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Interviews with news makers and discussion of topics important to Southwest Michigan. Subscribe to the podcast through Apple itunes and Google. Segments of interview are heard in WestSouthwest Brief during Morning Edition and All Things Considered

WSW: Keeping Patients And Their Families Close Together

Hospital Hospital House of Southwest Michigan

The CEO of Hospital Hospitality House of Southwest Michigan says having a family member close helps a patient recover while hospitalized. Judy Markusse Paget says research shows that people heal better and faster when family, or someone to lookout for them, is nearby. 

Hospital Hospitality House hopes to raise $4.8-million to build two cottages near Bronson and Borgess Hospitals. Markusse Paget says they currently provide lodging to about 1200 people a year to families of people being treated at one of Kalamazoo’s hospitals. She says lodging is also offered to some patients getting outpatient treatment, including cancer patients.

Currently people stay at a home on South Street. But Markusse Paget says the building includes stairs, and sometimes strangers have to share a room. She says the new cottages will be completely accessible for disabled people. Markusse Paget says the cottages will also allow for more privacy. She says having one cottage near each hospital will be more convenient for families.

Markusse Paget says based on occupancy and vacancy rates for the last 10 years, she believes that the two cottages will meet demand for the foreseeable future. But Markusse Paget says the land donated by the two hospitals allows for expansion if it’s needed.

The Home Builders Association of Western Michigan is building the first cottage as a gift. Markusse Paget says that has helped Hospital House raise $3.4-million of the $4.8-million goal. She says the plan the hope to begin “moving dirt” in June, and to open the first cottage by the end of the calendar year.

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Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.
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