Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) proposes use of ARPA funds for Oklahoma Veterans Centers (OVCs or Centers) facility modernization efforts that were (1) unable to be initiated due to the extraordinary financial burden and access limitations of COVID operations or (2) have been identified during COVID as beneficial to veteran safety and quality of life: A. Clinton, Sallisaw, and Sulphur OVCs lack pavilions for sheltered outdoor gatherings or visitation in accordance with COVID infection control guidance. Pavilions are used by veterans, staff, and visiting community groups for events; B. Claremore and Clinton OVCs require widespread window replacement due to the age and condition of the windows. C. All Centers would benefit from replacement fire rated doors for safety, installation of touchless faucets, and badged entry systems. D. Lawton OVC?s shower and bathing rooms are in acute need of renovation for comfort, functionality, and privacy to provide veterans support under conditions consistent with modern expectations of living. E. Renovation of OVC kitchens and dining areas is needed in Ardmore, Claremore, Clinton, Lawton, Norman, and Sulphur to varying extents for equipment updates, introduction of spacing of in serving areas, replacement of flooring and furniture, and facelifts to other finishes.

EVIDENCE

Proposed updates or renovations to the kitchen and dining rooms and the addition of outdoor pavilions for gathering and visitation are proposed in response to quality-of-life initiatives and continuing infection control protocol such as use of outdoor space and physical distancing requirements issued by CDC, CMS, and OSDH in response to COVID-19. Replacement of windows, doors, and faucets, installation of badge entries, as well as the renovation of shower areas are safety and modernization efforts required due to the aging of facilities.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

All proposed projects will benefit current and future veteran residents of Oklahoma?s Veterans Centers. The residents, as nursing home patients, were physically and emotionally impacted to an extraordinary extent throughout the pandemic. Due to their vulnerable physical and mental health conditions, a number of our resident veterans suffered lengthy illnesses and lost friends and family members to COVID-19. Their physical and emotional health suffered from the social limitations mandated by infection prevention mandates. Investment in the modernization of the OVC facilities in which our aging and disabled veterans receive care will support the health, welfare, and dignity of current and future residents. Initiatives which continue to carry out infection prevention strategies will continue to protect the veterans who are still highly vulnerable to any communicable virus or infection. OVC residents have been highly susceptible to COVID-19 throughout the pandemic, and will continue to be vulnerable to adverse health consequences, very serious illness, and even potential death, from milder strains of COVID, influenza, and other illnesses.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Success of the modernization efforts identified would be measured by the satisfaction of veterans and family members with quality of care in comparison to (1) the justifiably high expectations ODVA and Oklahoman?s in general maintain in the quality of life and care due to our veteran heroes, (2) safety measures implemented for infection prevention that continue in effect in the long-term care setting after COVID-19, (3) efficiency of facilities, (4) favorable comparisons of ODVA?s facilities to newer facilities providing similar services in private sector, and (5) square feet modernized or renovated.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding