Governor Gordon Cuts the Ribbon for the New Veterans Home of Wyoming
Written by Andrew-Rossi on October 20, 2022
Governor Gordon attended the opening of an innovative new facility for veterans and their families to call home, allowing them to live an independent lifestyle while receiving skilled medical care.
Governor Mark Gordon celebrated the newly constructed Veterans Home of Wyoming with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 20. The first skilled nursing facility dedicated to veterans in Wyoming will provide long-term care to veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star families.
“Our veterans are an integral part of Wyoming’s rich heritage, and it is an honor to celebrate the completion of the first veterans skilled nursing facility in Wyoming,” shared Governor Mark Gordon. “Veterans, and their families, embody the spirit of Wyoming through their courageous and selfless actions to protect the liberties we hold dear. This beautiful facility reflects the honor and dignity owed to those who sacrificed so much to protect our way of life.”
Courtesy Office of Governor Mark Gordon
Based on the Green House concept, the state-of-the-art facility includes three cottages, each accommodating 12 veterans, providing a higher level of care to 36 veterans and eligible family members.
The Green House concept differs from a traditional nursing home regarding facility size, interior design, organizational structure, staffing patterns, and methods of delivering skilled professional services. It is designed from the ground up to look and feel like a natural home. Each cottage offers a private bedroom and bathroom for the residents and a common space that includes a living area, an open kitchen, and a dining table.
“There are many people who worked hard to make this dream come true,” said Jack Tarter, longtime veterans advocate and member of the Wyoming Veterans Commission. “This is the greatest way ever to take care of our veterans and their spouses and meet their needs.”
The Veterans Home of Wyoming—owned and operated by the state–is the result of a partnership between the Wyoming Veterans’ Commission, the State of Wyoming, and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
With the Governor’s support, the VA provided 65 percent of the funding, and the Wyoming Legislature provided the 35 percent matching portion. By leveraging V.A. and Medicaid reimbursements, the state can offer lower-cost private pay rates to veterans who may reside at the facility.
Honorably discharged veterans, state National Guard members disabled while on duty, their spouses, and Gold Star family members are eligible for admission, with preference given to veterans and spouses.
The Veterans Home of Wyoming is three miles west of Buffalo, Wyoming, on U.S. Highway 16. The facility was built on the location of Fort McKinney.
The V.H.W. website promotes the facility as providing “a secure, independent lifestyle for veterans who voluntarily seek admission. V.H.W. offers what is known as “domiciliary care,” which is similar to assisted living care and includes food, shelter, and other support.”
