Empowering Independence

Episode 43: Ask Wise Elder

Marilyn and co-host Britni answer listener questions on aging issues.
01:27  When to consider memory care for a parent
05:28  How to choose a memory care facility
17:13  Downsizing: When is the right time?
For more information, go to the VillagesOKC website here https://villagesokc.org/ 

Episode 42: The heart and people behind the care with Becky and Courtney

Co-hosts Marilyn and Dana talk with Becky Rummage of Providence Home Care and Courtney XXX of Legends to discuss what aging looks and how they can help for 2 different scenarios.
 
Becky was drawn to the elderly from an early age. She has served the seniors around her in various capacities. She has cared for close elderly friends, acted as a resource for family caregivers and the aging in her community, and has served in faith-based nursing home ministries. She has a heart for seniors and a desire to grant their wish to age in place with independence and dignity. Her professional history includes working as a Care Manager for seniors on the Advantage Waiver Program, aging Veterans, and Private Pay clients. She has a heart for professional and family caregivers, desiring to see them healthy, thriving, and equipped with the resources available. Called to others, Becky has a passion for serving in various community projects and church ministries.

Episode 41: Changing the way you see the doctor with Chris and Ashley of Physicians Housecalls

Marilyn and co-host Dana talk with Chris McCone and Ashley Davidson on how Physicians Housecalls is change the way people see the doctor.
Chris McKone joined Physicians Housecalls as the Vice President of Operations in 2021 and recently became the Chief Growth Officer. Prior to joining Physician Housecalls Chris served as the Manager of Commercial Services at Chesapeake Energy where he was responsible for negotiating and managing the organization's commercial contracts for product delivery and sale. Before that he served 10 years as a pilot in the United States Navy. Chris has 20+ years of experience in the areas of business and strategy development, process improvement, and operations and he holds an MBA.
Ashley Davidson graduated with a Masters degree in Gerontology from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2005. She has worked with seniors and their families in various roles throughout the years, including Senior housing, long term care , home health , hospice and home based primary care. She has been with Physician Housecalls for over 5 years and is thrilled to be a resource for some many needing primary care in the home.  
 
For more information about VillagesOKC go to https://villagesokc.org/
 

Episode 40: Ask Wise Elder

Marilyn and co-host Britni answer listener questions on aging issues.
01:13  My child is too busy to discuss my aging decisions
03:50  Are dementia symptoms modifiable?
06:17  It's time to downsize how do I get the best price for my home?
10:11  I'm isolated with caring for my husband who has dementia are there other alternatives to putting him in a home?
For more information about VillagesOKC go to https://villagesokc.org/
To find out about The GIFT workshop check out this Empowering Independence episode 16 

Episode 39: Prevailing Over Cancer with Keith Bishop

Marilyn and co-host Dana talk with Keith Bishop on what it can look like to prevail over cancer.
Keith Bishop is a Clinical Nutritionist, Cancer Coach, Author, and Retired Pharmacist with a deep commitment to cancer prevention and treatment through integrative approaches. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Keith’s journey into the world of natural health began after witnessing the impact of cancer on his family. His wife and he both have a family history of early onset prostate cancer, brain cancer and neuroendocrine cancer, which led him to extensively review medical research in 1997 to find ways to reduce his and his wife’s own risk. This pivotal moment inspired him to sell his pharmacy in 1998 and focus on natural health. He has a clinical practice where he assesses a person’s a challenge and customizes cancer prevention and treatment recommendations.
For more info on Prevailing over Cancer click here
For more info about VillagesOKC click here. 

Episode 38: Small town girl makes huge difference with Lola Edwards

Marilyn and co-host Dana talk with Lola Edwards on how a small town girl came to build a multi state business helping others.
 
