Tradition, Mississippi Welcomes the Largest Veterans Home in the State
Exciting news is on the horizon for our veterans living in Tradition, Mississippi! In just a few months, the much-anticipated Veterans Home is set to open its doors, and it’s going to be quite the place. Not only is this home double the size of any of the four existing homes in Oxford, Kosciusko, Jackson, and Collins, but it also holds the title of being the largest veterans home in the state!
Made with Care and Comfort in Mind
Mark Smith, Executive Director of Mississippi Veterans Affairs, puts it perfectly when he says, “They’ve served their country; they’ve earned the benefit to live here. This is their home.” And it certainly looks like the design of the home reflects that sentiment. With a layout that mimics a welcoming neighborhood, the facility has different areas labeled as streets, neighborhoods, and even a Town Center. Imagine walking through the lobby that leads to Main Street which connects to the Town Center—what a friendly and inviting atmosphere!
The facility includes two identical neighborhood wings and a secure unit, making movement easy and familiar for residents. Nursing home administrator Piccolar Johnson elaborates, saying, “This actually houses pretty much everything you would as you were going down a main street in a neighborhood.” This attention to detail allows veterans to feel a sense of normalcy and belonging as they settle into their new home.
All the Amenities Needed for Daily Life
Now let’s talk about some of the exciting features in store for residents. Gone are the days of old storefront-style rooms; each area will be utilized for daily necessities. Think about it: a chapel, a bank, a library, restorative therapy rooms, cozy lounge areas, and even a beauty and barber shop are all coming to life!
Accessibility is a big priority, especially for veterans who may be wheelchair-bound or disabled. We’re talking about roll-in showers with adjustable showerheads in each room. Each neighborhood has a modern bathhouse for those extra touches of comfort.
A Comfortable, Tech-Friendly Environment
Further enhancing the living experience, temperature controls are managed through energy-efficient HVAC systems that are controlled via the internet. Imagine being able to set the perfect temperature from your phone! Additionally, there are private kitchens with hot wells in each housing unit for those who prefer a quieter dining experience instead of the hustle and bustle of a common dining room.
For those living in the secure wing, the rounded walkways are a thoughtful design to aid those who may wander. Johnson explains that research indicates that individuals with advanced Alzheimer’s or dementia often become disoriented at corners. The rounded design helps guide them gently back into the flow.
Job Opportunities and Funding
Excitingly, once everything is up and running, the new Veterans Home in Tradition will provide roughly 150 jobs to the community, including roles for nurses, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and other administrative staff. That’s a fantastic way to support both our veterans and our local economy!
Financially, this incredible project has received substantial backing, with the federal side of Veterans Affairs funding 65% of the costs, while state leadership contributed 35%. All this hard work and investment means the home will span a whopping 133,000 square feet and accommodate 100 veterans. For context, the existing homes are only about half this size at 72,000 square feet but serve 150 veterans.
Mark Your Calendars!
The grand opening date is projected for February 1st, 2025. As the opening day approaches, more information will be released about how veterans can apply to live there and how individuals can seek employment within this wonderful new home.
In conclusion, the Veterans Home in Tradition promises to be a groundbreaking space that truly prioritizes the needs and comfort of our veterans. We, for one, can’t wait to see it open its doors!
