Elderly Center Reopens After Remodel
Elders will now have an upgraded facility after three years to eat and play games at the Elderly Center.
On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, the center held its reopening brunch, where Junior Princess Bluesky Tosee and CIVA Princess Arlene Schonchin helped pass out plates along with Chairman Mark Woommavovah.
Elders were able to meet friends and loved ones during the event.
Program Director for the Comanche Nation Elderly Center Renea said the longest setback was receiving the supplies to complete the renovations.
“Our remodel took us about a year. So, during COVID, you know, lumber and, you know, everything, there was a shortage on everything,” she said. “So, it took a lot to get the supplies needed for our remodel, you know, from anything from the lumber to materials, our new, we got a new HVAC system in there, and I mean, that took us about six weeks to get it.”
Toahty said she loves caring for the elders.
“So, we were totally doing drive-through and home deliveries for our homebound elders. So, now we are still accommodating our working elders for, so we will have our drive-through. We're having, we have a brand-new drive-through window that's open,” she said. “So, we will still accommodate them. We do have several working elders that are on our program, and we'll still continue our homebound meals for our homebound elders. They will now be able to come in. Our elders will be able to come in, have coffee, visit, play games, watch TV. This is their center.”
Toahty said they have a program to help caregivers in a respite program.
“Somebody could come in, fill out the application. We would pay a person of their choice, you know, the family's choice would, somebody they trust to be in their home to come in two hours a day and sit with them, prepare a meal, help clean up for them, maybe help them with the bath, and that's an eight-week program,” she said. “So, yeah, it averages out to about $200 a week, but it's a little pocket change, and it will help, you know, it helps. Every little bit helps.”
The Elderly Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, and can be contacted at 580-355-2330 in case anyone needs any more information on what the center offers.
