(Boulder City, Nev.) – A 93-year-old resident at the Southern Nevada State Veterans Home (SNSVH) died this week due to COVID-19 related complications. The resident had been fully vaccinated and boosted, but suffered from underlying conditions and was receiving end-of-life care at Infinity Inpatient Hospice at the time of his death.
“It is with a heavy heart we share this news. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time,” said NDVS Director Kat Miller. “While we all hope the worst is behind us, this loss serves as a reminder that we must remain vigilant in order to protect our vulnerable population. We will continue frequent COVID-19 testing of all staff and residents as well as follow all protocols and guidelines designed to prevent the spread of this virus.”
It has been more than a year since a SNSVH resident has died as a result of COVID-19, which is attributed to the high vaccination and booster rate at the home. All residents and staff are fully vaccinated and boosted, unless they have a bonifide religious or medical reason that prohibits them from being vaccinated.
The resident was a U.S. Army veteran who had served in the Korean War. “He lived a full life, that included honorable service to his country,” said Miller. “We will never forget his service, or the service and sacrifice of the 6.8 million American men and women who served during the Korean War period, of whom 54,200 gave their lives.”
Throughout the pandemic, the SNSVH has received support from infection control experts with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. In surveys of the SNSVH over the past 24 months, regulatory authorities have continued to observe that SNSVH staff are following all infection control protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Per SNSVH protocol, all staff who care for residents are tested for COVID-19 twice a week. If staff presents to work displaying COVID-19 symptoms they are immediately tested. If the rapid test result is positive, the staff member is immediately sent home to self-quarantine and does not have any contact with residents or other staff.
A 24-hour, seven day-a-week COVID-19 Update Line is available at 702-332-6705. The recorded message provides information about COVID-19 at the home. It is updated as conditions change. For more information and resources on Nevada’s response to COVID-19, please visit Nevada Health Response at https://nvhealthresponse.nv.gov/.
About the Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS)
NDVS is dedicated to helping Nevada veterans obtain the services and benefits they have earned through military service in the U.S. Armed Forces. In addition to offering benefits counseling and assistance, which includes assistance with filing VA claims at no cost, NDVS manages the Northern and Southern Nevada State Veterans Homes and the Northern and Southern Veterans Memorial Cemeteries. To learn more about NDVS programs or services visit veterans.nv.gov and follow us on Twitter @NVDeptVeterans and on Facebook @NevadaDepartmentofVeteransServices.
Want more information on earned veterans benefits or have questions or concerns? You are in the right place! Veterans Service Officers are here to help. Please fill out the form and click “Submit." To find VSO Locations, please visit the Veterans Service Officer page.
