LAWTON, Okla_There are some new developments on the plans to build a new McMahon Tomlinson Nursing Home to replace the aging building on the Comanche County Memorial Hospital campus. On Monday, the Comanche County Commissioners approved the funding package for the $15 million facility, most of which will be covered by issuing bonds. Hospital officials say they hope to break ground on the facility in February. The new home will be built on a sprawling plot of land near Northwest 52nd Street and Cache Road.
The McMahon Foundation donated $1.5 million towards the project and the rest will be paid for through bond financing. The current facility is almost 50 years old. With the expansion of the hospital and the increased need for care, officials said it was time for a brand new look.
Residents say the McMahon Tomlinson Nursing Home is a special place to live, providing excellent care and a sense of community. Comanche County Memorial Hospital Authority's Randy Segler said they wanted to do even better by building a new facility with updated amenities
"Instead of long hallways and that type of thing, it's more in pods and that type of thing. With surrounding courtyards, every room will have an outdoor view."
He said he's especially looking forward to the home's first "organized" memory care unit.
"We provide the service now at McMahon Tomlinson but not really in an organized fashion so we'll have an organized unit for Alzheimer's memory care so its a new service for us."
Residents say they were overcome with emotion when they heard they would be moving to a new facility.
"I can't wait. I've only got maybe two or three years left. So, I want to get up there. Just the newness of it all because this is good but I can't wait to get into the new facility," Vivian Sharrar said.
Donald Hancock said he's also excited about the move, but he said no matter where he is what he appreciates most is the way the staff make him feel.
"The help, you don't buzz that buzzer but a half a time and they're right here to care for us. If we don't, they'll say do you need any help Mr. Hancock, is there anything we can do, do you need anything? That means a lot, especially at an older age."
The new facility will offer residents an updated game room, home theater and a different take on a pub. This one will serve classics, like root beer floats and milk shakes.
