Carrie Young
Rehab Director, Lapeer County Medical Care Facility
"Moments like that make all the hard days' worth it."
Carrie has 14 years of experience in skilled rehab and Long-Term Care.
A moment that reminded her why she does this work
A resident was making steady progress in therapy when a coverage issue threatened to cut his care short. The team advocated for him, and he was able to continue treatment. He came in needing significant assistance with basic mobility and daily tasks, and discharged home walking independently. "Watching his determination and seeing how far he came was a powerful reminder of why I do this work. Moments like that make all the hard days' worth it."
A win from this year
Carrie took on a level II COTA student and watched her grow from unsure of herself to confident in her clinical skills. "Teaching her, challenging her, and watching it click reminded me that impact in this field isn't limited to our patients. It's also about developing the clinicians who will care for them next."
What people outside the field don't understand
"People often don't realize how much of what we do goes beyond simply doing exercises. We become advocates, problem-solvers, motivators, and even a shoulder to cry on. We're constantly adapting and finding ways to help someone regain as much independence and quality of life as possible."
What Carrie would want for her own family
"I would want them to feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for, not just another patient on a schedule. I want their care team to advocate for them, celebrate small victories, and treat them with the same compassion and respect they would want from their own family."