The 3 ½ year construction project consolidated and modernized the sprawling campus of more than 15 buildings over 54 acres into one modern, efficient,two-story building.
In addition to consolidating both residents and resident services into one building,the new facility added 92 beds for a total capacity of 332 full time residents. One historical building of the old campus still remains and houses the grounds and landscaping shop. A new annex was also built for the maintenance shops.
The old campus was home to more than 3,500 veterans during four decades of operation; but by modern nursing home standards it was inefficiently designed. All meals had to be prepared,trucked to the residential buildings and be reheated before they could be served.The old campus layout with small-sized units also required a highly inefficient use of nursing staff.
United States Veterans Administration and the State of New Jersey jointly funded the $46 million construction project,which began in 1997.
New Jersey's one-third share of this construction was less than the cost to update the old campus to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for handicapped access.
"Making the decision that a loved one requires nursing home care can be difficult and painful for family mem bers," said Michael L.Warner, Deputy Commissioner for Veteran Affairs, DMAVA. "Selecting the right home can be just as difficult proximity, quality of care and affordability are a few of the concerns a family must address. Fortunately,for the families of New Jersey veterans, affordable, quality care is available in our facilities."
The New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes located in Paramus,Menlo Park and Vineland serve about one thousand veterans who require long-term nursing home type care.The Veterans Memorial Homes offer around the-clock medical and nursing care, rehabilitative and recreational services, Alzheimer's units,and other amenities.
For more information on New Jersey ' Veterans Memorial Homes or for an application call 609-530-6766. Cutting the ribbon at the dedication of the new veterans nursing home at Menlo Park Oct.26.