September 12, 2024

Physical and Occupational Therapists Share a Common Goal of Helping Patients Meet Theirs

According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 1,250 occupational therapists in Iowa and 2,710 physical therapists in the state. National Rehabilitation Week (September 16-22) recognizes the services provided by these experts.

At EveryStep, physical and occupational therapists provide in-home services for individuals recovering from injury or surgery, or learning to live with orthopedic, neurological, pulmonary or cardiovascular conditions. EveryStep therapists assist patients in regaining their quality of life by helping them recover and gain strength.

Occupational therapist (OT) Garrett Faris began his career at a pediatric clinic in Ankeny. Since joining EveryStep eight months ago, Garrett has enjoyed the transition to working with adults in their homes. “As an OT, it is a dream to provide therapy in a patient’s actual environment — and we get to do just that every day.” Garrett says he also enjoys working with caregivers and other family members within the home.

Garret earned his bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from St. Ambrose University. “I became a therapist for two reasons. One is to help people in any way possible so they are successful in their daily occupations and secondly, to have quality relationships with each patient I work with.” Garrett says the team environment at EveryStep is one reason he enjoys his work. “It’s so friendly and there is a lot more autonomy and freedom to set up your day based on how you want it, compared to typical therapy clinics where that is chosen for you every day.”

Garrett says he finds satisfaction in his work addressing pain management with patients who have chronic shoulder issues. “Providing these patients with better overall functionality with their upper extremities allows better quality of life within their day-to-day activities.”

A physical therapist (PT) for 20 years, Kim Kozajda says she has a passion for helping older patients. She worked in a skilled nursing home setting prior to coming to EveryStep in April. “I love the one-on-one interaction I get working with the EveryStep clients,” says Kim. “I enjoy getting to know them personally and being able to address all their concerns. Having a relationship with my patients and their families makes it even more rewarding when they accomplish their goals.”

A true Cy-Hawk, Kim received her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University and her master’s from the University of Iowa. “I have seen miracles happen in my career. Patients that I thought would never walk again, able to walk and go home. I never count anyone out because I have seen the impossible happen,” says Kim. “I am very proud to be part of EveryStep. It is a wonderful organization that does so much good for Iowans.”

Kyler Mulder spent more than two years as a PT at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City before working at UnityPoint Health in Des Moines for five years. He has been with EveryStep for about six months. “I have already seen the far-reaching impact EveryStep has at “every step” of life — whether that’s working with infants and their mothers, or those at the end of life. EveryStep truly cares for every patient, along with their families.”

With an undergraduate degree from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa and a doctoral degree from Des Moines University, Kyler enjoys building relationships with patients and says providing therapy in their homes helps accomplish that. “They have a certain level of comfort that is hard to replicate in a clinic or hospital setting. This allows me to get to know the patient better and get a better understanding of what they want to get out of therapy. I get satisfaction when I know we are helping patients get back to those things in life they find valuable.

“If you’ve ever had an injury or some other setback that keeps you from doing the things you love or need to do, then you know how valuable it is when you regain the ability to do that activity again. I find satisfaction in being part of that process.”

EveryStep currently has PT and OT positions available with the Creston and Centerville home care teams. Click here for more information.

Rehabilitation is available as part of EveryStep’s home care services. Common rehabilitative needs include:

• General medical and post-surgical care provided by a skilled, registered nurse.
• Joint replacement therapy and recovery from orthopedic surgery.
• Neurological or cognitive rehabilitation (recovery from stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease or other issues).
• Physical therapy to improve mobility and range of motion, increase muscle strength, reduce chronic pain, and restore balance and coordination to reduce the likelihood of falls and tripping.
• Occupational therapy to assist with restoring independence with everyday living and household tasks such as eating, grooming and dressing.
• Speech therapy to assist adults in regaining the ability to communicate, with difficulty swallowing or with memory problems.
• Home health aide assistance with activities of daily living.

To learn more about EveryStep’s home care services, click here. If you need assistance for yourself or a loved one, fill out our confidential, no-commitment Find Care form.