Care our vets deserve

With Veterans Day approaching, I want to thank the administration and staff (and taxpayers) who provide the state-of-the-art facility for veterans at the Arkansas State Veterans Home in North Little Rock. My family has experienced care in other facilities, and the Veterans Home (especially Cottage 2) is by far the best.

The eight cottages each provide care for 12 veterans. Each is set up to operate with a home-like atmosphere, though each veteran is given a necklace/button to wear so they may alert workers of their needs or location. Delicious meals are served at a big table in the dining room; menus are printed out daily so they know ahead of time what will be served (with individual needs also met for special diets or preferences); those who give care also prepare and serve meals (as well as kindness, love, compassion, and respect); activities are planned for socialization; a therapy dog visits each resident at least weekly; transportation is provided for doctor visits; registered nurses as well as LPN’s help with round-the-clock care; and … each cottage is always spotless!

As mentioned, it is a family, home-like atmosphere. The staff gets to know each veteran and visit with them. The wrap-around porch and screened porch, overlooking a beautiful pond, invite veterans and visitors to share stories of life experiences, on and off the battlefield. If you haven’t visited the new Arkansas State Veterans Home in North Little Rock, I hope you soon will. Listen to the veterans’ stories; witness the love shared; and take time to thank all who provide the care our veterans deserve. JEANETTE WOOD

Cabot