
This month, we had the pleasure of speaking with Debra Switzer, PTA/DOR and Champion Level I Therapist at Hawkeye Care Center. In our conversation, Debra emphasized the value of creativity in therapy, specifically the need to think outside the box and connect each treatment session to something meaningful for the patient. For example, if the patient needs to work on balance, she might incorporate golf movements for a golf enthusiast or mimic household cleaning tasks if that better fits that patient’s interest.
Debra discussed the importance of educating on fall prevention. She explains that she works with patients on self-righting, core strengthening, rotational strategies while ambulating, and even teaching patient’s how to get up off the ground.
One of Debra’s favorite group activities was the “duck blind”. Debra and her team created a deer hunting group activity where the therapists were the deer and the patients were the hunters. The “hunters” were supplied with nerf guns while the therapists weaved between cardboard deer blinds trying not to get caught.
Debra also discussed an ongoing project at her facility to foster encouragement between patients. Hung on the wall are three canvases with the words “With helping hands, you can accomplish great things”. When someone discharges from therapy, they sign the canvas with a pen, handprint or thumbprint as a reminder to other patients to continue working hard and following in the graduate patient’s footsteps.
Debra also encourages her team to grow professionally by hosting students and through professional development. All full-time therapists at Hawkeye Care Center are on Reliant’s Clinical Advancement Ladder. Debra, you are a true motivator, not just within your facility, but to all of your therapy peers as well! Thank you for being a Clinician Who Inspires.