A resident participates in Bruyère’s Cycling Without Age Program. This program gives patients and residents the opportunity to experience nature via bicycle.
Therapeutic Recreation Awareness Month
02/12/2019
This month, celebrate the benefits of Therapeutic Recreation at Bruyère.
Therapeutic Recreation is a health care specialty that views recreation and leisure as a necessary component to maintaining physical/mental well-being. This therapy is designed to encourage individuals to participate in a variety of activity-based programs. At Bruyère, therapy programs available for our patients and residents include Music & Memory, Ottawa Therapy Dogs, Snoezelen, Horticulture, Concerts in Care, and Cycling Without Age. Activities like these promote cognitive, physical, and emotional health.
Participating in therapeutic recreation activities can have many benefits.
1. Adjusting to a New Setting
Seniors often experience emotional imbalance or uncertainty when first admitted to hospital or a long-term care facility. Engaging in recreation and leisure activity can help ease integration into a new setting.
2. Promoting Autonomy
Physical and cognitive decline often deters individuals from engaging in the activities they did when they were healthier. Recreation therapy programs encourage patients and residents to develop a greater sense of autonomy and it helps them to gain confidence so they can continue to have a better quality of life.
3. Building Confidence and Strengthening Self-esteem
In response to major life changes, patients commonly suffer from depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety. Recreation therapy helps to relieve negative emotions. When encouraged to engage in leisure activities, their mental state often improves.
This month, we take time to thank Therapeutic Recreation for the programs and activities they offer to promote individuality and support the physical, emotional, social and cognitive well-being of our patients and residents.
Happy Therapeutic Recreation Month!
A long-term care patient enjoys the Arts & Crafts Program offered at the Élisabeth Bruyère Residence