Therapeutic Recreation
Therapeutic recreation (TR) provides residents with a variety of leisure and recreation services on an individualized or group basis to enhance their cognitive, social, physical, emotional and spiritual health.
Recreation therapy uses treatment, education and recreation services to help people with illnesses, disabilities, and other conditions to develop and use their leisure in ways that improve their health, independence, and overall well being.
Activities are offered on a large/small group, unit and individual basis. Programs may include cards, bingo, special events/celebrations, baking, reminiscence, creative arts, gardening, community outings and a variety of other activities. Each facility develops monthly activity calendars that are available to residents so that they are informed of planned daily activities and events.
We know how important it is to remain a part of the community, and we make every effort to provide you, or your loved one, with opportunities to interact with others in the community.
Recreation development specialists and recreation therapy workers
The therapeutic recreation team consists of recreation development specialists (RDS) and recreation therapy workers (RTW).
A recreation development specialist will assess your individual needs, interests and functional abilities if needed and upon referral. A RDS can also provide leisure education to residents and their family to assist in developing skills to make visits more meaningful and effective through leisure and recreation.
A recreation therapy worker is part of the interdisciplinary care team along with other health-care professionals and staff who together, provide residents with the highest quality of care. As well, we work with community groups and stakeholders to develop strong links with the community.
Feedback
We welcome your feedback. Please share your comments and suggestions about activities/events with TR staff at your facility.
What are the Benefits of Therapeutic Recreation?
- Increases life and leisure satisfaction and perceived quality of life.
- Increases general cognitive functioning.
- Increases short-and long term memory.
- Decreases confusion and disorientation.
- Reduces depression and anxiety.
- Improves general psychological health.
- Improves social skills, socialization, cooperation, and interpersonal interactions.
- Improves coping behaviour.
- Reduces stress levels.
- Increases self-concept, self-esteem, and adjustment to disability.
- Reduces self-abusive and inappropriate behaviors.
- Increases communication and language skills.
- Increases community integration.
- Reduces cardiovascular and respiratory risk.