Residents, Family Members and Staff Look Forward to Pennsylvania DMVA State Veterans' Homes Week Celebration Activities

ANNVILLE, Pa., June 9, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania's six veterans' homes, operated by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, are honoring their residents, family members and staff members with week-long festival-style programming during the annual State Veterans' Homes Week, June 11-17, 2017.

"We can't do enough to thank our veterans for their commitment to our country and the personal sacrifices they made while wearing the uniform. Veterans' Homes Week is a way to show how much we care on a grand scale," said Brig. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania's adjutant general. "We also take this time to share our appreciation for family members of residents, and to recognize all of the excellent care provided by the staff at each home."

Numerous activities for staff, residents and their families are planned throughout the week, including musical entertainment, military service recognition events, games and tournaments, Flag Day ceremonies, VIP visits, carnivals, picnics and barbecues.

"Everyone who participates in Veterans' Homes Week gets geared up for it weeks in advance," said Andrew Ruscavage, director of the state veterans' homes. "This is a very festive, high-energy celebration that delivers smiles and laughter while building precious memories. The residents in particular will start looking forward to next year as soon as this celebratory week has ended."

The six veterans' homes serve more than 1,300 eligible veterans and their spouses. They include the Delaware Valley Veterans' Home in Philadelphia, the Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center in Scranton, the Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home in Hollidaysburg, the Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home in Erie, the Southeastern Veterans' Center in Spring City and the Southwestern Veterans' Center in Pittsburgh. The homes provide personal, skilled nursing and dementia care in a safe, secure and caring environment.

Each veterans' home provides essential equipment and furnishings, complete on-site medical and pharmacy services, physical and occupational therapy, and 24-hour nursing care. The homes also offer year-round recreational activities such as crafts, games, musical entertainment, shopping, trips to local sporting events, and other stimulating endeavors.

General Carrelli points out that the activities allow residents to benefit from an active lifestyle, such as trips to sporting events, fishing tournaments and museum tours. He said the cost for most of the activities available to the residents are offset by each home's Resident Welfare Fund. Donations to these funds can be made online at Resident Welfare Fund donations.

For more information about admission, employment, or volunteer opportunities, visit DMVA at www.dmva.pa.gov and select State Veterans Homes or follow DMVA on Facebook or Twitter.

State Veterans' Homes Week activities are not open to the general public.

MEDIA CONTACT: Joan Z. Nissley, 717-861-8720

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs