CULTURE & RECREATION

• What does Therapeutic Recreation Involve?

Life is made up of activity. Our lives are filled with social interactions, creativity and moments of leisure that make up the bulk of our satisfying and meaningful experiences. Often age and illness create barriers that make the pursuit of leisure moments difficult. The Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Department serves to provide recreation and leisure programs to assist residents in continuing to have meaningful and pleasurable
experiences...

Therapeutic Recreation is the specific use of recreational
activity through directed group & individual programs
in the care, treatment and rehabilitation of persons who
are ill, disabled, or elderly.

Recreation programs offer the residents opportunities for social interaction, creative expression, and continuation of past recreational interests. Stimulating cultural, artistic and musical activities also offer residents the opportunity to experience new aspects of themselves and the world around them. Activities are adapted for the specific needs, abilities and interests of our residents. The TR team uses a holistic approach when planning and implementing programs. We work in an interdisciplinary model and are constantly adapting and adding programs to suit resident needs...

Therapeutic Recreation Involvement helps residents to:

• Settle into their new home
• Improve physical abilities
• Express themselves creatively
• Build confidence
• Promote greater independence
• Alleviate fears
• Socialize with others
• Maintain sense of self
• Manage stress
• Generate positive feelings of hope and promise
• Maintain and improve cognitive abilities
• Keep learning and have new experiences!
• Laugh and have fun

Programs are often developed with the process, or the activity itself, being the goal, as opposed to the event or final outcome being the focus. For example: whether or not the challah rises, is not the critical issue. The process of sifting flour, beating eggs & sugar, socializing, reminiscing and eating the final product are the elements that make the experience meaningful & therapeutic.