Patient Stories

A Lifetime of Adventure - and Care That Comes Home

Bob and Susy Whann always saw themselves as outdoors people. After raising their children outside Philadelphia, the couple moved to Prescott, Arizona in the early 1990s. It became an ideal base camp to see many of the stunning sites out west over the next 30 years.

“We hiked regularly, rode bikes, kayaked, explored national parks in the US and up into Canada,” recalled Bob. “We lived close enough to the Grand Canyon that we could be there in two hours. I went down to the bottom 3 or 4 times, but Susy did it 28 times!”

Bob remembers this chapter of his life fondly. Susy worked for the school system before retirement, which gave her summers to explore. Bob was also drawn to helping children. After a career as a corporate credit manager, he became a school bus driver.

“The little kids were fun. I volunteered for trips, especially overnight ones.”

As they got older, health issues arose. Susy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. And in 2022 – after 62 years together – Bob had to say goodbye to his adventure companion.

A New Chapter

For three decades, Bob and Susy had created a community of friends out west. But after Susy’s death, Bob decided what was best for him was moving back east. His daughter now lives in Marblehead, and he was fortunate to find an independent senior living community nearby.

With a big smile and an outgoing personality, Bob soon connected with many of the residents and has built new relationships. As it turned out, finding a new health care provider – not a trivial matter for someone in their 80s – was even easier, and right down the hall from where he lives.

HomeMD, an in-home primary care option from Care Dimensions, provides medical care where patients live – removing the stress and logistics of traveling to appointments. Doctors and nurse practitioners meet patients in their homes; in Bob’s case, that means receiving care right in his apartment within a residential community. Nurse practitioner Kristin Chouinard makes regular visits to check in on Bob and many of his neighbors who now rely on HomeMD for personalized, at-home care.

“When you’re caring for people where they live, you build relationships over time,” said Kristin. “Residents get to know us, and we get to know them; not just their medical history, but who they are as people. That trust makes a real difference in keeping people healthy and feeling supported.”

For Bob, having Kristin on site has been more than just a convenience. He knows he’s getting top level care.

“It’s not much different than going to a doctor, except the doctor comes here. If I need a blood draw, they come here too.”

Added Bob: “She always has a smile on her face, and she tells it straight as it is. It’s good to know when she’s here, even if it’s just to say hello. It’s a very comfortable feeling.”

Bob’s hiking days are behind him, but he has a lifetime of memories, and photo albums filled with special moments alongside Susy. As he settles into this chapter of his life, he has HomeMD supporting his care, freeing him to focus on staying connected and continuing to live fully.

Click here to learn more about HomeMD and how it might be able to support you or a loved one.