February 6, 2025

EveryStep Home Care Helps Iowans Stay in Their Homes

health care worker and women

A 2022 survey conducted by the AARP found that 77% of adults ages 50 and older want to age in their own home – a statistic that’s remained stable for more than a decade. Despite the desire to stay in their home, an illness, accident or injury can require a move to a residential facility.

EveryStep Home Care helps more Iowans stay in their homes, even when there are physical limitations. Karietta is one of those people.

“I'd probably have to go to a care facility without EveryStep,” says Karietta, age 70.  “I tire easily because I have AFib and heart murmur, and all kinds of health problems that would make me not be able to stay at home without any help.”

Megan Reese is Karietta’s home health aide from the EveryStep Home Care team in Creston. She comes twice weekly to assist with personal care and light housework, and spends time visiting with Karietta. “She helps me in and out of the shower because I have trouble with my legs,” says Karietta. “It’s so much safer for me. Once I passed out in the shower and hit my head because I was dehydrated. Megan was there and called the ambulance. I had a black eye, but it could have been worse if she hadn’t been there.”

Home care is not the only way EveryStep has helped Karietta, who used to live with her sister in Creston. When her sister passed away, their landlord demanded she move out within 30 days. Through the generosity of financial supporters, the EveryStep Foundation was able to step in and assist Karietta in a move to Lenox and the EveryStep Home Care team in Creston volunteered their time to move all of Karietta’s belongings. “I can't praise them enough for helping me out when I was literally going to be pitched out to the street. I don't know what I'd do without EveryStep.”

Because EveryStep Home Care is community-based, the staff is often a familiar face. In this case, Karietta’s niece and Megan are friends. “That makes me comfortable,” says Karietta, who looks forward to Megan’s visits. “She’s talkative like me, so besides all the other things she does, it’s nice to visit with her.”

EveryStep believes in providing exceptional care and support services when they matter most. From hospice and home care to programs for growing families and grief support, our dedicated team is with you and your loved ones every step, ensuring comfort, dignity and peace of mind in life’s most challenging times.

EveryStep is a trusted nonprofit home care provider with a history that goes back more than 100 years. With teams based in Centerville, Creston and Des Moines, EveryStep Home Care provides services to residents in 24 counties. Consider the following questions to see if EveryStep Home Care may be a good fit for you or a loved one:

  • Have you been recently hospitalized?
  • Were you diagnosed with a new illness or disease?
  • Have you had a recent medication change?
  • Do you need physical, occupational or speech therapy services?
  • Are you at risk for falls?
  • Do you have concerns with safety at home?

For more information about EveryStep Home Care, click here or complete the confidential, no obligation Find Care form.