The phrase “home away from home” can mean different things to different people. For the families of patients rehabilitating from severe injuries, those words can represent the comfort that comes with simply being present – being there to love, support, encourage and provide normalcy for their loved ones during a difficult recovery period. The Arthur M. Blank Family Residences at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia were designed for that purpose.
A Unique Approach to Rehab and Recovery
Shepherd Center is a nationally ranked rehabilitation hospital specializing in spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis and other complex neurological conditions. Opened in 2024, the Blank Family Residences offer housing accommodations for families of newly injured rehabilitation patients who live more than 50 miles from Shepherd Center. Located just half a mile from the hospital’s main campus, the 16-floor facility includes 165 fully furnished, accessible one- and two-bedroom apartments, in-suite laundry, meeting rooms, a library, a gym, a recreation room and an outdoor garden.
But beyond amenities, it’s about people – patients, families and staff – creating a unique environment where the focus is on recovery, not the stress of travel, hotels, parking and all of the other challenges and expenses that come with being away from home. For one family, that difference was everything.
“You Matter”
In January 2026, Dave Vanderplank from Harrisonburg, Virginia, was swimming in the ocean while on vacation in the Caribbean. In what can only be described as a freak accident, Dave suffered a devastating and life-changing spinal cord injury from the impact of the water. After several surgeries, Dave eventually arrived at Shepherd Center in March to begin his rehabilitation. While his partner Amelia stayed with him at the hospital, Dave’s mother, Dana Vanderplank, who is from the United Kingdom, stayed at the Blank Family Residences during Dave’s rehabilitation.
“At Shepherd Center and the Blank Family Residences, the whole atmosphere is one of family – from the nursing staff to the cafeteria staff to the therapists to the cleaning staff. You’re seen as a whole person, not just a patient. You know that you matter,” said Dana Vanderplank. “It was such a blessing to stay in a facility like the Blank Family Residences where people put their hearts and souls into making it special for the families. The experience leaves you with more energy to focus on your loved ones.”
For Dana, having a safe and welcoming place to stay provided peace of mind during a long and challenging journey. It allowed her to remain close to Dave, support him throughout his rehabilitation, and focus on what mattered most: being there when he needed her.
Click here to learn more about the Blank Family Residences and the power of comfort and connection.
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