A brand-new veterans’ nursing home has officially opened in Sumter, making it the sixth such facility in South Carolina. The $71.5 million, 125,000 square-foot facility, which is located just under 10 miles from Shaw Air Force Base, aims to offer affordable, high-quality care to veterans in a comfortable setting.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, House Speaker Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, was present to celebrate this milestone. “This is the crown jewel of our dedication to our community and our veterans in our community,” he said. “I look forward to this facility being here for years to come.”
The state of South Carolina is home to over 68,000 active-duty and reserve military members, along with 400,000 veterans. It also boasts eight military bases, with Shaw Air Force Base being one of the most important installations in the state.
Key Features of the New Nursing Home
The facility promises more than just medical care for its residents. It has a barbershop and salon, allowing veterans to enjoy grooming services without leaving the premises. The design also includes community game rooms for socializing and relaxing, as well as large public and private courtyards that provide a space for outdoor activities.
The new home is expected to meet the needs of many veterans in the Sumter area, where over 13% of residents are veterans—the highest percentage in South Carolina. This percentage highlights the importance of having a dedicated care facility in the area.
Sumter’s Strong Military Connection
Senator Jeff Zell, R-Sumter, who attended the ceremony, shared his connection to both Shaw Air Force Base and Sumter. He served at Shaw for eight years and retired after 20 years of service.
“There is still sort of this rebel spirit in the heart of the South Carolinian. Military folks that draw us into the profession,” Zell said. “We feel at home here,” added the senator, a reflection of how strongly military veterans are integrated into the Sumter community.
A Historical Connection to Shaw Air Force Base
Shaw Air Force Base, located just outside Sumter city limits, has been a training ground for pilots since World War II. It holds historical significance, opening six years before the Air Force was established as a separate branch of the military. In fact, Sumter earned the title of South Carolina’s only World War II Heritage City in September of last year, further cementing its connection to the military community.
The base and surrounding area have long been a hub for military families, making the addition of a new veterans’ nursing home in Sumter even more meaningful.
Sumter’s Unlikely Beginnings for the Nursing Home
Interestingly, Sumter wasn’t the original choice for the location of this nursing home. When South Carolina applied for a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs grant in 2015 to fund additional veterans’ nursing homes, the state had initially planned to open a second facility in Columbia. However, with Sumter’s significant veteran population and the nearby Shaw Air Force Base, the decision was ultimately made to build the nursing home here.
As a result, the Sumter nursing home will provide care for many local veterans who previously would have had to travel farther to receive the services they need. This decision was influenced by both the high veteran population in the area and the city’s strong military ties.
Future Plans for Sumter’s Veterans’ Care
The addition of this new nursing home marks a new chapter for veterans in Sumter and for the state of South Carolina as a whole. It symbolizes the state’s ongoing commitment to caring for those who have served the country. With this facility, South Carolina continues to show how much it values its veterans, ensuring they have access to the care and support they deserve.
As the community settles into its new facility, there are high hopes that this nursing home will serve veterans for many years to come. Thanks to the generosity and hard work of local leaders and military personnel, this new home will provide the best in comfort, care, and community for those who have served our country.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
Leave a Comment