It's enjoyable to receive recognition for your efforts, but it's even more satisfying if that recognition comes from your peers, those who understand fully the work such an honor requires.

The Homestead Retirement Community in Alva was recently recognized by LeadingAge Oklahoma, an association of not for profit organizations dedicated to expanding the world of possibilities for aging. The Homestead received the 2018 Award for Excellent Community Service and Outreach during the annual convention March 7. Homestead Director Kelly Parker accepted the award during a dinner held in the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City.

In applying for the award, The Homestead submitted a document describing the history of The Homestead, community benefit and involvement and community involvement. Following are some of the highlights of that detailed document.

History

After being built and financed by the City of Alva in 1998, The Homestead experienced difficult financial times and low occupancy. Though the independent living facility was intended to become self-supporting, it never achieved that goal.

In early 2012, the city considered selling the facility due to years of $250,000 annual operating losses. No serious buyers could be found who would keep the purpose of The Homestead intact. Those interested intended to change the function of the facility, displacing 36 current residents.

But local leaders and the Alva Hospital Authority (AHA) worked together to find a solution. In September 2012 the Alva Utility Authority (the part of city government overseeing The Homestead budget) and the hospital authority signed an agreement for the Share Medical Center (SMC) to take over the operation of the senior facility. While the city retained responsibility for the property and building, SMC took over the day-to-day operations. This system is working so well that in September 2017, the agreement was modified and extended.

Community Benefit and Involvement

The community is made aware of the long-term care profession through monthly reports to the AHA public meetings, an annual report from the residents' council to the Alva City Council, and an active social media presence.

Services others might want to replicate include free transportation for local appointments and errands, using university student volunteers to participate in activities with the residents, providing an audience for competition singing groups to practice for upcoming competitions, and the management agreement between the hospital and the city.

The Homestead reaches out to the community in many ways including an expanded meals on wheels program, meals for jail inmates, supplying food and supplies for various community events and participating in programs pairing youth with seniors.

Residents, staff and board members are involved with numerous groups and organizations in the community.

Pages in the program 2018 LeadingAge Oklahoma Annual Conference and Awards Dinner feature the Homestead Retirement Community in Alva.

In a letter accompanying the application, Mary Rauh of Alva says, "I am thankful my mother has a safe environment in which to reside. All of her meals are included in her rent, and I don't have to worry that she is not eating properly. Also, the staff does check on the residents if they fail to show up for a meal. I also do not worry about the security of The Homestead."

Rauh concludes, "I support The Homestead and Share Medical Center and hope they will continue to provide for our senior citizens. They go above and beyond in their efforts."