By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Inspiring Independence is driving into Hays and bringing occupational therapy to your home.
The new business is a home-based mobile practice that brings rehabilitation assistance right to your doorstep.
"I would be seeing people in their homes, whether that's an assisted living, a long-term care room or wherever their home may be," Occupational Therapist Holly Kraus said.
Kraus brings more than 16 years of occupational therapy experience and is the sole private provider in Hays.
"There's a need for it in the private sector because with traditional therapy, you either have to meet goals or you plateau. In either of those scenarios, you are discharged," Kraus said.
Kraus earned her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Kansas and has experience working in home health settings and various nursing homes.
Kraus said paying independently is a new experience for patients utilizing her mobile business.
"It's a different world when you're not billing Medicare and insurance. When you're not dictated by laws and regulations of what you can and cannot do," she said.
While traditional therapy focuses on meeting specific goals within limited durations, Kraus's new private practice is client-centered.
Inspiring Independence offers personalized services with flexible treatment durations throughout the week.
"Occupational therapy keeps individuals independent in their daily life activities," Kraus said.
Services that Inspiring Independence offers include:
- Muscle strengthening
- Home safety recommendations
- Balance and fall prevention
- Low vision strategies
- Cognitive and memory rehabilitation
- Fine and gross motor coordination
- Community resources
"My goal is to provide high quality and individualized therapy with compassion and integrity that this population deserves," she said.
The mobile business brings along a range of equipment, including a walker, wheelchair and grab bars.
Kraus said elderly individuals primarily require these services, aiming to alleviate the stress of caregivers and loved ones.
"If someone is living alone and [family] are worried about them, I would check on them and provide services while also giving them peace of mind," Kraus said.
In Kansas, clients have direct access to occupational therapy services without requiring a referral from their physician.
You can contact Holly Kraus at 785-432-0299 or by email at [email protected] to schedule a free consultation.
"My mission is to not only be a therapist but also a family support professional," Kraus said.
You can also follow Inspiring Independence on Facebook.