On the third of January, the first residents were admitted into the State Veterans Home in Preston. This is the first new veterans home to open in Minnesota in the last 25 years. Advocates began the long process about a decade ago to make a veterans home in Fillmore County a reality. A dedication ceremony for the Home is expected to be held late in the spring or early summer.
The State Veterans Homes in Bemidji and Montevideo will soon open bringing the number of vVeterans homes in Minnesota to eight. Each of the new Homes are unique in their design and decor.
The Preston hHome features what is common in this area, limestone. Wall hangings and pictures are representative of the area, many from days long ago.
There is expected to be some collaboration with the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery on annual events. One of the four veterans cemeteries in Minnesota is located in Preston.
Gabby Kinneberg, public relations and volunteer coordinator for the home, said when she talks to prospective residents, she often has heard them remark something like, “I hope I never need to come, but if I have to go somewhere, this is where I would like to be.”
About 15 residents have been admitted. There should be 24 by the end of January. Residents include veterans from World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and Gulf War. The majority are from the Vietnam War era.
Residents have come from all over southeast Minnesota; they could come from anywhere in the state. There are about 200 on a list; admittance is on a first come first serve basis for those meeting eligibility requirements. The home is a skilled nursing facility; one must demonstrate a medical or clinical need for admission. All residents have a private bedroom and bath.
A benefits coordinator is on staff to go over each individual case for prospective residents. The veterans service officer in each county is a good place to start to determine eligibility and possible benefits. “Residents contribute to the cost of their care according to their means.”
There currently are about 70 employees including full-time and part-time. These employees mostly come from southeast Minnesota; a few come from Iowa. When the home is ready to go to full capacity, the number of employees will be around 100. State employees enjoy a generous benefits package. Partial benefits are also available for .6 part-time employees. Kinneberg suggested filling staff positions has gone really well,partly due to this being a concentrated health care area in the state.
Before the home can operate to its full capacity, it has to get a green light from the Veterans Administration, Medicare, and the state Department of Health.
When the home is ready to go to full capacity there will be a need for additional food service workers, housekeeping staff, nursing staff, and possibly an additional maintenance worker. Area CNAs, RNs, and LPNs that have another job may be able to pick up some hours at the home as part of an intermittent nursing staff.
Kinneberg expects to start up the volunteer program in a couple of months after the residents have time to settle in. Moving into any new house is an adjustment; likewise, it is an adjustment for new residents. The home has three 18 resident households to create a community feeling. The households are named for bordering counties: Fillmore, Mower and Olmsted.
The Preston Veterans Home will be and already has been during its construction good for the economy of Preston and surrounding communities. Families come to visit their loved one; this creates business for restaurants and hotels. Local businesses have the opportunity to become state vendors. Kinneberg encourages businesses from surrounding communities to become state vendors.
When it is warm outside, hospitality and tourism businesses may benefit, along with the golf course. Meetings and events may need to be catered.
An increased demand for townhouses or apartments could result. Needed housing for a spouse, son or daughter or staff members could create demand.
The home has a local transportation service for day trips. There is a town center with coffee shop/cafe, theater and meeting room, dining room, meditation room/chapel, and club room. Services are provided for physical, social, and spiritual needs. There is a large gym for specialized therapy and occupational therapy.
This is a permanent home for residents, not for temporary recovery care. The home is bright with great natural light; it has outside spaces to enjoy when the weather allows. Our veterans will have the care they deserve in this facility.
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