WASHINGTON – Making sure the Erie Soldiers and Sailors Home remains a comfortable residence for veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is targeting $4.6 million in grant money for construction of a new dementia and Alzheimer’s unit.
"This grant reflects the federal-state partnership that is honoring our commitment to care for the men and women who have served in uniform," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. "This partnership provides a comfortable home for veterans in a time of personal need."
The grant will pay up to 65 percent of the cost for constructing a new 44-bed unit for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The overall cost of the project is approximately $7.1 million.
Pennsylvania also operates state veterans homes in Hollidaysburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton and Spring City. The homes are available to veterans who have served in the U.S. armed forces or Pennsylvania military forces, released from service under honorable conditions and are residents of the Commonwealth.
In fiscal year 2004, VA spent more than $2.4 billion in Pennsylvania to serve 1.1 million veterans who live there. In Pennsylvania, VA's Stars and Stripes Health Care Network operates 10 medical centers, with outpatient clinics and Vet Centers in many communities.
