Surveyors from the State of Oklahoma Department of Health were onsite at Share Convalescent Home in June to review the facility’s compliance with literally hundreds of nursing home related rules and regulations that are part of Title 19 of the Social Security Act. The survey, which usually lasts three to four days, includes comprehensive reviews of Share’s policies and procedures, resident records, the physical plant, and nutrition services. Additionally, the surveyors spend quite a bit of time speaking with the residents to determine the quality of care provided.

As you may be aware, the nursing home industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the world. During a post survey address to department managers, Convalescent Home Administrator, Jane Gaskill remarked, “We’ve got so many rules to keep up with; and just when you think you’ve got them figured out, [they] change them or add new rules.” Gaskill went on to say that the 2007 survey went very well.

The surveyors were finished in two days and during their exit interview with management, they reported that while there were some items that needed to be addressed, it was very evident that the residents at Share Convalescent Home were well cared for, they like living there and they consider Share to be their home. Gaskill further added, “The surveyors said our residents were even praising the food which apparently never happens, anywhere!”

Share Medical Center CEO, Barbara Oestmann, during a meeting with nursing home staff stated, “You ALL have done a great job this past year and it is no surprise that we had a very favorable survey.” Oestmann went on to inform the staff that Convalescent Home average daily census had increased by nearly ten residents with as many as seventy residents at one point in June. She also shared that financially the facility had achieved a profit of $165,092 in the first 11 months of fiscal year 2007, which comes on the heals of a fiscal year 2006 loss of $288,277.

This turn around has been an important key to preventing a pre-sales tax loss for the entire medical center. Acknowledging the efforts of nursing home staff, Alva Hospital Authority Chairman, Steve Knox stated, “We’ve been focusing a lot of attention on the hospital lately. As trustees, we needn’t forget that there are a lot of people across the street who are impacted by the decisions we make as a board.” There are apt to be some major facility upgrades to the nursing home in the not too distant future, with an elevator and new floors high on the list.

When asked to what she would attribute the year’s success, Gaskill replied, “We work very hard to treat people how they want to be treated and that seems to work out pretty well for all of us.”

For more information about Share Convalescent Home, please call 327-2800.