Veterans Nursing Facility Alzheimer’s Unit 100 Percent Compliant

9/28/2011

The West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility was deemed to be in 100 percent compliance in its first inspection by the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification on Sept. 22.

Having passed the initial inspection, the facility can now call the specialty unit an Alzheimer’s/Dementia Unit.
A team of 25 professionals, created by the Alzheimer’s Unit Director, Mary Jo Arbogast, RN, worked feverishly for the past six months to ensure that every single element of the licensure rule was implemented and perfected.

For several months, the 20-bed unit has been operating with a “control” group of seven veteran residents. The facility Director, Dr. Kevin Crickard, commented, “We have seen dramatic improvements in the physical and mental health of veteran residents who were transferred to the Alzheimer’s Unit. It’s truly inspiring to be a part of what is happening here every day.”

Crickard added that the facility overall has done remarkably well this year. “Just this week we received our recognition letter from the Federal Veterans Administration indicating that, ‘the facility is in compliance with all VA standards… granting full certification for 2011 – 2012.’”

“It is truly an accomplishment for this newly formed unit to achieve 100 percent compliance with the requirements on its first inspection,” said Keith Gwinn, Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance. “I am confident that it is an indication, not only of the expertise of the staff, but also of their commitment to the residents.”

Contact Information

Heather Miles, 304-558-3661