The first of its kind in Hancock County, a 12-bed Acute Rehabilitation Unit has opened within Blanchard Valley Hospital, an effort by Blanchard Valley Health System to provide a much-needed, specialized type of care to the community.
Beth Courtright, ARU program director.
“This completes Blanchard Valley Health System’s continuum of care – this was the missing piece,” said Beth Courtright, ARU program director. “Acute rehab is a higher level of care than a skilled nursing facility but has a shorter length of stay. In the past, our patients would have had to travel outside our network to get this level of care.”
The $1 million ARU was part of about $43 million in advancements recently completed by BVHS. Other projects included $9.3 million in renovations and technological upgrades to The Armes Family Cancer Care Center and Wellness Park, a $33 million group of facilities located at 3401 and 3411 Wellness Way (formerly Technology Drive) just off I-75. BVHS will hold a Community Open House at Wellness Park on May 8 from 7 to 8pm. Those interested can take a guided tour to learn about the facilities and enjoy a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Findlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce.
To date, BVHS’s Capital Campaign Fundraising Plan through the Blanchard Valley Health Foundation (BVHF) has garnered about $13.2 million to offset the cost of the projects and plan for the future.
Chris Keller, executive director of Findlay Hancock County Economic Development
“Blanchard Valley Health System continues to strategically meet the needs of our community,” said Chris Keller, executive director of Findlay Hancock County Economic Development. “As the first facility of its kind in the county, this facility fills a critical gap in our healthcare infrastructure, serving the community right where we need it, and making our local economy stronger as a whole.”
The ARU is located on the 4th floor of Blanchard Valley Hospital. When the newer portion of the hospital was built in 2007, extra space was part of the design to accommodate growth, said Eric Brown, development officer for BVHF. The area was being used—one conference room was converted, for example—but the space was intended for the future.
Care is available in the ARU for a variety of health concerns, but it is especially geared toward individuals recovering from strokes, head injuries, or other traumatic injuries or illnesses. The ARU is more rigorous than other skilled therapies, and patients can typically return home after 10 to 14 days. Patients participate in a minimum of three hours of physical, occupational and/or speech therapy per day, five days a week, which can be broken up throughout the day to meet an individual’s needs.
Patients stay in an activities of daily living (ADL) suite with a working kitchen, bathroom with a tub, and washer and dryer with which they can relearn activities and return home with more independence. The ARU includes a gym for physical and occupational therapy featuring state-of-the-art equipment that helps patients build strength with specialized safety features – for example, an ambulation system with a harness that holds a patient while exercising with a therapist. There is also an activity/dining room, and patients are encouraged to visit with others.
An Activities of Daily Living (ADL) suite in the ARU. Each of the 12 suites includes a working kitchen, bathroom with a tub, and washer and dryer with which patients can relearn activities and return home with more independence.
The ARU includes a gym for physical and occupational therapy featuring state-of-the-art equipment that helps patients build strength with specialized safety features.
The ARU began taking patients in July 2024, and by the end of the year, about 100 patients were served, Courtright said. BVH referred most patients, but the ARU has also assisted many patients throughout the region.
Courtright said they have seen great outcomes, with 88 percent of patients being able to return to their homes. For those who have utilized its services, the quality care and easy access of the ARU, right at BVH, have been life-changing.
“I know lot of families are so grateful that they don’t have to travel to see their loved one every day,” Courtright said. “Caregivers, family members need support and to be able to get the rest that they need. We encourage family members to care for themselves and do something for themselves. People will say, ‘I haven’t been out to see my friends in months,’ or ‘I haven’t been able to get a haircut,” now they don’t have to travel to see their loved one, they can visit but still have a little more time, sleep in their own bed.
“It makes a huge difference.”
The waiting area of the ARU.
Patients are encouraged to visit with others in the ARU cafeteria as part of their therapy.
The nursing station at the ARU.
The layout of the restroom in an ADL suite, designed to for safety as patients relearn self-care skills.
