Up until she was 98 years old, Annie Belish lived by herself. She always had help with cooking, cleaning and other household tasks, but she lived independently in her Sheridan home.
When one day a family member stopped by to check on Annie and discovered her on the floor, dehydrated and suffering from COVID, they quickly had her transported to Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Shortly after the illness, Annie experienced another setback – a fall resulting in a broken hip and subsequent surgery.
Following the surgery, Annie lived in a senior rehabilitation facility in Sheridan, but her family had heard good things about another long-term care option.
“Sheridan Green House had a much less institutional feel,” said Sue Belish, Annie’s daughter-in-law. “It felt homier. While she shared a room at the other facility, at the Green House she has a private room, and the cottage has a more pleasant atmosphere.”
At Sheridan Green House, there are cozy areas near the fireplace, in the kitchen or, during warmer months, outside on the patio surrounded by flowers. Annie’s private room also allows family to visit without feeling out of place or in the way of other residents.
In the spring of 2024, Sheridan Memorial Hospital took on operations at Sheridan Green House to ensure the asset remained available to community members and their families. Sheridan Green House got its start nearly 20 years ago, when a dedicated group of citizens, along with many philanthropic organizations, gathered with the purpose of providing a different model of care for loved ones as they age. That mission centered around providing long-term care in loving homes where every person could live a dignified, fulfilling life.
Annie has lived at Sheridan Green House for approximately three years now, and her family has shared that the experience remains positive under the hospital’s leadership. Communication is key to the family. They are encouraged by the efforts of the Green House staff who are keeping them in the loop about changes and processes.
Sue and her husband, Elbert, are reassured by the care Annie receives at Sheridan Green House. They noted Annie is clean and cared for, and the staff routinely tells the family about things Annie has said or done, providing reassurance that Annie is not just a patient, but part of a community.
On Christmas Eve, Sue and Annie’s daughter, Pennie Vance, joined Annie and her cottage companions in a cookie decorating and caroling event organized by the staff.
“It was a really nice activity for them,” Sue Belish said. “It made me feel good to walk into the cottage, see all the decorations and feel at home.”
The mission of Sheridan Green House is to provide long-term care in loving homes where every person lives a dignified fulfilling life. Recently, the Belishes have noticed improvements in Annie’s health, despite her advancing age. For example, when they stopped in to have lunch with Annie, they noticed she was feeding herself.
“She hasn’t done that for a long time,” Elbert said, noting that Sheridan Green House staff had been working with Annie on the task.
Sue added. “She’s thriving, as much as you could want a loved one to thrive.”
Sheridan Green House is comprised of four cottages, each with 12 rooms available for residents. If you or a loved one is considering long-term care, reach out to Sheridan Green House at 307.672.0600. For additional information, see sheridangreenhouse.org.