Grand Rapids Home for Veterans

The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans is a long-term care state veterans home located on 90 beautifully wooded and landscaped acres near the mighty Grand River. It was originally constructed on this property in 1885 and is one of 152 state veterans’ homes throughout the nation. Initially founded in response to the needs of veterans in the aftermath of the Civil War, GRHV continues the tradition of serving the needs of Michigan’s veterans today, changing and adapting to the needs of the current and future veteran populations.

GRHV has capacity for 450 nursing care beds and more than 100 domiciliary beds. The nursing care beds include 115 special needs beds, with two 35-bed nursing units for the care of Alzheimer's and dementia patients and one 45-bed nursing unit for dual diagnoses patients.

To care for its members, GRHV employs an extensive professional staff of physicians, nurses, social workers, dietitians and recreational therapy aides. All work together to ensure pleasant and fulfilled lives for the members, while providing them the medical care they need. GRHV also provides a broad and advanced psychiatric program to meet the varied and unique mental health needs of veterans.

Other services include an in-house pharmacy, rehabilitation therapy, pastoral care and specialty clinics, such as dental and vision care. In addition, residents have numerous opportunities to participate in spiritual, social, recreational and educational activities, both on-site and in the surrounding communities, on a daily basis. Monthly dietary menus and activities schedule are available.

Learn more about the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans application policies and fees.

Play with a Purpose Activity Therapy

Veterans at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of fun and therapeutic activities, both on site and throughout the community.

GRHV's grounds include a nature trail and greenhouse that provide members with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Common areas throughout the Home are shared by veterans, family and friends and offer musical performances, bingo, billiards, card games and social events. GRHV also offers several, unique enrichment services, including a traveling horticulture program, music and art therapy, woodshop, media and traditional book library, a bowling alley and a large ceramic and art program. In addition to all the fun activities, every unit has a recreation or activity therapist assigned to program therapeutic and sensory stimulating activities for those veterans with cognitive impairments.

Special events are important at GRHV. If there is a holiday or reason to celebrate, GRHV hosts an event in the Home’s common areas and in the units. This annually includes a Super Bowl party, Las Vegas Day, Memorial Day ceremony, family carnival, several fishing derbies, Fall Harvest Festival, Halloween Masquerade and Veterans Day tribute.

The activity team assists veterans on trips into the West Michigan community on a weekly basis. This includes off-site excursions such as shopping, movies, local sporting events, cultural events, parades and much more.

Volunteer Opportunities

GRHV offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals, families and groups. With 90 acres and more than 500 veterans, volunteer needs range from spending quality time with the members to raking leaves on the grounds. The commitment of time, task, season and ability is wide open.

Volunteers must fill out an application and agree to a code of conduct and background check prior to attending a two-hour orientation.

To find out more about volunteering at GRHV, contact Deanna Reames at 616-364-5331 or reamesd@michigan.gov.

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