MOUNT MORRIS, N.Y., Sept. 12, 2025 — Local veterans in need of extra care during the day have a new resource available thanks to the Garden of Life adult day health care program at the Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. Through a new partnership with the VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System, eligible veterans can now enroll in the program under VA Community Care.
Located in Mount Morris on the County’s Murray Hill Campus, the Garden of Life provides a safe, supportive environment where participants receive medical care, therapy, and social interaction close to home. For families, the program also delivers valuable respite, allowing caregivers to work, rest or manage personal responsibilities while knowing their loved ones are safe and engaged.
“We’re so excited to welcome our veteran community into the Garden of Life,” said Rebecca Sica, Garden of Life charge nurse and program coordinator. “Adult day health care is about giving people the support they need to live with dignity and independence. For veterans, that may mean therapy to regain strength after surgery, memory support for those experiencing cognitive decline, or simply a safe place to connect with others. I encourage anyone considering it to tour our facility and learn more about how the program may be right for your loved one.”
To be eligible for adult day health care under VA Community Care, veterans must be enrolled in VA Health Care, attend annual primary care visits, and meet other requirements, such as needing help with two or more activities of daily living, having a cognitive impairment diagnosis, requiring medication or a specialized diet, or being at risk for wandering. The enrollment process begins with a conversation between the veteran or caregiver and their VA primary care team, who will review needs and available care options.
“Attending day programs has offered significant benefits to our veterans who face social isolation, offering a place to make connections and find a sense of community,” said Lydia Delgado, public affairs officer for the VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System. “Caregivers have shared that adult day health care ‘makes a big difference,’ keeping loved ones occupied and safe.”
The Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation is one of the most comprehensive facilities in the area, providing advanced medical services and state-of-the-art health care options for the community. The Garden of Life’s services include:
- Rehabilitation services: physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Scheduled dental care, audiology, and ophthalmology examinations
- On-site laboratory and podiatry services
- Monitoring and coordinating treatments and medications
- Therapeutic, social, and recreational activities
- Assistance with activities of daily living
Learn more about the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation’s programs, support and outpatient services, career and volunteer opportunities, and more by visiting the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation website. For more on the Garden of Life, or to schedule a tour, please contact Rebecca Sica at 585-243-7221 or visit the Garden of Life website. For admission information, please call 585-243-7209.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.