How we're different

Bruce McCandless State Veterans Home at Florence

Here are a few of the things that set us apart from other nursing homes:
 

Veteran camaraderie and respect

The Bruce McCandless Colorado State Veterans Home at Florence serves only veterans, veterans’ spouses and Gold-Star Parents, creating a unique atmosphere among long-term care facilities. Residents enjoy camaraderie with other veterans and respect from staff and volunteers, who value the contributions these service men, women and their families have made to our country.

Comprehensive daily rate

We offer one comprehensive daily rate, with no extra charges for:

• Medications
• Primary care physician services
• Oxygen
• Wheelchairs
• Other medical supplies
• Physical, speech and occupational therapy
• Transportation to medical appointments; and more!

Our amenities

Recently renovated semi-private rooms feature new flooring, large energy efficient windows, temperature controls in each room and cable television. Mountain views and well-manicured courtyards make our outdoor living spaces something to marvel!

Meaningful activities and resident involvement (“culture change”)

The Bruce McCandless Colorado State Veterans Home at Florence has embraced the long-term care “culture change” movement. Caregivers, other staff, residents and family members can receive training designed by culture change pioneer The Eden Alternative. Based on this training, the staff strives to make our community more like home.

In 2008, because of our commitment to culture change, the McCandless Home proudly became the first Eden Alternative-registered State Veterans Home in the nation.

Some of the culture change approaches used at our Home include:

• Caring for the human spirit as well as the human body. At the McCandless State Veterans Home, we understand that our residents’ outlook and attitude can affect their health and sense of physical wellness. That’s why we take extra measures to meet the non-physical needs of our residents in addition to their medical needs. Our staff strives to prevent residents’ feelings of helplessness, loneliness and boredom — the three common plagues associated with long-term care environments. By encouraging our residents to make more of their own decisions about their health care, daily schedules and activities, we can help them enjoy a continued sense of control over their own lives.

• Opportunities to get involved. Residents are encouraged to participate in our resident council, where they vote on entertainment, meals and special activities. Several resident and staff committees plan ways to develop or expand programs to welcome new residents and explore ways to incorporate pets into our Home. New committee members are always welcome!

• Family visits … come one, come all! Our Home is child-friendly. A recreation room with toys, outdoor playground, picnic tables and gazebo help make extended family visits practical and fun for everyone.

For a list of The Eden Alternative’s 10 principles, please click here .
 

Family satisfaction

In surveys conducted over the past five years, family members of residents in the Bruce McCandless Colorado State Veterans Home at Florence have reported a high degree of satisfaction levels with the care their loved ones are receiving. For example, among more than 5,000 participating nursing homes from across the country, McCandless’ family members consistently have rated their “Overall Satisfaction” at levels that exceed state and national averages.

These surveys were conducted by My InnerView, a national long-term care evaluation firm with the largest set of senior care satisfaction data in the nation.

Nursing attention

Colorado’s State Veterans Nursing Homes strive to ensure that nursing staff coverage meets the needs of our residents. According to data reported by Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare Web site, Colorado’s State Veterans Homes consistently have exceeded national averages for the number of registered nurse (RN) staff hours per resident per day.

Staff longevity

Among the thousands of nursing homes that report their quality-of-care care data to the long-term care evaluation firm “My InnerView,” year after year Colorado’s State Veterans Homes have scored well above average on stability of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants. Caregiver stability, defined as being on the job for one year or more, can help residents bond with caregivers and contributes to a home-like environment.