Hurdling through physical therapy at Good Samaritan Society – Waukon in Iowa, stroke survivor Marcia Kruse is turning things around after a scary incident.
“I can’t remember the first two months I was in," Marcia says regarding the weeks following her stroke in October of 2023. "I was pretty much out of it."
Her husband Mark adds, “She had trouble speaking. She couldn’t talk. You could ask her questions and she wouldn’t be able to respond."
After stays in an intensive care unit and long-term care got her back to the farm, Marcia and her husband Mark needed therapy close to their rural home.
“This place I just chose because it was home. Next to home anyway," says Marcia. "It just seemed like it would be a good fit. So, we came here."
'I was impressed'
Three times a week, Marcia and Mark traveled a short distance to town for physical, occupational and speech therapy. The latter two took place through virtual care with Society employees in Minnesota and Texas.
“I was a little worried considering it was a small town,” Mark says about Waukon.
“When she came down here, she did very well. I was impressed."
Society speech language pathologist Lauren Corey spent time helping Marcia with cognitive communication goals as well as memory and thought organization.
“It’s really nice to be able to provide services for these places that otherwise would not have access to speech at all,” Lauren says.
Society lead therapy assistant Kara Cina adds, “telehealth being available to us is wonderful being in a rural area."
Nobody wants to fold fake laundry or pretend to cook, but the location can help clients simulate tasks of daily living.
“I’m very proud of Marcia," says Society occupational therapist Tarynne Carlson. "We spent a lot of time together and she worked really hard in and out of therapy to get where she is today."
A recent move from Iowa to Texas meant Tarynne worked in person with Marcia and also virtually.
“It wasn’t painful or hurt or anything like that," says Marcia about therapy. "They were very good about taking me from where I was at and moving me ahead."
'Make sure everybody gets the best care'
It's all about providing quality care and tailoring a unique plan to each client, according to Kara.
"That’s what we strive for here is to make sure everybody gets the best care available to them,” Kara says.
And after a unique year, Marcia and Mark are happy to share more meaningful time.
“It was scary because I didn’t know from one day to the next when the nightmare was going to quit,” Mark says.
“It’s amazing. It’s a miracle. Between amazing and a miracle. I don’t know what gets the most attention but she’s definitely a miracle."
