It is clear that the Silver Bay Veterans Home is a special place where the care they give goes far beyond just “clinical” requirements. The Silver Bay, Fergus Falls, Luverne, and Minneapolis Veterans Homes all received this recognition. The U.S. News and World Report analyzed data about staffing, patient outcomes, and health and safety violations at nearly 15,000 facilities nationwide to identify the Best Nursing Homes for 2026. Silver Bay Veterans Home has a ratio of 5.14 nursing hours per resident day; however, this does not reflect the special Memory Care staff who are not nursing but are present.
The Silver Bay facility has demonstrated an exceptional performance history, at one time achieving a rare “trifecta” of zero deficiencies on three consecutive state quality surveys. It is an accomplishment that is uncommon in the long-term care industry. These surveys are conducted annually by state inspectors to evaluate health and safety compliance with Medicare and Medicaid regulations, with fewer violations reflecting stronger performance and higher standards of care.
The Silver Bay Veterans Home goes out of its way to honor residents by considering their individual interests, traditions, and life experiences. Whether it’s tailoring daily activities or celebrating meaningful moments, their goal is to help residents feel connected and at home. One special example is their annual deer opener celebration in the Memory Care unit. It is an event that reflects many residents’ lifelong traditions and sparks familiar conversations, memories, and joy through shared experiences they know and love.
Every employee is educated and trained on how to engage all residents to their highest level: mentally, socially, and emotionally. Additionally, Life Enrichment Coordinators work specifically with their Memory Care Residents to provide meaningful activities such as music therapy, small group therapy, and special programming.
This March, the Vets Home will be shining a spotlight on physical therapy and staying active with their Annual Winter Olympics, which will be held right at the Vets Home. Residents and volunteers will team up to compete in a fun and adaptable lineup of events. The Olympics range from shuffleboard and golf to an airplane toss. There will be other creative challenges designed to encourage movement, laughter, and a little friendly competition. It’s a great way to highlight the importance of physical activity while bringing everyone together for a memorable and energizing experience.
Throughout the year, the Veterans Home has many events and activities, including a concert series in the summer. “One special example is our deer opener celebration in the Memory Care unit—an event that reflects many residents’ lifelong traditions and sparks familiar conversations, memories, and joy through shared experiences they know and love,” shared Randall Walz of Public Affairs and Volunteer Services at Silver Bay’s Veterans Home. Every year, they hold a Memorial Day Program and a Veterans Day Program. During Bay Days, they have a float in the parade. In June, they hop on a charter fishing boat trip, which the residents really enjoy. Over the summer, they go on many outings like fishing at Legacy Lake (a favorite of many residents). In August, they have a Car Show right at the Veterans Home. This weekend, they will hold a Valentine’s Couples Dinner. There is weekly bingo, happy hour & music, along with many other activities. The Veterans’ Home staff and administration work extremely hard to make sure all aspects of the residents’ lives are fulfilled.
One of the big projects the Veterans Home offers is its gardens. There are 4 gardens outside the home. In the main garden, residents can grow flowers and produce of their choice. It’s a great resource for the residents to not only get outside and enjoy a hobby but also enjoy the fruits of their labor and reap what they sow. Any leftover produce is brought to the kitchen for all residents to enjoy during meal time. It’s also an efficient way to provide nutrition, health, accomplishments, and purpose. Every year, around springtime, a beautification/garden prep is held. Volunteers are encouraged and very appreciated for their continuous help in the garden.
In the past, an annual walk for Alzheimer’s was held to raise money via pledges, and a silent auction was held to assist in raising money as well.
Congratulations on making your residents feel like the valued treasures they are and deserve.
Volunteers are always needed and welcomed at the MN Veterans’ Home. They bring enrichment, joy, and socialization to the residents. With their help, it assists in making more of their activities possible.
To Volunteer: contact Randall Walz at the Veterans Home at 218- 353-8700 or fill out an online form at MDVA.
