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By Terri Hendry 
(Sparks, NV) – The heavy equipment is now busy moving earth at the site of the new Northern Nevada State Veterans Home at 2 Kietzke Lane in Sparks, Nevada. The 96-bed skilled-nursing facility is slated for a ribbon cutting in December of 2018. 
 
The new facility will fill a much needed gap in skilled-nursing care for veterans in northern Nevada. Right now the Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City is the lone facility of its kind in the Silver State. Unfortunately, it is at capacity and until the new home is built, northern Nevada veterans are being placed in nursing homes under contract with the Veterans Administration which means sometimes they are placed in homes located out-of-state, including California, Utah and Idaho. “This takes them away from their family, loved ones and community at a time they need them the most,” said Wendy Simons, Deputy Director of Wellness for the Nevada Department of Veterans Services. 
 
The new Northern Nevada facility is designed as a complex. The residents will have their own private room and share a den, as well as living room and kitchen space with 15 other residents. Outside the rooms, a “town square” will feature a barber and beauty shop, sports bar, chapel, a bistro-style coffee shop and a physical therapy gym. There will also be a parade ground outside to hold ceremonies, gatherings and special events. It is designed to feel like a cozy home that includes a comfortable neighborhood rather than an institution.  
 
During construction, NDVS will soon host updates on our website at veterans.nv.gov to showcase the progress. We will show you a “live camera” and feature time-lapse films! In the meantime, if you would like to make a donation or if you’re interested in becoming a resident at the home, contact Wendy Simons at 775-825-9751 or email her at simonsw@veterans.nv.gov. The new facility will serve veterans from all branches, their spouses and Gold Star parents.