Rural hospital offers wraparound health and social services to improve community health
Grace Cottage Family Health and Hospital
Townshend, Vt.
Supporting its primary goal to “preserve and prolong the well-being” of its community, Grace Cottage Family Health and Hospital offers wraparound health and social services to residents of Windham County in southern Vermont, delivering care that goes beyond treating diseases and medical conditions. About 28% of the county’s population is 65 or older.
The 19-bed critical access hospital leads several wellness programs, all at no cost, to encourage good physical and mental health. Examples include Strong Bones classes that offer strength and balance exercises for adults as well as an opportunity to socialize. A weekly Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group includes facilitated group discussions on the challenges of caring for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Grace Cottage’s Social Services team helps patients and families better manage the impact of an illness or injury and maintain their health. Services include counseling; providing referrals to community-based resources; assisting with financial, insurance and care planning questions; and assisting patients who may qualify for state, county and federal programs.
In addition, the Grace Cottage Community Health Team works with community members to help manage medications and chronic diseases, plan meals and exercise, and provide motivation so people meet their personal health goals. All community health services are free.