Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Nursing Home is a state-run, medium-sized nursing facility offering care and support for veterans requiring either short-term rehabilitation or long-term nursing services. With a capacity of 120 beds, the home participates in both Medicare and Medicaid programs, providing essential financial flexibility for residents and their families. It is not part of a continuing care retirement community, focusing instead on skilled nursing needs and rehabilitation services for seniors and veterans, particularly those who have served in the armed forces.
The home delivers both short-term and long-term care, equipping its facility and staff to assist those recovering from hospital stays due to events like strokes, heart attacks, infections, or injuries. For short-term rehabilitation, it maintains an average rating, indicating a reliable standard of post-acute care for residents seeking to regain strength and mobility before returning home. The facility posts detailed statistics in this regard, including a 6.7% rate of major injury falls among short-term residents and an emergency room visit rate of 25.9% for those receiving short-term care. While some metrics, such as the percentage of residents able to return home or infections resulting in hospitalization, are not available, the overall attention to clinical outcomes is reflected in daily nursing oversight.
Long-term care at Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Nursing Home is highly regarded, with a significant majority of residents—85.7%—able to maintain independence in personal activities such as moving, eating, and using the bathroom without assistance. Preventative health is prioritized, as shown by a 98.6% influenza vaccination rate among residents. The facility emphasizes a consistent approach to nursing assistance, maintaining an average of 5 hours and 29 minutes of nurse staffing per resident per day. This consistency is noted not just on weekdays but also weekends, contributing to a stable and supportive environment for residents who require ongoing assistance with daily living and medical needs.
Day-to-day life at Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Nursing Home is further enhanced by its commitment to creating a clean, comfortable, and safe environment for both residents and staff. Regular inspections focus on food preparation, general safety, and overall living conditions, aiming to uphold a welcoming and hygienic atmosphere. The facility is continuously working to address any noted areas needing improvement to ensure the quality of service and the well-being of its community.
The home’s participation in Medicare and Medicaid opens access to a broader range of veterans, ensuring that qualified individuals receive the care they need without overwhelming financial burden. For those eligible for short-term rehabilitation, Medicare can generally assist with up to 100 days of coverage following a qualifying hospital stay, while Medicaid may support long-term care once personal funds and insurance are utilized. These funding mechanisms are central to the care home’s mission of serving veterans and supporting their health and dignity in later life.
Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Nursing Home stands as a dedicated and responsive institution for veterans in need of skilled nursing and rehabilitation, combining experienced staff, consistent care, and a supportive, community-minded approach to senior living.