What Do Therapeutic Recreation Professionals Do?
February is National Therapeutic Recreation Awareness Month, and to show our support we will be posting weekly about various topics related to the roles, work and influence Therapeutic Recreation professionals have within healthcare. Our first post is from Jenn Pook, the Assistant Wellness Manager here at Elim Village, and who is also on the Board for the BC Therapeutic Recreation Association.
“The Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA) has announced that February is National Therapeutic Recreation Awareness Month. In celebrating this month, we acknowledge the role of leisure, recreation and play as essential components of quality of life. Therapeutic Recreation service is provided to individuals who have physical, mental, social or emotional limitations which impact their ability to engage in meaningful leisure experiences. TR professionals aim to improve the quality of life, functioning, and health status of residents through recreation & leisure activities. The purpose of National Therapeutic Recreation Awareness Month is to promote awareness of Therapeutic Recreation programs and services, and expand leisure opportunities for others in healthcare settings and in the community.
The Wellness department at Elim Village encourages everyone to take time during this month to add more recreation and leisure to improve or maintain your own quality of life. It can lead to improved physical, social and cognitive abilities, increased confidence, reduced stress, and many others! The Wellness department at Elim Village works hard to make sure there are meaningful activities to enhance residents’ well-being.
What do Therapeutic Recreation Professionals do?
Assess: Conduct an assessment of the resident’s functional abilities, leisure interests, needs and wishes.
Plan: Develop an intervention plan with the residents. Set short term and long term goals. Gather necessary information and tools needed in the program to help the resident achieve these goals.
Implement: Facilitate and assist residents in participation. Monitor their progress.
Evaluate: Review the residents intervention plan and goals. Revise plan accordingly.
Pictured above is Jenn with one of our residents, Marilyn, during the Gazebo Grand Opening event! Don’t forget to check out our Facebook page to learn more about happenings around the Village.
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