Ottawa Retirement Village recognizes that the elderly and their families need more help and support in today’s ever-changing society.  Several area experts are partnering with ORV to help bridge the gap to extend a hand to the aging population in Franklin County.  Free elderly-related seminars, open to the public, are scheduled throughout the year, and will begin in April.

Caring for a loved one as they age is often an overwhelming commitment, but many families willingly and graciously take this on.  It is a selfless responsibility, but helping an elderly person maintain their independence as long as possible is critically important to their well-being.

Michelle Randall, Admissions/Social Services Director at Ottawa Retirement Village says “In my 27 years of service at Ottawa Retirement Village, I have seen many changes that directly impact families and their elderly loved ones.  Sometimes that change is good and sometimes it is very stressful and confusing.”  She goes on to say, “It is just so clear that families need information and support to help them with major life decisions.”  

Experts will be on-site at Ottawa Retirement Village throughout the next several months to help the elderly and their family members know and understand how to manage the complex realities they are facing in their health and family.  The public is invited to attend these very important free seminars each month for the next seven months.

Dealing with Diabetes in an Aging Body

Tuesday April 28, 2009 6-7 p.m.

Expert Presenter:  Ransom Memorial Hospital, Brenda Pfizenmaier, MS, RD, LD, CDE, CPT

Village Plaza 1042 W. 15^th Street

785-242-5399

My Loved One is Dying: Dealing with Grief and Loss

Thursday May 14, 2009 6-7 p.m.

Expert Presenter:  Lamb Roberts Funeral Home , Mr. Ron Kimes Grief Counselor

Village West 1527 S. Twyman

785-242-5399

What Are Funding Options for Elderly Services and How Do I Find Help?

Thursday June 25, 2009 6-7 p.m.

Expert Presenters:  Area Agency on Aging - Caren Rugg / Social and Rehabilitation Services -

Cheryl Seymour Village Plaza 1042 W. 15^th Street

785-242-5399

Warning Signs of Heart Attack & Stroke:  What You and Your Family Need to Know

Thursday July 23 2009, 6-7 p.m.

Expert Presenters: Lawrence Memorial Hospital John Drees, Aynsley Anderson, MA, RN, ICCE, CBE, ICD

Village West 1527 S. Twyman

785-242-5399

Home Safety Tips:  Preventing Falls and Other Senior Health Hazards

Thursday August 27 2009, 6-7 p.m.

Expert Presenters:  Lawrence Memorial Hospital Aynsley Anderson, MA, RN, ICCE, CBE, ICD

Village Plaza 1042 W. 15^th Street

785-242-5399

The Aging Eyes:  Glaucoma, Cataract, Macular Degeneration, & Dry Eye

Tuesday September 22, 2009 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Expert Presenter:  Frank Eye Center, Dr. William Campbell

Village West 1527 S. Twyman

785-242-5399

Getting Affairs in Order:  Funeral and Pre-funeral Arrangements

Thursday October 22, 2009, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Expert Presenter:  Dengel & Son Mortuary , Craig Dengel

Village Plaza 1042 W. 15^th Street

785-242-5399

For additional information about any of these topics, please contact Dee Shaffer at 785-242-5399.

Ottawa Retirement Village is Continuous Care Retirement Center serving elderly adults in Ottawa and the surrounding areas who have long-term or short-term healthcare needs.  Services include:  Apartment Living, Assisted Living, Residential Care, and Skilled Nursing.  Ottawa Retirement Village is also Medicaid, Medicare, and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Certified.

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