When local volunteer Robert Roth needed specialized care while recovering from an accident, he turned to the team at Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice, part of The University of Kansas Health System.

In June 2023, Robert was at the local farmers market with his wife, Carolyn, who was selling items at the market. His chair tipped, causing him to fall, and he pinched a nerve in his back. A trip to the emergency room indicated a need for surgery, which he had in Wichita in mid-July. 

Robert, who has been a member of the board for the Barton County Fair for more than 20 years, stays busy with other activities as well as his 21 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. Robert spent his 31-year career at Natural Resources Conservation Service, working with farmers to find the best way to farm the land. Getting back to his active life is a priority.

After several weeks in the hospital, Robert went home, but had some additional healing to do. Physical and occupational therapists from Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice are helping him work to regain the strength he lost after surgery. 

Much like Robert helped farmers learn how best to use the land, Robert’s home health-care team helped him understand the importance of the rehabilitation work he was doing.

“My physical therapist took the time to explain the ‘why’ behind the exercises I was doing,” Robert said. “He was very focused on what needed to be done.”

The health system’s home health-care team provides skilled nursing, physical and occupational therapy, medical social work and nursing assistant services. 

For more information about home health and hospice services or to make a referral, call 620-792-8171. Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice has been serving the area since 1979.