WHAT IS THERAPEUTIC RECREATION?

By: Megan Keating

Recreation is defined by Merriam-Webster as “refreshment of

strengths and spirits”.

http://www.merriam-webster.com

Therapeutic Recreation is…

Therapeutic Recreation is the collaboration of treatment,

leisure activities, and recreation services to

enhance the quality of life of individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, or

social limitations. (Keating, 2011)

Who?

Mental Health Elderly Youth at Risk People recovering

from severe injuries

People with Disabilities Physical Cognitive Behavioral Social

Where? Hospitals

Nursing Facilities Residential Settings

Community Settings

Outpatient Facilities

Day Treatment Centers

Schools Correctional

Facilities

Therapeutic Recreation Services

Fitness Special Olympics Therapeutic

horseback riding Dances Music Aquatics Theatre Arts & Crafts Community Outings

After school programs Sensory activities Games Summer camps Gardening Sports Special interest groups Volunteering Day Trips

TR Outcomes

Increased emotional control

Improved physical condition

Improved mobility Improved communication

skills Decreased

symptoms of depression

Improved social skills

Increased leisure knowledge

Increased life satisfaction

Increased cognitive abilities

Friendship development

Reduced anxiety Independence

Success Story STARS Program

Through AID: Association for Individual Development and FVSRA

Became involved this past summer Day program for adults with

developmental disabilities Members of the STARS Program are

individuals who live in group homes and need a place to go during the day

Stars Program provides these individuals with the opportunity to participate in daily activities that include exercise, community outings, volunteerism, cooking, gardening, and much more.

Continued… Prior to involvement in

the STARS program, members were:

SedentaryLacked social

interactionHealth Concerns

Poor Diet Little to no community

involvement

After STARS Involvement…

Members experienced many positive changes

Many lost significant weight due to daily exercising

Became active members of the community, volunteering their time at least 3 times a week

Built friendships with others in program

Learned how to handle money and act in public settings from community outings

Improved eating habits, by participating in healthy cooking sessions each week

Improved communication skills

“Do not let what you can not do interfere with what you can

do.”

- John Wooden

References Stumbo, O. J., & Peterson, C. A. (2009). Therapeutic recreation program design,

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ml http://blogs.babble.com/babble-chicago/2010/11/11/a-guide-to-scoring-a-chi

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