Vernon Memorial Healthcare (VMH) of Viroqua has purchased three community based residential facilities.

The purchase includes the Bothne House located in Coon Valley, Fairhaven in Viroqua, and Old Times in Westby.

These assisted living facilities offer 24 hours per day, 7 days per week assisted care.  VMH has acquired 33 staff and will continue the assisted care of 55 residents.

Vernon Memorial Healthcare Chief Executive Officer Kyle Bakkum said, “Vernon Memorial Healthcare made the decision to purchase these assisted living facilities based on the need of the communities.  It was important that these facilities continue to offer their quality and compassionate care to their residents after the retirement of former owners, Carol Brye and Jane Meyer.”

The staff of each facility will now be a member of VMH staff.  The 33 staffers will join the over 500 people currently employed by VMH.

Brye and Meyer said when they discussed retiring and selling their facilities, it was important to them that their staff be cared for just as much as their residents.  They said they knew VMH would take care of their family of employees as well as their residents.

With the purchase of these facilities, there will be enhancements to care provided to residents.

Bakkum said, “The residents of these facilities have had wonderful care in the past. Vernon Memorial Healthcare can offer even more enhancements to their care as we move into the future.  Registered dieticians, medical providers, therapy professionals, and other staff will be right at their fingertips.”

These facilities join VMH’s organization of the hospital in Viroqua, clinics and pharmacies in Viroqua, Westby, Soldiers Grove, and La Farge, and an inpatient hospice facility in Viroqua.