Sheva Bassett is precisely the kind of person who makes RVNA such an amazing place, inside and out. She is so smart, so capable, and so interesting, and she truly couldn’t be nicer or more fun. Whether you’re Sheva’s patient, friend, or colleague, you are certainly luckier for knowing her.
Our 2019 New Year’s gift to you …. a moment with Sheva.
Enjoy.
Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in Bayside, Queens (NYC) and I now live in Redding, CT.
How long have you been at RVNA?
I have been at RVNA for 5-1/2 years.
What brought you here?
I have worked in Home Health Care for most of my professional career. I started doing home care in Manhattan, where I was living at the time. Home Health Care in Manhattan was a vastly different experience, with travel from patient to patient done primarily by foot, public bus, or subway. After moving to CT from NYC, I ultimately decided to overcome my resistance to doing home care in a rural setting requiring travel by car to unknown and possibly remote locations, taking on whatever surprises mother nature may have to offer. I looked for a local Home Care agency with a great reputation. I contacted RVNA and the rest…..is history
Describe your role at RVNA.
I am a full-time Physical Therapist and part of an interdisciplinary team. I provide physical therapy services to patients in their homes. Physical Therapy services include an evaluation to determine the patient’s functional status and level of ability with activities of daily living and the establishment of their goals and the plan of care to achieve them. I provide Physical Therapy intervention, for example: therapeutic exercises, transfer training, gait training, stair training, and home safety recommendations in addition to the provision of patient and caregiver education and support. My role is to help the patient maximize their level of function, independence, and safety in their home environment.
When did you decide you wanted to become a physical therapist?
I was first exposed to Physical Therapy after sustaining a soccer injury in high school. I was referred to a physical therapist and was quite intrigued with this field of ‘physical medicine.’ I later volunteered at an Easter Seals PM&R (Physical Medicine and Rehab) Department and decided to pursue Physical Therapy as my career.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I will try and keep this to a short list…. I love the people — the patients and my colleagues. I love being part of a supportive team striving for common goals. I enjoy working with patients in their home environment. Most importantly, I love helping people and having the opportunity to positively impact their health and quality of life.
Did you ever consider begin a nurse?
Yes. I considered nursing (and medicine) briefly in addition to Special or Early Childhood Education. I knew I wanted to help people in some way. I very much enjoy working and connecting with those at both ends of the aging spectrum. Ultimately PT won over as I thought, at that time, that I would really like the sports medicine specialization of Physical Therapy. I did work in that area for a few years toward the beginning of my career but once I got into Home Health Care I knew that I had found my niche
I love spending time with my family, playing with my son, running, swimming, being a sports fan (watching and playing), perusing the internet, playing the violin, puzzles, writing.
What is your hidden talent?
I asked my 6-1/2 year old son to help me answer this question. This was his reply… “That’s easy Mom……you’re great at LEGO creations, you can type very fast, you’re good at Rubik’s cube, you’re good at puzzles, you’re very smart in math, AND (this is my favorite)….you give really good hugs :)))))”
Did you make any New Year resolutions?
Yes. Many. (However, I personally call them my New Year ‘reVolutions’ as I seem to have many of the same ones year after year.)
What would you do if you won the lottery?
I think I would (in no particular order)…embellish the college fund, vacation/travel, purchase a large apartment in Manhattan with 360 views, share the wealth with family members, invest wisely, and donate lots of $ to various charities.
Do you have a favorite RVNA moment or story?
I really like stories/moments that are unique to Home Health Care…. This past summer I was working with a patient in his living room. He was sitting on the couch in front of a large picture window. His wife suddenly shouted, “There is a huge black bear in the backyard.” Yes, this black bear quietly and slowly walked across the yard. We had a birds-eye view through the large window. The bear then walked to the front of the house and, while up on its hind legs (VERY tall) spent considerable time looking into the window of the garage door. We then watched it from outside the front door of the house approximately 100 feet away. He turned his head our way and very briefly looked right at us. He clearly was more interested in the garage. After a few minutes, he peacefully turned and walked away into the woods. For me, this was for sure one of those “only in home care” type of moments.
Bonus questions
What’s your favorite book … and movie … of all time?
My favorite book is “Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site” (children’s bedtime story book). My favorite movie of all time is “The Sound of Music.”
If you had a musical band, what would it be called?
“Tikkun Olam” (Hebrew expression meaning acts of kindness to “repair the world”)
If you had a racehorse, what would you name it?
“Freedom Flyer”
If you could only eat one food for a year, what would it be?
Vanilla ice cream (can this count as food ?? )
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