The Indiana Veterans Home offers quality senior living for veterans and families
How staff and residents are thriving in a demanding age
by Dennis A. Wimer, Director
Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs
The end of the American Civil War left many Hoosier soldiers disabled and in need of housing and medical care. In 1895, Indiana established the Indiana State Soldiers Home on more than 187 acres in Tippecanoe County to care for these wounded heroes. Now, 125 years later the Indiana Veterans Home (IVH) provides quality care for more than 160 veterans, their spouses and Gold Star parents.
The Home’s legacy of caring and commitment to maintaining top staff and facilities begins with board-certified physicians, highly skilled nursing, independent living and memory care staff. On-site medical care includes physical and occupational therapy, podiatry, dentistry, optometry, x-ray services, pharmacy and transportation to Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis.
Furthermore, the Home has two memory care units for the care of residents who have been diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's. Residents are placed in the unit based on their level of functioning, high or low, with care and activities specifically tailored to their level of need.
IVH is a large facility with nearly 300 beds available and more than 200 dedicated employees working tirelessly around the clock to ensure Indiana’s veterans receive the best care available during these challenging times. I have complete faith and confidence in all of the staff, and I trust them to make the best decisions for Indiana’s finest.
In addition to excellence in medical care, residents of IVH also enjoy a library and media center, a chapel and full-time chaplain, beauty salon and barber shop, fishing ponds, sprawling gardens, lounges and game rooms. An activity that makes the Indiana Veterans Home so special is its connection with veteran communities across the state. Almost every week there is an organization that reaches out to the Home and connects with residents and the staff. All residents have the added benefit of participating in these veteran and patriotic events throughout the year.
Recreation is very important and helps makes IVH a place to call home. Our residents love to play Bingo, so we have made sure they can continue playing while practicing social distancing.
IVH prides itself on providing clean, comfortable rooms and furniture, appetizing and nutritious meals made by registered dietitians, and beautiful, scenic gardens throughout the sizable campus.
The pride and excellence of the Veteran Home staff has been seen in the current pandemic. In early March, the leadership team took immediate action to prevent COVID-19 from entering the campus by implementing procedures to limit infection potential. Currently no residents have tested positive for COVID-19. It is incumbent upon us to make sure those who gave so much to our country can live and thrive in a healthy and caring environment, free from fear. This commitment is particularly important during a time when conflict lives on and battles continue, even after their military service has ended.
It is our duty and our honor to keep the Indiana Veterans Home to the highest standards now and for future generations of veterans and their families.
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