Started as a Professional Athlete Now Taking Care Of The Elderly

As a former professional athlete, I can tell you one thing, and that’s preparation yields confidence. We practice daily for the opportunity to shine when our number is called up. There’s a complex structure of sacrifice and diligence for anyone looking for success in a sport. A level of consistent motivation is required day-in and day-out to provide the benefits of advancement. 

There is no luck when it comes to reaching that level of status. It’s merely just a few characteristics that align to form a pathway of opportunity and fearless behavior. What if we took these same methods as clinicians and applied them to our in-home health treatment plans? Instead of thinking we’re better than the person in front of us, we became understanding of how everyone operates? 

So why did I go into in-home health care over pursuing a career in professional sports?

All in all, I love being flexible and deciding how my patients will succeed. Just like being a professional athlete, the in-home health environment is about accountability, and those who have a personal drive to succeed will have the time of their life in this setting. I can honestly say I won’t be looking back as in-home health care is the best place for me.

Former professional athlete turned PTA Clint Harwick in action rendering in-home care to his patient.

I started my unique journey after playing professional baseball by getting my license as a Physical Therapy Assistant out of Loma Linda University. I always enjoyed outpatient orthopedics but felt my schedule would be conflicting with baseball. That’s when I decided to switch to in-home health care three years ago in hopes I can stay flexible with my work schedule while I continue my education as a Doctor of Physical Therapy Student. Man does time fly when you’re having fun. I am so thankful I decided to take the plunge into the in-home health care industry.

I love the autonomy, the aspect of patient care, and the schedule flexibility. I get to be with my patients for the full treatment while being in the comfort of their homes.

All in all, I love being flexible and deciding how my patients will succeed. Just like being a professional athlete, the in-home health environment is about accountability, and those who have a personal drive to succeed will have the time of their life in this setting. I can honestly say I won’t be looking back as in-home health care is the best place for me.

It just so happens that the elderly population overlooked on their level of capabilities. Movement is, by far, one of the best medicines an elderly adult can take as a daily prescription.

So, what are we missing?

As clinicians, we can provide the ultimate fruits of labor, and that’s the quality of life. Age is just a number, and far too many people evaluate that as a self-limiter. We, as clinicians, are responsible for reversing the script of negative programming. If one lacks strength, we can facilitate strengthening. If one requires an increased range of motion, we can restore healthy joint integrity. If one lacks confidence, we can build them up with kind words.

So, the notion stays the same: we prepare as a team.

We take pride in the result while staying humble along the journey. I may come from a professional athlete background, but that doesn’t make me any more heroic than an elderly patient fighting for their life. It’s more than just a game on the line now, and It’s the lives of others that drive my purpose to be the best teammate for my patients.

We will win!,

Author
Clint Harwick

I am a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant and Doctor of Physical Student. I come from a professional baseball background and have treated the elderly in the outpatient, inpatient acute, and now the in-home health care setting. I believe that movement is medicine with any circumstance.

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