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Luverne Veterans Home has new adminstrator

Lead Summary
By
Lori Sorenson

Scott Buchanan took over the reins at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne in January amid a pandemic that had upended nursing home operations everywhere.
But the new director took it in stride, having come from the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls where the same pandemic procedures had been implemented.
“COVID has been difficult for nursing homes everywhere, and the team here in Luverne had a lot of good processes and systems in place,” Buchanan said.
“Many were similar or identical to what we were doing at the veterans home in Fergus Falls, so I was able to transition rather smoothly into what we were doing here.”
He said local diligence paid off in that Luverne’s veterans home has kept COVID-19 at bay, and most residents and staff have been vaccinated.
“I feel very fortunate that I was able to be vaccinated as a health care employee,” he said.
“I would encourage anyone who has access to the vaccine to please get the vaccine — if not for yourself, for those around you. Our elderly population is more susceptible, and the more people we have vaccinated, the easier it will be to keep infection rates down. That does have a big effect on nursing homes.”
Buchanan’s new position in Luverne puts him closer to his hometown of Sioux Falls, where he and his wife, Chelsea, live with their two small children.
And he’s glad to be doing the job he enjoys and also have the benefit of extended family nearby.
“I very much enjoy what I do,” he said. “In long-term care the best part is the longevity of the staff, typically, and you have residents who are with you for hopefully years, as opposed to in a hospital, where they’re in and out in a couple days.”
He describes relationships with staff and residents in the home as being part of a big family.
“I’ve always liked that. Especially in smaller communities where everybody learns a little bit about everybody else,” Buchanan said. “You just become a family over time, and that’s what I’ve liked about long-term care, is getting to know the residents and staff.”
And he’s enjoying the unique camaraderie of residents who are veterans.
“In veterans homes, the guys are typically coming to stay with us for a number of years, so you really get to know them,” Buchanan said.
“Those who are willing to share their stories about war time, it’s just amazing to sit down with them. … The veterans are extra special, and it’s really fun to chat with them about their time in the service.”
He said working with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has been a good experience.
“The MDVA has always been a team approach. We have a great team of leaders that oversees the veterans homes in Minnesota, and we have great leadership in the homes,” Buchanan said.
“I’ve been here for only two months, but it’s very apparent we have a caring staff here. Residents are happy. Families are happy and this is just a good place to be, and I just feel fortunate to be here.”

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