Patient Stories

Next Best Thing to Home

Extended Care at Greene County Medical Center is the Next Best Thing to Home for Jefferson Woman

JEFFERSON, Iowa – Jefferson is the only home 93-year-old Alice Shriver has ever known, and she is happy to be able to stay here as a patient in the newly-developed Extended Care program at Greene County Medical Center.

Alice grew up in the Jefferson countryside, moving into town when she entered high school. Jefferson is also where she and her late husband Lloyd wanted to raise their children, Cara, Ann and Allen. She is proud of the hard work and sacrifices they made to ensure she could work in the home, caring for her children and dedicating a good share of her time to volunteering. And as a lifetime member of the Greene County Medical Center Auxiliary, Alice saw first-hand the commitment to patient-centered care. She did not hesitate for one moment when offered an opportunity to join the Extended Care program.

Extended Care patients and their family’s partner with a dedicated and compassionate team of healthcare providers to develop and implement individualized care for those who are unable to return to previous living arrangements. This is a more permanent, nurse-assisted option in a warm and caring environment.

Alice was one of the first patients to enter the program and tells the Greene County Medical staff members every day how much she appreciates their care and how fortunate she is to be there. “My every wish is their command, they just do everything for me,” she said.

She added, if she can’t be at home, this is the next best thing. “I was falling all the time, and broke my arm. I just need all these things done for me that I can’t do myself,” said Alice. It alleviates the worry about another incident and gives her a strong sense of safety and security.

In addition, Alice has made new friends with the other Extended Care patients and enjoys sharing meals with them, putting together puzzles, playing dominoes and cards and so much more.

The Medical Center has a dedicated Extended Care area on the first floor of the Acute wing. This space is designed specifically for the comfort and convenience of the patients with modern rooms, dining and activities areas as well as an exam room and nursing station. There are furnished private and semi-private rooms available that come with meals and snacks, linens and towels, cable television, phone service, laundry and more.

The level of nursing assistance provided to patients in the Extended Care program does not fall under the guidelines for coverage by long-term care insurance plans or Medicaid.  For information or to schedule a tour for this private-pay alternative living option, contact Greene County Medical Center Extended Care at 515-386-0639 or 515-386-0224.