From Yappy Hours to Dog Parks: New Trends at Retirement Communities

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- While Yappy Hours are typically found at hotels and bars, a retirement community in South Florida has jumped on the 4-legged trend.

At The Palace Coral Gables, (www.PalaceCoralGables.com), a Yappy Hour is held monthly as part of the luxurious rental community's activities.

Organized by the community's social director, Pam Parker, Yappy Hour is one of the most anticipated monthly get-togethers for The Palace's dog owners. The humans love the opportunity to mix and mingle while their pooches explore their fellow canines. 

Wine and finger-food is served while Fido is given special treats. Parker takes pictures of the pets with their owners and each person receives a memento as well as bag of dog treat favors.

Knowing their potential customer would not relocate without a beloved pet, The Palace adapted a pet policy and requires a nonrefundable deposit of $500 for pet owners moving to the community.

At The Carlisle Naples, a luxury independent living community in Southwest Florida, the pet policy allows dogs up to 25 pounds with the stipulation that a resident is able to provide care. The community's amenities include a dog park and about 20 residents have dogs, mostly Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apsos.

"With the growing number of seniors owning pets, senior communities recognize the changing needs of resident pet owners," explains senior housing marketing consultant Janis Ehlers. "Whether it's Yappy Hour, dog parks or mobile vets and grooming, when communities want to be competitive, they have to provide services."  

Dogs play a vital role in their owner's life and Shirlye Jacobs of Estero, Fla. will not even consider a community that wouldn't allow for her dog, Daisy, who she adopted two years ago.

"Wherever I move, my dog has to go too," she said. "My life would be empty without Daisy. I exercise more and have made many friends at our local dog park." 

Recognizing that residents may want to adopt a dog was incorporated into Sandwood Village's "Welcome Waggin" event.

Theerancee Schmidt, field market manager for the 55+ community in Naples, said the community has invited Collier County Domestic Animal Services and Naples Humane Society to bring dogs for residents to adopt.

Senior living communities that acknowledge their residents and pets share a common bond are well on their way to staying ahead of the game.

SOURCE The Palace Coral Gables

Cycling without Age Comes to America

OSHKOSH, Wis., Aug. 21, 2015 --  Cycling Without Age founder and TEDxCopenhagen co-organizer Ole Kassow will assist Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh (LHO) in launching the first Cycling Without Age movement in America on Monday, Aug. 24.

 

This popular European movement was created to enhance the quality of life for elders in senior living communities by providing free bike rides on rickshaws around the community.

Gov. Scott Walker signed a certificate of commendation to honor LHO's inaugural Cycling Without Age event, and wished them continued good health and success in the future.

Sen. Richard Gudex, Rep. Gordon Hintz and representatives from Gov. Walker and Sen. Ron Johnson's offices will also attend the formal ceremony to show support for the event. 

Gerard Bodalski, LHO's vice president of healthcare services, said the organization wishes to bring multiple generations together to enhance its elders' happiness and connectivity with the Oshkosh community. 

"Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh is committed to creating extraordinary experiences for our elders, their families and our employees," Bodalski said. 

"This innovative, intergenerational opportunity allows our elders to take advantage of the beautiful outdoors, while celebrating their strengths."

The event is only the beginning of a long-term initiative for LHO, whose mission is to provide quality care and life-enriching opportunities for its elders.

Kassow and Dorthe Pedersen, civil society consultant for Copenhagen Municipality, will help train volunteers on how to operate the rickshaws, ensuring a safe ride for elders. 

There will be a formal ceremony starting at 10 a.m. followed by volunteer rickshaw rides for the elders of LHO at 11 a.m.

Visit LHO's Cycling Without Age Facebook and Twitter to learn more about this initiative.

About Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh

Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh (LHO), founded in 1966, is an elder care organization that has been providing health and residential services to more than 800 elders and others in need. LHO strives to create extraordinary experiences for elders and their families.