Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs

PROJECT PURPOSE

The ODVA proposes using ARPA funding to renovate and re-purpose the Oklahoma Veterans Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma (OVC-SUL). Oklahoma has an acute need for a specialized cognitive care facility dedicated to supporting the advanced needs of veterans who require both nursing home and psychiatric care. Oklahoma has no beds available for long-term placement of veterans who require residential care for activities of daily living and psychiatric treatment. Hospitals and other private psychiatric treatment facilities offer only short-term residential care. Veterans who require the combination of long-term nursing home care are often transferred from one facility to the next when their needs exceed what can be met in traditional a nursing home. Renovation of the existing OVC-SUL to this mission would ensure appropriate care is available to this special population. Following renovation, the OVC-SUL would contain 66 private rooms and be specifically designed to meet the special needs of veterans of varied ages. Finally, Oklahoma would lead the nation by being the first state to dedicate a State Veterans Home to this purpose and provide this level of specialized care to our heroes.

EVIDENCE

Oklahoma has no full-time residential treatment facilities for senior-aged veterans needing both (1) long-term care assistance with daily living activities and (2) long-term psychiatric or cognitive care. Existing infrastructure regularly fails to treat these veterans effectively. This project would create a stable long-term treatment option. Conversion of the OVC-SUL to this purpose would make Oklahoma first state in the nation to respond to this critical need by offering a long-term solution for veterans. Additionally, it would bring more federal reimbursement dollars to Oklahoma because the center would serve a larger portion of highly qualified veterans.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Veterans with psychiatric mental health conditions are in acute need of protection and services as a vulnerable population. The specific nature of the experiences of veterans which may have caused or contributed to the development or advancement of psychiatric conditions are unique and benefit tremendously from care and treatment by caregivers and medical professionals that specialize in veterans? care. ARPA funds, if awarded, would allow for the renovation of the current physical facility with a design that meets the veterans? and healthcare workers? needs for safety and the veterans? need for specialized care. Services would be provided through specialized staffing by ODVA as well as in partnership with the USDVA. OVC-SUL would be unique in offering a long-term solution, which is in contrast to current treatment by federal, state and private healthcare facilities. Rather than constantly cycling veterans through hospitals where conditions are treated and stabilized short-term then returning the veteran to a residential environment where successful treatment must be reduced or discontinued under industry guidelines for nursing care, dedication of the OVC-SUL to a geriatric psychiatric/cognitive care mission would permit long-term care that is constructed and credentialed to meet the special needs of this vulnerable veteran population.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Success of the program would be measured by (1) amount of square footage renovated, (2) demand for services offered as measured by occupancy and waiting lists, (3) successful treatment outcomes of veteran residents, (4) quality of life afforded to our veteran residents, (4) increased federal dollars brought to Oklahoma (5) distinction of Oklahoma being the first state in the nation to dedicate a State Veterans Home for cognitive care, (6) jobs created and maintained in this locality, and (7) expanding ODVA?s partnership with USDVA through the effort.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding