Thanks to the kindness of donor support, a memorial patio now welcomes visitors at the entrance to Bethany Village. Built in honor of employees who passed away while still part of our work family, the patio offers a lasting tribute to lives of service. This memorial patio would not be possible without the generosity of donors who believe in celebrating the dedicated employees who have shaped the Bethany Village community.

This space is more than bricks and stone; it is a place for comfort, reflection, and gratitude. In the center, an American flag flies with dignity. Nearby, two benches invite coworkers, residents, friends, and families to pause—whether in quiet appreciation or reminiscing of those who gave so much of themselves to the mission of Graceworks. Each name remembered here tells a story of devotion and sincere service. Their legacy lives on in the lives they touched and the community they helped build.

During the holiday season, the flagpole will be transformed into a tree of lights (like the iconic Carillon Park tree). Created as a place where love, remembrance, and gratitude live on—the Memorial Patio ensures that the lives we honor continue to inspire all who visit.

After surgery in 2022, Dr. Carroll didn’t follow the usual path of getting a physician’s opinion for physical therapy through a home health agency. He didn’t need it; his sister highly recommended Bethany Village Home Health Care. That decision led him to meet physical therapist Doug Fitzsimmons, and a trusted partnership in healing began.

Doug speaks with admiration about Dr. Carroll’s many accomplishments: two PhDs in Physiology Health Sciences—one from Ball State and another from The Ohio State University—his leadership as Acting Chairman during a major college transition, and his service as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force.

Dr. Carroll is just as quick to highlight Doug’s impact. Dr. Carroll always requests Doug as his therapist. He credits Doug’s care, compassion, and focus on wellness and prevention as essential to his recovery. “After one of my surgeries, I couldn’t walk, bathe myself, or care for my basic needs,” Dr. Carroll shares.

“Now, thanks to Doug and the Bethany Village Home Health Care team, I can walk with a walker, take care of myself, and live more independently.”

Dr. Carroll, Bethany Village Home Health Care client

Doug believes their success also stems from Dr. Carroll taking an active role in his own care. “He stays informed, asks questions, and really invests in his health,” Doug says. Dr. Carroll laughs, modestly attributing that to “guilt” over having had to close the Physical Therapy program at Ball State. Doug gently adds, “What he’s not saying is that he personally helped every student find a new program so they could continue their education. That’s just the kind of man he is.”

Ongoing physical therapy helps Dr. Carroll to continue living independently in his Xenia home. Bethany Village Home Health Care brings in-home nursing care and therapy services to Dayton and six surrounding counties, allowing people to work toward their individual goals in the comfort of a familiar setting.

What began as a professional connection has grown into deep mutual respect. The supportive relationship of Dr. Carroll and Doug is a testament to the kind of care where healing is personal, and meaningful work leads to fuller, more fulfilling lives for everyone involved.