Division of Veterans Healthcare Services
Frank R. Carlini, Director

Central Office

The Government Accounting Office published a report demonstrating that our state veteran homes care for 52% of all long-term care veterans at only 12% cost to the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In the recent proposed President’s Budget released 6 February 2006, President Bush allocated $80.6 billion for the VA, which is the largest increase in health care in history; an increase of 12.2% over last year. It also addresses an increase of 10% to non-institutional care, such as assisted living, respite care, and home health care. The only downside of the VA budget proposal is that funding for state veteran home construction was not increased from the 2006 fiscal year amounts. The NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, in concert with the US Department of Veterans Affairs, is addressing this issue to ensure that our veteran homes receive adequate funding.

Menlo Park

The Menlo Park facility can hardly be described as your average nursing home. Besides the high quality of care, the residents receive overwhelming support from local veteran and community organizations. Not one day goes by when there is not a volunteer or group of volunteers from a local veteran or service organization visiting with the residents. In addition to the many hours that these individuals spend with the residents, they also donate needed personal items and thousands of dollars each year. The additional support that the home receives from these organizations enhances the quality of life of our residents greatly. The Recreation Department is able to provide large special events involving the community, as well as the individualized therapeutic programs that the residents need. If there is a need by our residents, there is no question that veteran and community organizations will answer the call without hesitation. There are not enough words to express how grateful our residents and staff are for the support from our organizational friends. Thanks to all of you.

Paramus

Residents at the Paramus facility continue to enjoy many activities and events. The support received from veteran groups and community participation for providing many special events is very much appreciated. Residents have been going on trips to Atlantic City and the Meadowlands, and attend many functions, including traveling to restaurants throughout the state. Not only do our volunteers help on these excursions, but many provide ongoing in-house recreational activities as well. Many of our volunteers are here on a daily basis to do whatever they can to make our facility not only a nursing home, but also a real “Home” away from home. It is heartwarming to know that so many care so much. In these times of uncertainty, we can always count on all our volunteers and wonderful professional staff that make Paramus a unique health care provider.

Vineland

On 28 November 2005, residents of the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland began their relocation into their new state-of-the-art 300-bed replacement facility. All moves were completed by 13 December 2005. This monumental move could not have been accomplished without the assistance and dedication of volunteers, staff, family members, and various veterans’ organizations. The support and generosity offered by these individuals to our nation’s veterans is truly appreciated and we are most grateful. Residents and staff are now settled into their new surroundings within Freedom Center, Honor Circle, Justice Court, Liberty Square, and Old Glory. Demolition of existing buildings and landscaping should be completed by late Spring 2006.

"EVERY DAY IS VETERANS DAY"