says Jim Jinkins, president of the association. “Working together seniors can create change that will benefit everyone. We welcome members of any age who are interested in improving life for seniors in Norman.”
At this point 21st Seniors has a temporary board and slate of officers, but with an enlarged membership, plan to hold elections in the fall. The original founders have been deeply interested in the Norman Forward plans for a new senior center and will continue to be involved in this as time goes on. However, long term the group wants to serve as a purposeful voice for seniors, networking with other groups for the larger good. They also want to promote Norman as an attractive retirement destination.
You may run into the 21st C. Norman Seniors Association at different locations in Norman this month as they look for new members. Stop and talk with them for more information. Also, the website, www.normanseniors.org, now under construction, has information about the group’s mission statement, temporary officers and board members, and other posts of interest to Norman seniors. There is a place on the website to join the group. You may also write to the group at PO Box 722082, Norman, OK 73072.
The Association plans to hold a meeting in June for members to socialize and discuss future plans. “You never know what good you can accomplish until you meet with like-minded people, set goals, and use your knowledge and influence to improve you own city,” said Jinkins. “Seniors have deep knowledge and rich experience, and are a resource Norman needs.” Join us and enrich your own life by working together and building new friendships through the 21st Century Norman Seniors Association.