Healing Closer to Home: The CCMH Homeward Healing Program
Recovering from an illness or surgery can be challenging, especially when it means being far from the comfort of home. At Crawford County Memorial Hospital (CCMH), we understand the importance of healing in a familiar and supportive environment. That’s why we’re proud to offer the Homeward Healing Swing Bed program, designed to bring patients needing rehabilitation closer to their families and communities. Brooke Schwery, case manager at CCMH, and Bev Fink, a recent participant in the program, are enthused about the benefits and process of Homeward Healing.
“The Homeward Healing program is something I’ve been passionate about growing,” says Brooke Schwery. “Our main goal is to get patients needing rehab closer to home. Like in Bev’s situation, she was quite a distance away and needed physical therapy after a procedure. She was able to come back to her hometown of Denison, be near her friends and family, and receive the rehabilitation she needed, ultimately returning home.”
Bev Fink, a lifelong resident of the Denison area, shared her experience. “I was in Rochester and about to be discharged. My family was concerned about caring for me. The social worker mentioned a few facilities back home, but I remembered my mom’s positive experience with the swing bed program at CCMH after hip surgery. I inquired, and thankfully, CCMH was able to take me. I was so relieved to come back home.”
Homeward Healing is open to certain patients
The Homeward Healing program isn’t available to everyone, but it serves a specific group of patients. “To qualify,” explains Schwery, “patients need to have been hospitalized as an acute patient for at least three midnights and require some form of therapy, such as physical, occupational, respiratory, or wound therapy. It can also include patients needing skilled nursing services like IV antibiotic treatment. If this sounds like your situation or that of a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out and see if you qualify, especially if you’re away from home.”
Bev emphasized the importance of being close to loved ones during recovery. “Being near my family and friends made a huge difference. Their support was invaluable to my healing process.”
Schwery outlined the typical timeframe for the program. “When I receive referrals, I assess whether it’s a short-term or long-term rehab need. In the hospital setting, we generally focus on short-term rehab to accommodate the influx of acute patients. We aim to get rehab patients back home as quickly as possible. Bev’s stay was relatively short-term, as she was eager to return home.”
Patients can plan ahead to participate in the program
For those planning procedures, Schwery recommends considering the Homeward Healing program. “If you’re anticipating a procedure and aren’t quite ready to go home afterward, talk to your case manager, social worker, or discharge planner. They can determine if you qualify. Patients can also contact me directly. I’ve even had patients call me proactively to inquire about the program.”
Bev highlighted the comfort of familiarity. “I’m familiar with CCMH and felt much more comfortable here than going to an unfamiliar facility. That familiarity definitely aided my healing.”
Referrals to the Homeward Healing program are encouraged
Schwery explained the referral process. “I need to understand the patient’s medical history and current rehab status. In Bev’s case, she was mobile but needed additional rehabilitation. After reviewing her records and speaking with the Rochester hospital, I determined she was a good fit for our program.”
Bev described how the program helped her achieve her health goals. “I needed to strengthen my upper body to use a walker, as I only have one good leg. The therapy I received at CCMH was fantastic. They worked with me twice a day, five days a week, and once a day on weekends. They were truly great. The best part is now being able to go home.”
Bev enthusiastically recommended the program. “CCMH is a phenomenal place. The staff was so kind and went above and beyond. I’m going to miss them! It’s a good feeling to miss the people who helped you heal.”
Learn more about the Homeward Healing program
For anyone interested in learning more about the Homeward Healing program, Brooke Schwery encourages them to reach out. “You can call me directly at 712-265-2693 or call the hospital’s main line at 712-265-2500. When you call, ask for the case manager or Brooke Schwery. Leave a message, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Even if you’re just planning a procedure and exploring options, please call. Ask your questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. We’ve had patients discuss this with their doctors prior to procedures, and I follow up with them in the hospital. Whether you have a planned procedure or are just considering one, it’s always good to have a plan in place.”
