By Angela Hatton
Hanson, KY – Western Kentucky's Veterans Nursing Center plans to start a nearly $10 million expansion this spring. The Eddie Ballard Veteran's Center in Hanson cares for around 120 US military veterans. The expansion will add three community living centers, which will house 12 residents each. Assistant Administrator LaDonna Scott says the Veterans Affairs office is urging nursing facilities to move toward the smaller units because they are set up more like a home. Scott says each building will have private bedrooms and a centralized kitchen and living room. She says the set-up is particularly helpful for residents with dementia and early stage Alzheimer's. Construction is expected to take one year.