Porthaven Resident Relives Horse-Racing Days With Senior Wish Program

PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A 75-year-old former horse jockey with a storied career will climb back in the saddle this Thursday, Aug. 25, for a day of riding thanks to Prestige Care, Zebs Wish Equine Sanctuary and the Oregon Health Care Foundation's (OHCF) Senior Wish Program.

James Todd, a resident at Prestige's Porthaven Care Center, has long dreamt of riding horses again, and this Thursday morning, Todd will get his chance.  

"We are so excited to work with Zebs Wish to help James achieve a long-time dream," said Porthaven activities director Jodi Burroughs. "We can't say enough good things about the Senior Wish Program; it fits perfectly with Prestige's philosophy of providing quality care from a compassionate heart."

A native of Portland, Todd raced horses for more than 15 years, capturing 20-plus wins during an illustrious career. Todd has lived at Porthaven for almost a year. He's been wanting to ride ever since.

The OHCF's Wish Program acts as a facilitator for fulfilling the wishes of Oregon seniors who experience serious health concerns. The program, available to residents of long-term care facilities, focuses on granting personal wishes like Todd's. The fulfillment of each wish depends on the time and donations that the OHCF receives from volunteers and donors.

Todd will ride at Zebs Wish Equine Sanctuary, located at 34950 SE Colorado Rd in Sandy from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25.

About Prestige's Porthaven Care Center

Porthaven is a nursing and rehabilitation center that caters to individuals who are stable and no longer require hospitalization, but do need intensive rehabilitation and recovery.  

Residents find that the center's large gymnasium is ideal for improving range of motion, and the kitchen, laundry and bathroom are ideal for occupational therapy. These services are an important aspect of gaining full functionality.

Porthaven is a contracted provider for Medicaid, Medicare and several managed care health plans. For more information on Prestige Senior Living, visit their website at www.prestigecare.com.

About the Senior Wish Program

Promoted and supported by the Oregon Health Care Foundation, the Senior Wish Program fulfills the personal life wishes of Oregon's senior citizens residing in long term care facilities, such as assisted living, residential care, senior retirement and nursing/rehabilitation communities.

Granting the dreams and wishes of Oregon elders through the Senior Wish Program helps to fulfill OHCF's mission of enriching the lives of Oregon Seniors who reside in long term care facilities.

Contact:

Hollie Fowler (360) 735-7155
Prestige Care               
[email protected]

Kristi Clough (206) 443-9357
Firmani + Associates, Inc.
[email protected]

SOURCE Prestige Care