Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7720-7862

Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2026

Document Type

Problem/Project Report

Degree Type

OTD

College

School of Medicine

Department

Occupational Therapy

Committee Chair

Kayleigh Nolan

Committee Co-Chair

Pam Shriver

Abstract

Healthcare hospitality houses (HHH) are designed to accommodate patients and caregivers receiving medical treatment far from home. The Rosenbaum Family House (RFH) acts as the HHH adjacent to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia. The RFH offers amenities that meet the basic needs of guests; However, there is an opportunity for occupational therapy-based program development to help further assist caregivers and care recipients both inside and outside the RFH. During the doctoral capstone experience (DCE), a three-phase project was developed to support the health and well-being of guests and WVUMedicine clients through group programming, resource guide development, and outreach to WVUMedicine employees. Group programs focused on addressing needs beyond physiological and safety needs were well received by guests (N = 27) and were typically seen as an outlet for leisure and freedom from stressors they were experiencing. Resource guides were developed for four WV counties to address the significant need for low-cost, specialized resources. Briefings were held with different cohorts of WVUMedicine employees to increase awareness of the RFH. With approximately 154 employees in attendance across six briefings, a significant number of knowledge gaps were identified that hinder the interaction between the RFH and the rest of WVUMedicine. The extent of RFH services, waitlist procedures, and how to make referrals were topics on which survey respondents notably had limited prior information. Outcomes from this project highlight the need for the support of caregivers and care recipients before, during, and after their stay at the Rosenbaum Family House.

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