Iowa Veterans Home is more than just a standard nursing home

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa- Marshalltown is home to the only veterans home in Iowa and it’s also the fifth largest in the country.

But, other than its size, the 150-acre facility is known for the personal relationships that are built and the community involvement.

At the Iowa Veterans Home, it’s not uncommon to hear live music, see veterans making ceramics, playing bingo, or even see staff members celebrate residents.

Over 700 employees care for the 399 residents, who are all either veterans or spouses to veterans. All four of Iowa’s congressional districts are represented equally at the home. And each resident is made to feel right at home.

“Some of the staff know exactly how the resident wants their tray every single day. The unique little things like how many sugars they want in their coffee, or they want their straw this way,” said Melissa Sienkncht, Public Service Manager for the Iowa Veterans Home.

But, it’s more than just food. The nursing staff helps residents with their physical goals, too.

Clifford Collins is a resident at the home who says he has seen progress in his physical abilities because of the work staff have done with him.

“For a while, he wasn’t able to walk very far. He was very unsteady. Now, he can walk pretty far,” said Julie Muschick, a nurse who helps Collins walk every day.

Staff and residents even develop personal bonds from how closely they work together. Sarah Bruner, the Administrator of Nursing for the home, experienced this with her son who volunteered at the Iowa Veterans Home last year. He played cribbage every week with a resident who had memory impairment. The resident was able to remember how to play cribbage.

And Marshalltown is patriotic. There are a few streets in the town with posters of veterans hanging on light posts. Staff members say the Iowa Veterans Home truly does belong in Marshalltown.

“There is no lack of support in terms of everything from the community of Marshalltown. On Christmas, every single resident gets a gift from the community,” said Commandant Todd Jacobus.

The Iowa Veterans Home is hosting some family-friendly Independence Day events on Thursday, July 4th. More information can be found on their Facebook page .

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