Experts warn long-term care facilities may need more help as cases surge in rural Oklahoma

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — One small-town nursing home is now requesting medical volunteers after half their nursing aid staff tested positive for COVID.

Health experts warn this could start happening a lot more as the virus continues to surge in rural parts of Oklahoma.

From the school to the downtown businesses, Quinton is typical small-town Oklahoma. Their mayor, Allen Miller, is proud to call this place. Home.

“Fortunately, here in town, you mentioned the explosion, when that happened- any time there’s any kind of tragedy, this town always comes together,” said Allen.

While the town banded together during the gas rig explosion in 2018, 2020 has been a different call to action. Instead of coming together, folks are being asked to stay apart.

“We’ve kept COVID out for eight months, so there’s been that spark, a light at the end of the tunnel, but now it’s in one of the facilities,” said Darren Tidwell.

Darren owns the “Quinton Manor,” nursing home in town. He said, he’s spent the last eight months worrying and now, in spite of their best efforts, the virus is here. Half of his nursing aide staff just tested positive for COVID and they have to quarantine for two weeks.

“Being in Quinton Oklahoma, we don’t have a huge workforce. The people that are healthcare professionals in Quinton work at the nursing home,” said Darren.

Darren put in a request for volunteers with the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps. The statewide medical agency has been around for 15 years and is typically used during natural disasters. However, it’s now part of the state’s COVID surge plan.

“We haven’t had a request from a long-term care facility in a while, but this may be a need we see rising in the future,” said Lezlie Carter, the state coordinator with OKMRC.

Carter said, with rural communities seeing a surge in cases, they expect the need to increase across the state.

“Recent history has shown as the numbers go up, and they have started skyrocketing in our area, the chances are a little higher, so there may be a need (for more volunteers) down the road,” said Darren.

Darren said they’re hoping the volunteers will come soon. In the meantime, his staff is doing everything they can to make sure the folks living at Quinton Manor are feeling cared for, loved, and appreciated.

“Make sure the families all know, we’re caring for their loved ones. We’re here with them and we will stay with them,” said Darren.

Allen said he has faith people will step up to help out the nursing home.

“Everyone is always willing to lend a hand,” said Allen.

Quinton has a history of overcoming challenges. The two men said COVID won’t break that tradition.