When facing health challenges, there’s nothing more comforting than knowing you have a place close to home where you can truly recover. That’s exactly what the Homeward Healing Program at Crawford County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) is designed to do. Also known as the Swing Bed program, Homeward Healing allows patients additional time to mend and relearn skills before moving to the next level of care.
As a former CCMH employee of 21 years, Carmen Swertzic already knew about the high quality of care at CCMH. In her own words, experiencing it as a patient was a blessing.
My Journey to Recovery
Swertzic said she took great comfort in knowing she could come back to CCMH for skilled care.
“For those who aren’t familiar, this program is designed for patients who have been discharged from an acute level of care—a hospital stay for a serious illness or injury—but aren’t quite ready to go home. You’re coming to the Homeward Healing program to finish your healing before you are able to return to your independent life.”
Essential to Recovery
The Homeward Healing Program was essential to her recovery according to Swertzic.
“The staff worked hard to get me up and running again with a focus on rehabilitation. I was fortunate to receive a full spectrum of therapy: Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), and even Speech Therapy (SLT). They helped me learn a lot, regain my skills, and get the confidence I needed to manage on my own. It felt good to go home knowing I was ready, especially with home health following up.”
More than Just Therapy
Swertzic was quick to point out the Homeward Healing program wasn’t just about the therapy.
“The entire team provided a loving and caring environment. My room was the cleanest we had ever seen, and the staff was always so enjoyable, brightening my whole day. Even simple things like having fantastic meals and being walked down to the Healing Garden area made a huge difference in my outlook.”
Teamwork Matters
A care team is important to recovering from a serious injury or illness, Swertzic explained.
“The CCMH staff’s teamwork was truly on display during one particularly difficult day when I had three seizures. Everyone was absolutely wonderful—they knew exactly what to do, stepped right up, and provided excellent care. They said their names and gave me so much comfort, making me feel loved, cared about, and calm. I truly believe in this hospital.”
Supporting Our Community Hospital
Swertzic is a cheerleader for Denison and our local businesses including CCMH.
“I’m a huge believer in staying right here because the hospital invests so much in its employees and the services it offers. Why take things out of town when we have perfectly good doctors and employees here in the Denison area? We have visiting physicians all the time, excellent ER staff, EMT, and family practice teams, all constantly focused on training and keeping their skills sharp.”
Become a PFAC Member
There are ways to volunteer at CCMH to help steer patient care concerns. Swertzic suggests joining the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC).
“The PFAC, led by Dana Neemann, Director of Education, is a great opportunity to offer input on patient care. My husband Ben and I are a part of it, and it’s a critical channel for providing feedback to help the hospital get better. They are very open to anything that we say—it’s wonderful to be heard, and we also learn so much about what goes on in different departments. We are always looking for more volunteers, so check the hospital website if you’re interested!”
Support the HFCC
Swertzic is also an ardent supporter of the Hospital Foundation of Crawford County (HFCC).
“Please remember to support the Hospital Foundation. They fund so much, especially education, and provide vital services like the free Patient Transportation program that takes patients to their appointments. Their volunteers work so hard to make sure patients are happy. If you have time to volunteer, call Dustin Durbin—he’s wonderful to work with! The HFCC also supports the funding of patient care equipment, and other programs. The Good Samaritan Center Thrift Shop is another great outreach of the HFCC. They do so much to support patients, their families, and our community.”
In Closing
“I will forever sing our hospital’s praises. If you want health services to remain in your community, please help support them. Stop down, have a cup of coffee, and see the fantastic work being done at CCMH.”
