Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Jandzio.
Hi Deborah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I became an occupational therapist more than 30 years ago, I knew I wanted to help people maintain their independence. What I didn’t realize at the time was how many older adults struggle not because they lack potential, but because the healthcare system often isn’t designed to meet them where they are.
Over the years I worked in rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, and assistive living communities, caring for individuals recovering from strokes, living with Parkinson’s disease, dementia, orthopedic injuries, and other complex medical conditions. While I loved the profession, I became increasingly frustrated by how often patients were discharged before they were truly ready or were unable to access the specialized therapy they needed once they returned home.
That experience inspired me to found Pinnacle Home Therapy, a Medicare Part B occupational therapy practice that brings skilled therapy directly into patients’ homes throughout Lancaster county. My philosophy is simple: meaningful therapy happens where people actually live. The home provides invaluable insight into the real challenges patients face every day—from navigating stairs and preparing meals to safely bathing, managing medications, and reducing fall risks.
I believe occupational therapy is about much more than exercises. It is about helping people continue doing the things that give their lives meaning. Sometimes that means helping someone with Parkinson’s remain independent in their kitchen. Other times it means teaching a spouse how to safely assist a loved one with dementia or recommending simple home modifications that allow someone to stay safely in the home they love.
One area I am especially passionate about is dementia care. Families often feel overwhelmed after a diagnosis and don’t realize that occupational therapy can provide practical strategies to improve daily function, reduce caregiver stress, and support quality of life. Educating caregivers and empowering families has become one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
Building Pinnacle Home Therapy has also allowed me to combine my clinical experience with my certifications in home modifications, dementia care, and aging in place. Every recommendation I make is individualized because no two homes—or people—are exactly alike.
As a small business owner, I’ve learned that entrepreneurship requires as much perseverance as clinical skill. Starting a practice means wearing many hats: therapist, educator, marketer, accountant, and problem-solver. While there have certainly been challenges, seeing patients regain confidence and independence reminds me why I took this leap.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue expanding access to specialized neurological and geriatric rehabilitation while educating our community about the tremendous value occupational therapy provides. My goal is for more older adults to remain safely in their own homes, maintain their dignity, and continue participating in the activities that matter most to them.
If there is one message I’d like readers to remember, it’s this: independence isn’t measured by doing everything alone. It’s about having the right support, the right environment, and the right strategies to continue living a meaningful life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced has been learning to balance my passion for helping people with the realities of running a small business. As occupational therapists, we’re trained to care for people—not necessarily to be entrepreneurs. Overnight, I found myself not only treating patients but also learning marketing, accounting, contracting with insurance companies, Medicare regulations, compliance, and all the behind-the-scenes responsibilities that come with owning a practice.
There have been moments when I questioned whether I was doing the right thing. Healthcare can be incredibly complex, and it can be discouraging to see reimbursement changes and administrative requirements create barriers between patients and the care they need. I’ve had to learn that perseverance is just as important as clinical expertise.
On a personal level, I’ve also learned that I can’t do everything myself. Like many small business owners, I have a tendency to want every detail to be perfect. Over time, I’ve realized that asking for help, building relationships with other professionals, and continuing to learn has actually made me a better therapist and business owner.
Perhaps the greatest lesson has been trusting that staying true to my mission is worth it. Every time a patient tells me they can safely shower again, return to cooking a favorite meal, or remain in the home they love because of the work we’ve done together, it reminds me why I started Pinnacle Home Therapy. Those moments make every challenge worthwhile.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in helping older adults remain safe and independent at home, particularly those living with Parkinson’s disease, dementia, stroke, neurological conditions, orthopedic injuries, and age-related balance or mobility challenges. My work goes beyond exercises—I look at the whole picture. That includes the person’s abilities, their routines, the physical environment, and the needs of their caregivers. Sometimes the smallest change, like rearranging a kitchen, installing a grab bar, or teaching a spouse a safer way to assist with transfers, can have a life-changing impact.
One area that has become especially meaningful to me is dementia care. Families are often overwhelmed after a diagnosis and don’t realize there are practical strategies that can help both the person living with dementia and those caring for them. Helping caregivers feel more confident and less alone is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
What I’m most proud of is hearing patients say, “I can do this again.” Whether it’s safely taking a shower, preparing a favorite meal, gardening, or simply feeling confident walking through their home, those moments are why I became an occupational therapist. Independence isn’t about perfection—it’s about giving people the tools and confidence to continue living the life they want.
I believe what sets me apart is that I never treat the diagnosis alone—I treat the whole person. Every evaluation is individualized because every home, every family, and every patient’s goals are different. My background includes more than three decades of clinical experience along with advanced certifications in dementia care, home modifications, and aging in place. I also spend a great deal of time educating caregivers because I believe the best outcomes happen when the entire support system feels informed and empowered.
Above all, I want every patient to feel heard, respected, and hopeful. My goal isn’t simply to provide therapy—it’s to help people continue living safely, independently, and with dignity in the place they call home.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is seeing people realize they can do more than they thought was possible. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a patient regain the confidence to cook a meal, take a shower independently, or safely remain in the home they love. Those moments remind me why I chose occupational therapy more than 30 years ago.
Outside of work, I’m happiest when I’m learning, exploring, and spending quality time with my family. My husband and I love to travel, experience different cultures, and create memories together. Whether it’s walking through a small town in Italy, watching a sunset over the ocean, hiking in the mountains, or simply enjoying a quiet evening by a fireplace, those experiences recharge me and remind me to appreciate life’s simple moments.
I’m also someone who genuinely enjoys learning. Whether it’s discovering new ways to improve patient care, studying investing and personal finance, or finding creative solutions to everyday problems, I believe there’s always something new to learn. Curiosity has shaped both my personal life and my career.
At the end of the day, what brings me the greatest joy is helping others live with greater independence, dignity, and hope. Knowing that I’ve made even a small difference in someone’s life is what keeps me inspired every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pinnaclehometherapy.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyOTDeb/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myotdeb
