Occupational Therapy in Des Moines & Carlisle

First things first: what is Occupational Therapy?

It’s a healthcare field dedicated to helping patients to overcome limitations that prevent them from performing everyday tasks and living with dignity and autonomy.

What Does the Occupational Therapist Do?

In some cases, the OT will help individuals regain skills, as happens to patients recovering from a stroke who need to re-learn basic tasks like using silverware. In others, they will help patients with permanent conditions, like spinal injury, to adapt and live a productive life by mastering their abilities with an electric wheelchair or an accessible toilet.

The Unique Relationship Between the OTs and Their Patients.

The therapist needs to know the patient’s lifestyle to develop a customized treatment plan. What is a happy morning ritual to this person? Is it being able to brew their coffee or walking to a coffee shop?
The relationships based on trust between OTs and patients are essential for Via’s high success rate in skilled therapy.

Our OT Team Offers the Best Skilled Care!

Sarah Feerhusen got her Master’s Degree at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN.

What I like most about my profession: I love being part of a team whose aim is to improve the quality of life for others. Caring for others in itself is rewarding.

The most challenging part of my profession: There’s a lot of nuance in occupational therapy. An OT can’t rely on routine. You have to think outside of the box and be creative, which can be both fun and challenging. I often chew on ideas with other OTs/COTAs, as well as other people on the healthcare team.

What I learn by working with older adults: : If we are lucky, we will end up in their shoes one day. Therefore, treat them how you want to be treated when you become an older adult. I know I will desire compassion at that age, as I do now. Individually, all older adults bring their own unique lessons and stories that I love to hear.

Morgan McKim went to Indian Hills Community College and got her B.S. from ISU.

What I love about my profession: Helping patients achieve their goals and knowing I have made a difference in someone’s life.

Why did I choose to work with older adults: It’s rewarding helping older adults regain independence or find ways to adapt to enhance their quality of life. The relationships I’ve built are so special.

Kiona Voland went to North Central Missouri College through the MHPC program for Occupational Therapy Assistance.

What I love about my profession: Connecting with different people and getting to know them as individuals, learning their stories and using my clinical skills to help them improve their quality of life and overall happiness.
The most challenging part of my profession: is that not everyone knows what Occupational Therapy is.
What makes me proud: Seeing my patient succeeding. When they do something that they may have not been able to do. To see the realizations that they could/did do it, is something that I truly treasure.