Minnesota Veterans Home - Fergus Falls opened its doors to the community in 1998; 25 years later, it continues to offer award-winning care in a respectful, engaging environment serving Veterans and their families.

On June 24, following its annual summer Stars & Stripes parade, the Fergus Falls Veterans Home will host a 25th anniversary event located on its campus at 1821 North Park Street. The formal program begins immediately after the parade (around 10:45 a.m.). Elected officials, local dignitaries, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) leaders, past employees and volunteers, and families of former Residents have been invited. Guests will enjoy live music, a brief presentation, historical displays and a cupcake and soda bar.

Jonathan Stone, Home Administrator, shares he is proud to be leading the Home during this milestone moment in its history. “I have a strong passion to care for the elderly,” Stone said. “Caring for Veterans who need skilled nursing attention adds an extra level of honor.”

Stone says employees are the key to why this has been such a beloved space for the past quarter century. “Fourteen team members have been here since day 1. That means consistency of care and commitment to proudly serving our precious national heroes. And our volunteer program supports extensive activities and events (more than 250 each year) on our campus and in the community to make sure our Residents have a fulfilling life with something to look forward to every day.”

The Fergus Falls Veterans Home opened a Veterans Village in 2011, which consists of two households of 10 and 11 Residents each, designed to offer medical services in a home-style atmosphere. This community approach and design creates a sense of place for dementia Residents by providing a familiar, home-like environment.

Twenty-five years after its front doors opened, Fergus Falls continues to keep up with the times, refreshing programs and services and updating the facility to provide the best possible residential and work environment, including:

• In June 2022, the Home dedicated a 726-square foot seasonal greenhouse, allowing Residents to plant delicious, nutritious fruits and vegetables for use in meal preparation. And Residents can now grow their own flowers in raised beds and flowerpots around the campus.
• Also in 2022, a new vestibule/sitting room was added to three existing vestibules, all with different themes. This new area features comfortable furniture and fun photos to create welcoming spaces in which Residents and families can relax and/or visit.

“My favorite memory here has been our annual Stars and Stripes parade,” noted Stone. “It’s so wonderful to see all of the happy, smiling faces during this unique event. Our Residents absolutely love watching the parades (for people and pets) right where they live. We start with a Warbird flyover and have marching bands; what a day!”

“Congratulations to the Fergus Falls community on its 25th anniversary of their Veterans Home!” said MDVA Deputy Commissioner - Healthcare Eric Meittunen. “Having joined MDVA just a few weeks ago, it is great to be a part of this celebration of the facility and recognize our staff for 25 years of caring for the needs of our Veterans.”