‘Caring Cottages’ home for convalescing patients

This article appeared in the January 2021 edition of the Chickasaw Times

ADA, Okla. – The Chickasaw Nation’s fight to stem the spread of COVID-19 now includes nine “cottages” where COVID-19 positive patients can isolate.

“Our mission is to provide a safe, clean environment in a comfortable setting so individuals may isolate themselves from loved ones while recovering,” Chickasaw Nation Health Outreach executive office Jason Perry said.

Chickasaw Caring Cottages are situated on the Ada South Campus. The units are each 400 square feet and come with all the amenities of home, including cable television, Wi-Fi internet, refrigerator, cooking range, linens and an emergency phone networked straight into the Chickasaw Nation. A front porch patio allows those in isolation to spend time outside while practicing proper distancing.

“Our service is comparable to a hotel stay for people recovering from COVID-19,” Mr. Perry said. “We are providing a place to stay with everything they need so they do not have to leave during their designated isolation period. They will be provided food pre-loaded in the refrigerator and other goods will be placed in the home prior to their arrival.”

Guests stay at the Chickasaw Caring Cottages based on referrals through multiple Chickasaw Nation departments and health care providers. The cottages are not medical facilities, but designed for isolation and recovery. Once referred, guests will apply, and acceptance is contingent on availability. Applications are reviewed expeditiously, with communication to applicants within 24 hours.

All nine cottages are expected to be in use by the time this report is published.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines will be followed, and length of stay will be determined by those recommendations.

“If someone is still symptomatic after 14 days isolation, we will follow the advice of medical experts and consider extending the stay,” Mr. Perry said. “Those in isolation will be asked to follow rules, such as having no visitors. The units are equipped with the ability for guests to have video conference calls with their physicians.

“In an emergency, if needed, we could enter the unit wearing full personal protective equipment. When an isolation is completed, the unit will be thoroughly cleansed by trained professionals before the next visitor arrives.”

Please speak with your Chickasaw Nation health care provider for additional information.