Lola Edwards holds more than 39 years of experience in the healthcare industry and has been responsible for the leadership of four of Oklahoma’s largest and most successful Home Health and Hospice Agencies.  Ms. Edwards has extensive experience with mergers and acquisitions. Currently, she owns and operates Complete OK, providing home health, hospice, palliative care, and home care services with branches throughout the state of Oklahoma, caring for nearly 11000 patients/clients, and employing nearly 2200 Oklahomans.  
Lola has served as the President of HealthCare Innovations Private Services and Professional Home Hospices and the Vice President of Operations of HealthCare Innovations, Vice President of Professional Services for Medical Home Health.  She is active with the National Association of Home Health and Hospice, currently serves as  the President  for Oklahoma Association of Homecare and Hospice. Lola holds the position as the President of Home and Community Based Council Services, a member of the Oklahoma Nurse’s Association, a member of American Businesswomen’s Association, is the Speaker of the House appointment to the State Council on Aging, and the Governor’s appointment to the State Agency for Home Health, Hospice and Palliative Care Board. Also , serves on the routine -health committees with National Association for Home Health and Hospice. 
Above all, Lola’s most significant achievement in healthcare is her unparalleled care philosophy all patients deserve care . 
Her successful business model will always include serving Oklahoma’s most fragile and at-risk patients. 
CompleteOK Home Health and Hospice
 
For more information on VillageOKC head to https://villagesokc.org/
 

Episode 37: No better time to travel than now with Marcie Murphcy of Cruise Planners

Marilyn Olson and Co-host Dana Bellows talk with travel agent Marcie Murphy about the nuts of bolts of traveling.
 
Marcie Murphy was born and raised in Oklahoma City, OK. Marcie is a retired Army veteran and a retired Postal worker. She is a veteran-owned, independently operated franchise of Cruise Planners. Cruise Planners has been in business for over 30 years. Marcie has had her franchise for over six years. With a passion for travel, she loves to help people explore the world and eliminate their travel bucket list. Sharing memories for generations to come.
You can contact Marcie on her Facebook page here or email her at
marcie.murphy@cruiseplanners.com
 
For more info on VillagesOKC go to https://villagesokc.org/

Episode 36: Eyecare with Doctors Mark Privott and Neil Horner

Marilyn and co-host Dana talk with eye doctors Privott and Horner about the importance of eye care and resources in OKC.
 
Dr. Mark Privott is a life-long Oklahoman.  He graduated from McLoud High School and received his B.S. in Vision Science and his Doctor of Optometry from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.  He is Board Certified as a Diplomate by the American Board of Optometry.  He served in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, retiring as a Colonel. Dr. Privott is active in his community, serving as Chairman of the Bethany Economic Development Authority.  He has previously served as an officer in the Chamber of Commerce, along with leading a small group from his church.
Dr. Privott has a philosophy of building a personal relationship with his patients, both in primary and post-operative care.  He strives to provide access to the most advanced sub-specialty care to best serve his patients eye care needs. 
Dr. Privott enjoys staying physically active playing pickle ball and golf along with walking his dog. He and his wife enjoy traveling, hiking, and spending time with their granddaughter.
You can contact Dr. Privott at his office at Eye Care Associates of Bethany
 
Dr. Neil Horner graduated from Northeastern State University College of Optometry and continued his education at University of Houston college of Optometry.  He has lengthy experience in the Air Force using his optometry degree and now works as the Low vision Optometrist/Medical Director at NewView Oklahoma 
 
For more information on VillagesOKC go to https://villagesokc.org/

Episode 35: Ask Wise Elder

Marilyn and co-host Britni answer listener questions about issues we face with aging.
 
00:55    What is the multi-sector plan on aging and how will it help me?
02:40    80 year old mother in constant pain.  When do I consider hospice?
07:19    My vision is getting worse.  What do I do?
10:08    How do I choose a hospice company?
13:46    What does it mean to be an advocate?
 
Episode referenced:
Episode 23:  When business and care collide with Brian Banks - Providence Home Care
Episode 18:  Busting the myths of life with low vision with Mark Ivey
For more information about VillagesOKC go to https://villagesokc.org/

Episode 34: Ask Wise Elder

Marilyn and co-host Britni answer listener questions on aging issues.
00:53   What can be done about the new way to cheat people with a cash offer for "mom's home"
03:39    Exercise is so boring...what do I do?
07:34    Longtime friend lives in a great retirement community but seems stressed and is lonely.  She asked me for a good psychiatrist. How do I help?
10:18     Do you know anything about medical alert devices?
For more information about VillagesOKC go to https://villagesokc.org/