Division of Veterans Healthcare Services
Frank R. Carlini, Director

Health Professions Recruiter Update

The health professions staffing at each of the NJ Veterans Memorial Homes is going very smoothly. In April 2004, the Old Glory Wing at the Menlo Park facility opened and was dedicated by former Governor James E. McGreevey. What was a large deficit of qualified nurses just a short year ago, to include Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Certified Nursing Assistants, is now a manageable handful of vacancies. This has created a much better working environment for our medical staff, as well as providing superior quality care for our nation’s heroes!

New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park

The Holiday Season at Menlo Park was especially busy for the veteran home residents. Visits from the holidays have poured into the new year, with many veterans organizations still coming in with gifts and activities for the veteran home residents. A large number of veterans’ organizations have contributed funds for the refurnishing of the Town Square area. It is now completed for residents and family members to enjoy. In the upcoming months, there are many meaningful activities scheduled. On 8 February, “Red Beans and Rice” will be performing for our Mardi Gras Party. On 11 February, Re-Creation will be performing their 30th “Anniversary TV Gold” show. The group performs a program of high-energy song and dance with colorful costumes and sincere appreciation of the veterans. On 23 February, the USO of Metropolitan New York will be bringing their annual “Salute to Veterans” show to Menlo Park to celebrate National Salute Week.

New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Paramus

Beginning in January 2005, the Paramus facility became the host for a joint volunteer venture with the United Auto Workers. Several Ford employees are volunteers at the Paramus facility. Also in January, Activity Professional’s Day was celebrated with a luncheon being held for Activity staff. The month of February will be very involved with a visit from the USO Troop for Hospitalized Veterans Week. A Black History Month celebration is scheduled for 25 February. Staff will be performing cultural dance, reciting poems, and contributing their special talents. The facility is anticipating a visit from Congressman Scott Garrett, New Jersey 5th District, along with students from the East Brook Middle School in Paramus who will be performing a “Tribute to Veterans.”

New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland

The Vineland facility is currently in Phase II of construction. Projected completion is 8 June 2005 (unless there are delays in construction that can occur for numerous reasons). At the time of completion, Administration can take possession of the new building. It will take approximately five (5) weeks to move in all the new furniture and equipment in preparation for occupation by veteran home residents. Another three (3) weeks is anticipated in order to relocate the residents and vacate the old buildings. The new facility should be in full operation by 8 August 2005. Phase III, the demolition of the old buildings, will then begin followed by landscaping.

The new state-of-the-art facility will consist of 240 long-term care beds, a 28-bed Assisted Living Unit, as well as a 32-bed Alzheimer’s Unit. A mosaic tile “Wall of The Tides” will adorn the center courtyard, which will include a 12 ’ waterfall surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers.

"EVERY DAY IS VETERANS DAY"