/ By St. William's Living Center / Skilled Nursing • Veteran/ 0 Comments

Veteran Care: What Does it Mean to be VA Contracted?

Did you know that the VA contracts with community nursing homes to care for aging veterans?

As a veteran, you have options when you’re in need of skilled nursing care. You aren’t limited to only those facilities run by the VA.

At St. William’s, we are proud to say that we are one of the few skilled nursing facilities in the area that’s contracted with the VA for veteran care.

Keep reading to learn more about what it means to be VA contracted.

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Services We Offer Veterans

Nursing homes run by the VA are often hard to get into and might be located many miles from friends and family. If you opt for a community nursing facility, such as St. William’s, you can get the top-notch care you need while staying local.

Our facility offers veterans individualized medical care. Nurses work with your doctor to develop a care plan that’s best for you. Whether you’re staying with us short-term to recover from an injury or surgery, or you’re here for a longer stay, our staff is here for you with 24-hour care and support.

We offer a range of therapy services including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Our state-of-the-art physical therapy room offers all the tools you’ll need to strengthen your muscles and improve joint function.

At St. William’s, we understand that, as a veteran, you may have unique obstacles to overcome on a day-to-day basis. Our mental health professionals work with veterans one-on-one to ensure they can manage the stress of daily life. Simply having someone to talk to can make a huge difference in your quality of life.

Occupational therapists work with veterans to help them become more independent. They can help you to re-learn how to feed and clothe yourself, do chores around the house, and cook for yourself. Occupational therapy might be just the thing you need to get back on your feet after a stroke or injury.

Are You Eligible?

According to the VA website, if you served in the active military, naval, or air services, you may be eligible for VA healthcare benefits. Visit their site to check specific eligibility requirements and to sign up for health care benefits. Once you’re signed up for benefits, you can learn more about what the services VA can help with.

There are three different types of nursing facilities that the VA will cover. State-owned veteran homes and VA-owned facilities, as well as community nursing homes such as St. William’s. Only the facilities contracted with the VA will qualify for benefits, so it’s in your best interest, as a veteran, to choose a facility like St. William’s who works with the VA and understands the process.

Veteran Care Done the Right Way

At St. William’s, we value veterans. They fought for freedom and served our country bravely. Now it’s time for us to serve them.

Contact us today to find out more about how we can help care for you or your loved one.

/ By St. William's Living Center / Assisted Living • Healthy Living • Skilled Nursing • Veteran/ 0 Comments

What Is Hospice Care? 5 Facts to Know

Did you know that 1.5 million Medicare beneficiaries receive hospice care annually? And that number is increasing with each passing year.

End-of-life care isn’t an easy subject for most of us to think about, but it is something that’s important to discuss with your loved ones. Many people don’t understand the many benefits of hospice care.

If you find yourself asking “What is hospice care?”, we’re here to help. Here are five facts to know about this special type of healthcare.

1. Hospice is Supportive Care

Rather than treating the underlying illness, hospice care focuses on supporting the patient through day-to-day life. Symptom control is the number one priority. By treating the symptoms of the disease, hospice caregivers make patients more comfortable so they can live their final days to the fullest.

A care plan is established for each patient by hospice professionals. This care plan is tailored to the needs of the patient and offers 24-hour support.

2. Hospice Helps with Daily Life Activities

Hospice is more than just healthcare. Care professionals help the patient with simple tasks like bathing, preparing food, doing laundry, and cleaning their home. They can also help family members learn how to do these activities so they can support their loved ones during difficult times. 

3. Hospice Care Includes Emotional Support 

It’s not uncommon for terminally ill patients to suffer from high levels of anxiety and even depression. Hospice care workers are specially trained to offer emotional support to those dealing with a terminal illness. They can even offer spiritual guidance if that is what the patient needs.

Hospice care workers are also a great source of companionship to the patient and their family members. They can provide some needed time off to family members who take on the brunt of the caregiving responsibilities.

4. You Can Receive Hospice Care in a Nursing Home

Most people believe that a loved one must be at home to receive hospice care, but that’s not true. If your family member lives in a nursing home, they too can receive hospice benefits. 

Nursing home residents that opt for hospice care will receive regular visits from hospice nurses that are specially trained in end-of-life care. They’ll work with the nursing home staff to ensure that the care plan is working as it should and they’ll offer suggestions for therapy and other care procedures that can improve the resident’s quality of life.

5. Hospice is for the Entire Family

Hospice can be a benefit to the entire family, not just the patient. The hospice service will provide access to counselors during the illness and even after death, to help family members cope. 

They’ll keep family members in the loop during the entire process and ensure that everyone’s wishes are respected. Daily meetings with hospice caregivers can offer family members hope and stress relief during these trying times. 

What Is Hospice Care? It’s Your Choice

Hospice care is an excellent choice for those who are looking to live a more comfortable life during their final days. Talk to your loved ones about choosing hospice care when the time comes. 

At St. William’s Living Center, we understand the difficulties surrounding end-of-life care decisions. Call us anytime to discuss hospice care options in Parkers Prairie.

/ By St. William's Living Center / Skilled Nursing • Veteran/ 0 Comments

They Served for Us…

They fought for rights. They fought for values. They fought for freedom. They fought to defend Old Glory. They fought because someone else fought before they did. They fought for what was right.

They fought on foreign soil where they were hated. They fought against those who had no regard for human life. They fought to save women and children. They fought to free the oppressed.

They provided security to those who lived in constant fear. They gave medical care to the wounded. They brought food to the starving and water to the desperate. They gave hope to those who had lost everything.

They are men. They are women. They are young and full of life. They are aging gracefully. They come from all backgrounds. And they all have one thing in common…

They served for us.

Veterans are our nation’s greatest treasure. They protect our lives. They protect our liberties. They protect our happiness. They hold our history in their hands. 

On behalf of the St. William’s Living Center community, we thank you, veterans. 

You served us. Now we serve you.