Regional VA Partners with CHI Health for New Veterans Community Living Center

By Loretta H. Flannery Last updated Feb 22, 2022

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – This is a one-of-a-kind partnership to bring veterans the best possible care: The VA partners with CHI Health to add a new place for veterans to get rehab care short-term and memory care in the Omaha-metro.

It will be located in Papillion, a central location for many veterans.

The VA says there are nearly 20,000 veterans living in metro Omaha. This new $11 million community living center will welcome them with 34 rooms spread over two floors.

“The Veterans Community Living Center here at CHI Midlands will benefit those who have served this country by creating a place close to home where they can receive short-term rehabilitation care, skilled nursing and health care. memory,” said Dr. Cliff Robertson, CHI. Healthcare CEO.

The VA says the Papillion location will serve as an intermediate point for veterans living in Omaha and Lincoln. Currently, the nearest community living center is on Grand Island.

“What it will do is give them the opportunity to be here, in their own community, close to all their loved ones, which is their support system. And getting the care they deserve from two great partners,” said Nebraska-Western Iowa Director of Veterans Affairs Don Burman.

Nebraska – Western Iowa VA manager Don Burman said this was the first time he had heard of an in-state VA working with a private partner. He expects other states to follow Nebraska’s lead in the years to come.

The level of care veterans will receive here will be the same as at Grand Island VA. It’s the proximity of home and family that will make all the difference.

“We have to outdo ourselves in almost every area when comparing ourselves to our community hospital. The bar is set high because we have great care in this community.

This will save veterans and their families nearly four hours of round-trip travel. The opening is scheduled for mid-December.

“These services are desperately needed in our community,” said VA Chief of Staff Dr. David Williams.

CHI Health is also working to add a healing garden outside the hospital so veterans and their families have their own space. This project should be completed by July.