Veterans homes services are expanding, as the Department of Veterans Affairs (SCDVA) takes over the operation of veterans' homes as part of the split of DHEC.
Veterans homes, state-run nursing homes exclusively for long-term care of veterans, were previously established and run by the Department of Mental Health.
Now, a new team at the SCDVA will be expanding the care, with a goal of serving 1000 veterans in the next few years with the addition of new facilities, says the new SCDVA Director of Veterans Homes Hayward Hillard.
"From an associative standpoint having the veterans homes under Veterans Affairs makes sense," says Hillard. "What what that does is creates a challenge for us now to continue that oversight at the level and even an improved level with with a new team."
The SCDVA will take over the four contractor-operated facilities the SCDVA already has in Walterboro, Anderson, Florence, and Gaffney, as well as one new facility under construction now in Sumter.
Another facility that is not contracted-operated, Stone Veteran Pavilion in Columbia, will stay with the Department of Mental Health until July 1 of next year.
"One thing that you expect to change is that with respect to the leadership in the agency, having a direct involvement, visiting the homes, working with the staff and the employees that work so hard every day, I hope that they will continue to feel a level of support from the agency and even an enhanced level of support as this new mission kind of unfolds," says Hillard.
Hillard hopes the new facility in Sumter, entitled Patriot's Home, will be finished in October and operational by the start of next year. According to the Department, there are plans for more veterans' homes facilities in Orangeburg, Horry, and Lexington counties.
Veterans that are interested can find more information and apply for a facility at the Department of Veterans Affairs website.