New wing at Gibbs is being put to use

Written by Amy England Saturday, 17 March 2012 13:53

I think its the perfect thing for someone like me, said Frances Thomas, one of the first residents of the Steelville Therapy Center at Gibbs Care Center. This facility is special and even more so now (with the addition of the new wing).

The therapy center held an open house event for the community on February 19 and opened for residents just three days later. Since that time, eight people have been admitted and four have already returned to their homes, fulfilling the new centers purpose. Its working very well, said Larry Howdeshell, Sr., assistant administrator of the facility. Its been very successful. It is serving the community as intended for people on their way from the hospital to their homes. The center is intended to provide care for those who need comprehensive short-term rehabilitation services close to home. It includes state-of-the-art equipment and access to skilled professional therapists. Thomas, who has served as an ombudsman (an intermediary between residents and staff) for the nursing home for 20 years, had total knee replacement surgery on February 28 and came to the therapy center in Steelville on March 2. I didnt want to be at home with just a nurse coming in to check on me, she said. Its good to be here where someone can check on me more often. Weve all come a long way together in learning how to make it work. She noted that she has her own schedule and that the center staff has worked with her to help her as she heals. And, she credits her stay at the therapy center with how quickly progress has been made. She believes that process has gone more quickly than would have been possible if she had gone directly home from the hospital. She loves to be around people and also feels that the camaraderie of having others around her has been helpful in the recovery process. Ive had the time of my life here, she said. I have loved meeting all the people. She likes the opportunity to sit in the sunroom that is part of the new wing or in the reception area that is graced with artwork sponsored by the Steelville Arts Council. Her family has joked with her that they cant seem to catch her in her room when theyve attempted to phone her. I said, Im not sitting in a room looking at the four walls waiting for a phone call, she said. They can call back. But she is thankful for the phone in her room and even asked her husband to bring her a phonebook so she could call on people while taking therapy there. All in all, she couldnt say enough good things about the new wing. Im so thrilled about it I just bubble over, she laughed. Its something that really is good. We have a beautiful place here, hopefully more people will take advantage of it.

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New wing at Gibbs is being put to use