Story submitted by: Taylor Knauss, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator
The human body can go through the ringer. Surgeries, illness, injuries, can all cause issues with mobility. Individuals may need to relearn how to use parts of their body, and this can be a frustrating task that can make one feel like their independence has been stolen from them. Medical professionals like Home Health and Hospice of Dickinson County’s (HH&H) own Sydney Hynes, Physical Therapy Assistant, play a big part in making sure our patients regain as much of their independence as possible. She may push you to do your best, but she’s also going to be your biggest encouragement. “I am my patients’ biggest cheerleader! I always tell my patients, my whole goal is to keep you safe and functional in your home, so you can stay there! Helping people become stronger and more confident in themselves is such a rewarding part of my job that puts a huge smile on my face. To see someone go from bed-bound or only mobile in a wheelchair, to being able to drive and go get groceries makes me remember why I do what I do! One of my favorite types of treatment days with home health patients is getting them outside and working on gait training on uneven terrain. Sometimes this means loading up in their golf cart and driving around, going to look at the farm animals/machinery, or assessing safety with the outdoor hobbies they enjoy, like golf, fishing, gardening, woodworking, etc.”
Sydney learned from an early age that she wanted to go into the medical field. “When I was a young girl, I took care of my grandpa as his health began to decline. He sure was ornery, but he made me fall in love with taking care of people and the companionship side of it. Funny story on how I got into physical therapy itself – I broke my leg after I ran into a fence, going for a fly ball in softball. I remember my mom going with me to my first PT session and saying, ‘I can see you doing this,’ and the rest is history!” In 2022 Sydney graduated from Washburn University with her Associate of Science, Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. “I have also taken continuing ed on balance/neuromotor training, treatment for cardiovascular conditions, and treatment for the geriatric population in the home. I would especially love to get certified in tool assisted soft-tissue mobility, massage, and Parkinson’s/LSVT-BIG.” Sydney’s responsibilities at HH&H are vast, “I assist patients in completing exercises and therapeutic activities, educate patients/caregivers, provide therapeutic mobilizations and modalities, and assist with mobility, balance, strength and functional training in the home. I also coordinate the therapy program at home health, including new therapy referrals, therapy meetings, schedules, and collaboration between therapy and other disciplines.”
HH&H loves having Sydney around full time, she’s our resident Chief’s fan, always willing to jump in to help plan fun activities for staff, a cheerleader to all, and most importantly patients adore her. She’s incredibly kind yet tough where she needs to be! She’s there to help patients return to their everyday lives and with determination from both parties she makes it happen! Like in nursing, there are difficult moments for Sydney. “I am not a fan of having to completely change a patient’s house set up or make recommendations that the patient isn’t fond of, but I know that in the end, if they are safer, then I am benefiting them. Discharging patients is always hard, especially if we have created a good connection/bond!” Sydney has also experienced the loss of patients, “Although I don’t work in Hospice, I do have patients that pass on Home Health or transition to Hospice, and it doesn’t seem to get any easier, but I find a comfort in being able to be a small part of the last chapters of their lives. I have met so many amazing patients who have passed, and will forever remember their amazing stories, words of advice, and memories we made together. I think about my patients that have passed daily” To get through those difficult moments Sydney has learned to have people in her life that she can lean on when times get tough, including her coworkers. “We grieve, cry, and laugh together, and it makes the hard parts of the job easier knowing that you have that support. Big shout out to Jenell Hartman, our Occupational Therapist, as she has especially been that for me!” Sydney also believes in the power of vitamin D and music to reset any mood! She is no stranger to a walk at the end of the day while jamming to some music or listening to an audio book!
Outside of work, Sydney is an aunt to seven nieces and nephews who keep her incredibly busy ranging from newborn to 8 years old! Pickleball has become a new hobby she’s recently picked up with some coworkers on Monday nights when the weather is nice! “I am STILL learning the rules. What do you mean the ball has to bounce back after the serve??” Travel is also high on Sydney’s list of hobbies! “My happy place is the beach! Obviously, I can’t pay for a plane ticket every time something good happens, but when I have a really big achievement, I’ll look at taking a little travel break. Everybody deserves to spoil themselves every now and then!”
When I asked Sydney if there was anything else she’d like to make sure the community know she stated, “Home Health wise, I think people don’t realize all the resources and disciplines we have! Not just nursing and therapy, but skilled home health aides and a social worker! I love that we are all in one office, so we work closely together to collaborate on patient care/treatment.” Thank you Sydney for you endless dedication to our patients and your positive light you bring to our team! Want to hear more stories like Sydney’s? Subscribe to The Health Monitor to keep up on our monthly spotlights!