SEPTEMBER 26, 2022, ST. PAUL, MINN. – Preston Veterans Home advocates attended a virtual meeting with officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) on September 21 to receive an update on the future Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston. Construction continues on schedule for the facility that is located at 1112 Overlook Drive on a 15-acre bluff-top site surrounded by a 200-year-old native white oak forest.
MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke noted that the project is currently 56% done and is expected to open in mid-2023.
A flurry of activity began on September 15 when prospective residents were able to begin submitting admission applications. Minnesota Veterans Home Clinical Director Caroline Schauer reported that more than 35 applications had been received for the Preston Veterans Home as of September 20. MDVA is also constructing new veterans homes in Bemidji and Montevideo and applications are being accepted for those two locations as well.
“The County Veterans Service Officers have been so helpful in assisting our future residents and their families with the application process,” Schauer said. A complete admission application packet must include a signed and dated application form, a copy of the DD-214 discharge form, copies of any legal decision maker documents such as Power of Attorney, Healthcare Directive or Guardianship/Conservatorship as needed, and, if a spouse is applying, a copy of the marriage certificate. Admissions inquiries can be emailed to NewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us.
Once applications are received, MDVA staff review them. Then applicants receive confirmation in a written letter that they have been placed on a waiting list. Several months before opening, applicants will be contacted for more information on their healthcare needs and the financial intake will begin. Admissions will be staggered and gradual; only a small number will be admitted until after the home is approved by a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs inspection.
Schauer emphasized that the facility will be a skilled nursing home and residents must require that level of care. Typically, residents are admitted after spending several months on a waiting list. They can be admitted directly from their own home, from another community skilled nursing facility, or in rare cases from a hospital. There will not be assisted living nor domiciliary-level care provided at the new veterans home.
Because admissions will not begin for almost a year, Herke encouraged applicants to work with their County Veterans Service Officer regarding needs for healthcare services in the meantime. Veterans may be eligible for home care services or may need to seek skilled nursing care at another facility until the new veterans home opens.
At the meeting, MDVA leaders also shared plans to hire 115 full- and part-time staff. Recruitment will begin soon for the home administrator who will be hired by the end of 2022 with other leadership roles following. Job openings will be posted at MN.gov/careers. Employment inquiries can be emailed to NewHomesJobs@state.mn.us.
While not even open yet, the veterans home is already receiving much community support, noted Douglas Hughes, MDVA Deputy Commissioner – Veterans Healthcare. Donations are welcome and will enhance the quality of life for the future Residents. Donations are often used for recreation activities or special events.
The Preston Home’s design includes 54 private residential units with private baths split into three, 18-resident “households,” providing a more homelike atmosphere. The home’s design will take advantage of the bluff-top views and beautiful surroundings. There will be numerous windows throughout the facility to bring in natural light and a fenced-in courtyard. Public spaces include a Town Center featuring a small coffee shop/cafe, theater/meeting room, family dining room, meditation room/chapel, and club room.
For more information, visit the MDVA website at MinnesotaVeteran.org/FutureHomes.
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