February 17, 2023
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At the BSF, our talented and compassionate recreation therapy teams go above and beyond to put our residents first on a daily basis. They create and implement fun, meaningful, and engaging activites and programs that optimize wellbeing and enrich lives.
In honour of Therapeutic Recreation Month, we asked them a few questions. Here’s what they had to say:
“Therapeutic Recreation (TR) is a health profession that optimizes wellness through leisure programs based on an individual's interests and abilities. For this reason, it is essential that TR professionals take time to assess and get to know each resident and learn their interests and abilities, so we can help them to set goals and ultimately achieve them. TR is strength-based and focuses on what the person CAN do, and not what they CAN'T. We meet people where they are on their wellness journey and remove barriers by adapting programming to meet their leisure interests, needs and abilities. TR sees the person as a whole, and focuses on physical, intellectual, spiritual, social, and emotional wellness.” – Sherry Little, Manager of Therapeutic Recreation and Volunteer Services at Tudor Manor
“TR incorporates evidence-based leisure programs, resident’s interests, and innovative programming to create therapeutic interventions to meet the cognitive and physical health, recovery, and well-being of our residents.” – Stephanie Riley, Manager of Therapeutic Recreation and Volunteer Services at Clifton House
“TR is important to our residents as it enhances their quality of life, improves their health and well-being as well as provides empowerment.” – Kayla Doiron, Manager of Therapeutic Recreation and Volunteer Services at Bow View Manor
“There are many reasons why TR is so important to our residents. Often when a resident first moves into a care home, they feel like they've lost a piece of who they were, not only with their independence and wellness, but in their daily routines, their connections, their home. A main part of the recreation therapy role is to help restore these losses and provide opportunities for the resident to feel whole again. TR provides residents opportunities to participate in groups and one-to-one in their current leisure interests and also introduces them to fun new experiences. TR is integral to improve their wellness, and in turn builds community and meaningful friendships, it gives our residents purpose, something to look forward to every day and motivation to keep living a full life!” – Sherry Little, Manager of Therapeutic Recreation and Volunteer Services at Tudor Manor
“Recreational therapy can help seniors overcome physical challenges. He or she can participate in activities that can help him or her remain physically fit, and the activities can be customized according to your loved one’s needs and abilities.” – Vineeth Allakat, Manager of Therapeutic Recreation and Volunteer Services at Wentworth Manor
“My favourite part about working at the BSF is the opportunity it gives me to make a difference in the lives of our residents every single day. My role in recreation therapy allows me to make meaningful connections and truly get to know every resident as an individual. It is a privilege to work on such a strong team at Tudor Manor and help residents to accept their new home, improve wellness and overall, feel happy and fulfilled. In turn, these feelings are reciprocated, and the residents give me just as much and even more fulfilment and joy. Not everyone can say that about their job, but I am one of the lucky ones who can!” - Sherry Little, Manager of Therapeutic Recreation and Volunteer Services at Tudor Manor
“My favourite part about working at the BSF is building relationships, support and enhancing our resident’s quality of life.”- Kayla Doiron, Manager of Therapeutic Recreation and Volunteer Services at Bow View Manor.
Visit our volunteer page to learn more about how you can help our recreation therapy teams and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents and families, while also having fun and building lasting friendships!
