Village at Oakwood assisted-living facility in Oklahoma City nears

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Jun 23, 2009 by David Page

When new rules became effective on May 1, allowing seniors qualifying for the Medicaid Advantage Waiver Program to receive financial aid for assisted-living centers, the Village at Oakwood already was well on its way to becoming the first facility in Oklahoma to operate under the new regulations.

Construction on the assisted-living center with 90 apartments is nearing completion at 817 SW 59th St. in south Oklahoma City. Even while construction workers are still busy finishing the facility, early staff members at the Village at Oakwood have been hiring staff and conducting tours for prospective residents and their families.

"We already have about 80 of the 90 apartments reserved," said Joyce Clark, owner of Achievis Senior Living Associates.

Clark is managing the start-up marketing and management and will stay at the Village at Oakwood after the opening as the owner's representative. Achievis provides business plans, feasibility studies, analyses, site selection assistance, management, marketing and consulting services to senior housing and long-term care clients.

The opening is pending the completion of construction and required government inspections and approvals.

The Village at Oakwood will be operating under the new regulations. People qualifying for Medicaid have been able to receive assistance for nursing homes but not assisted-living centers.

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority approved the Medicaid Advantage Waiver Program in March, expanding assistance to assisted- living centers. The program was activated May 1 after approval by Gov. Brad Henry. Medicaid will provide financial assistance for monthly rent.

John Wilson has been hired as executive director of services. He is a licensed long-term administrator and has a degree in health care administration from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford.

Western Property Management is handling the housing component. Representatives with Western Property Management have been meeting with possible residents to process documents for qualification. Residents must qualify for Medicaid Section 8, as well as meet other requirements.

The Village at Oakwood was created for people 62 and older who do not require nursing-home-level services, Clark said.

"Most of our residents are expected to be the typical assisted- living-center resident - an 83-year-old widow," she said. "Our residents must be physically and mentally able to self-evacuate in case of an emergency."

The facility was designed to promote a town square atmosphere with a dining room, service areas and social gathering areas surrounded by apartments.

"This is not a long hallway. It is an open area," Clark said. "It was designed as a social area to see and be seen."

The restaurant - not a typical dining hall - will be open 11-12 hours each day where residents will order from menus. Everyone will not be provided the same food for each meal and residents do not have to eat at a designated time for each meal. The restaurant also will include salad and dessert carts.

"The building is called a mall concept," she said. "All the common areas are in the middle with apartments on the outside."

Among the other services provided in the center area are a post office, hair salon, an office area with Internet services and computers, an exercise room, an area with snacks and drinks available 24 hours per day, a game area, theater, storm shelter and a play area for visiting grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

"I do not think anyone will walk in here and think this is for low-income residents," Clark said.

Each apartment comes with a refrigerator and a microwave but not a conventional oven. Each 545-square-foot unit includes a living room, bathroom and a bedroom.

Service for the residents will include once-a-week maid services for general cleaning and laundry.

Facilities also include two kitchens for small gatherings or friends and family. The residents can reserve the room for club meetings and family gatherings, including birthday parties.

"We are working to develop a unique culture that is innovative and fun," Clark said.

Residents are required to provide their own furnishings and are responsible for moving. Some of the residents planning to live at the Village at Oakwood will need some help.

"All of them do not have all the furnishings they need," Clark said. "If anyone has anything they want to donate, it would help some of the residents."

Anyone with possible furnishings to donate can call Clark at (405) 812-9089.

Clark also is seeking a civic group to help the seniors pack and move.

"Some of them do not have family members to help with packing and moving," she said.