Occupational therapist leads garden clean-up

As an occupational therapist, Tamera Sass pays close attention to what her patients would be doing if they weren’t in the hospital. It helps her adjust therapy to get them back to their routines.

Kristine Swaton, who’d just received a total knee replacement at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital, met Sass in May 2021 for her first therapy session. That day, Sass learned Swaton would miss the annual spring clean-up of an elderly resident’s garden.

“She didn’t say anything to me about wanting to help,” Swaton said. “She just mulled it over and got people together.”

Sass sent an email to colleagues in the rehabilitation department, amassing a group of five volunteers to take over the patient’s gardening duties.

“We brought gloves, shovels, digging tools, whatever. A couple of people are pretty good gardeners, so they knew what to bring,” said Sass, who’s been with UCHealth for 11 years.

The volunteer group pulled weeds and tidied the resident’s backyard garden of mostly flowers. With more work to be done, they returned 10 strong a week later to complete the beautification. Sass purchased 10 plants and added them to the yard.

“It was amazing, and boy did it help,” Swaton said. “She really went above and beyond.”

Elijah Mullins, supervisor of rehabilitation services at Poudre Valley Hospital, said Sass is a trusted teammate and friend who is quick to share her time and resources.

“When there is a need, the generous members of our inpatient rehab team step up in incredible ways to see it fulfilled,” he said. “This is not the first time we’ve seen this, and I know it will not be the last.”

Swaton said Sass does amazing work as an occupational therapist.

“I just felt such compassion from her, and I knew right off the bat she knew exactly what she was doing,” Swaton said. “I thoroughly enjoyed the time I got to spend with her in the hospital. I think we only saw each other twice.”

Such kind deeds as shoveling snow or walking dogs for new acquaintances are part of life for Sass, who has a master’s degree in gerontology, the study of aging. She played a key role in bringing nonprofit A Little Help to northern Colorado. The organization helps senior citizens stay in their homes longer, a goal Sass said is her focus.

“During the past year and a half, we had a vital role in giving rides to seniors to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations and buying groceries,” Sass said. “Many of the volunteers made phone calls to seniors to check on them weekly.”

Before the pandemic, she would help deliver Valentines and hold Christmas parties for older residents.

“I just get out there whenever I have time and see what needs to be done,” Sass said. “You come for 10 minutes’ worth of work, then you sit and talk with them – because that’s what they really need.”