Pioneer+Home

The Wyoming Pioneer Home is a personal care home for ambulatory pioneer Wyoming citizens who earlier assisted int he development of the state and now need assistance. It was first occupied in 1950, with a capacity of sixty-five guests, with a private room for each. The facility includes: health center unit, dining room, kitchen, laundry, heating plant, and quarters for the superintendent. In 1955, two wings were added on the west to be known as the Montgomery Home for the Blind. In 1957, two wings on the east were added. These additions provided accommodations for 132 guests without an enlargement of the service area. There were normally around 120, the difference being the demand of accommodations for married couples and the actual time required for replacements. It takes two to six weeks to replace each guest.

In 1958, a program was established whereby the Wyoming Pioneer Home was given twelve nursing care beds at the Wyoming Sanitarium. This has been increased twice since then, and there are now available for nursing care approximately thirty-five beds at the sanitarium. This arrangement allows us to work within the limits of our twenty bed Health Center and also eliminates any depressed atmosphere usually noticeable around a nursing home. This is not a nursing home.

Many local organizations are most cooperative in presenting programs for our guests. There are many entertainments arranged for their benefit and enjoyment.

Admission is made on application only, which has to be approved by the Board of Charities and Reform. This process entails thirty to sixty days after receiving the forms. No one can be committed to this institution as everyone must request admission. The basic requirements for admission are: (1) an applicant must be sixty-five years of age or older, (2) a resident of Wyoming twenty years, five of which must be next preceding admission, (3) ambulatory and physically and mentally able to take care of his own personal needs in a private room situation.

Charges are based on actual cost for care of each guest. Persons making application for the Wyoming Pioneer Home are not required to turn over their assets to the State of Wyoming, which serves as host to the senior pioneer citizens. All efforts are directed toward keeping the guests healthy and happy.