Definition
Recreational therapy is a type of therapy that uses leisure activities to help meet the physical and emotional needs of patients with an illness or disability and help them develop skills for daily living, abilities, overall health and emotional well-being.
Settings Where Recreational Therapy is Offered
- Hospitals.
- Inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities.
- Assisted living facilities.
- Substance use programs.
- Community centers.
- Correctional centers.
Activities that are Part of a Recreational Therapy Program
- Arts and crafts, music.
- Visits to parks, museums, lunch outings.
- Gardening.
- Creative writing.
- Cooking classes.
- Sports and games.
- Video games.
- Dance and movements.
- Board games.
People Who Will Benefit from RT
Persons who are:
- Recovering from stroke.
- Rehabilitating from injury or illness.
- Being treated for cancer.
- Experiencing anxiety, depression and stress in a hospital.
- Feeling isolated or depressed.
- Recovering from a substance abuse disorder.
- Those with low self-esteem and decreased socialization.
Who Can Conduct Recreational Therapy?
Recreational therapy is conducted by certified recreational therapists, also known as therapeutic recreation specialists. These professionals are trained to use leisure activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, and music, to improve patients’ physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Qualifications and Certification
- Most recreational therapists hold a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy or a related field.
- Certification, such as the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential, is often required and involves passing an exam and completing continuing education.
- Some states may require licensure, depending on the work setting.
Work Settings
Recreational therapists work in various environments, including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, schools, and community health programs. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and psychologists, to provide holistic care.
Skills that are Enhanced Through These Programs
- Endurance.
- Range of motion.
- Cognition and short-term memory.
- Judgment skills.
- Decision making ability.
- Safety awareness.
- Community re-entry.
- Social interaction.
- Leisure management.
- Mobility skill.
Advantages of Recreational Therapy
Recreation therapy is a component of rehabilitation and a part of comprehensive management which focuses on a holistic framework that allows to focus on all aspect of an individuals’ health and functioning. Positive behavior changes and improvements noticed in patients include:
- Communication and individual living skills.
- Improved self-esteem.
- Skills to manage life with disabilities.
- Improved physical well-being.
- Improved emotional strength and endurance.
- Positive coping strategies to manage unwanted behaviors.
- Decreased anxiety and social isolation.
- Improved social functioning.
- Leisure time management skills.
- Spiritual development.
- Recreational participation
Special Considerations
- Tailor activities to the patient’s physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities.
- Consider the patient’s interests and preferences to enhance engagement and motivation.
- Ensure the environment is safe and free from hazards during activities.
- Adapt activities to accommodate patients with mobility or sensory impairments.
- Provide encouragement and reassurance to build confidence and reduce anxiety.
- Be sensitive to the patient’s emotional state and adjust activities as needed.
- Work closely with the recreational therapist and other healthcare professionals to align activities with the patient’s treatment plan.
- Provide constructive feedback and celebrate achievements to boost morale.
- Record the patient’s progress and outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy.
- Share observations with the healthcare team to inform future interventions.
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwers, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- R.Sreevani, A Guide to Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing, 6th Edition, 2024, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN 978-9366161686
- Sheila L. Videbeck, Psychiatric Nursing, Seventh Edition , 2017, Wolters Kluwer Publications, ISBN: 978- 1496355911
Stories are the threads that bind us; through them, we understand each other, grow, and heal.
JOHN NOORD
Connect with “Nurses Lab Editorial Team”
I hope you found this information helpful. Do you have any questions or comments? Kindly write in comments section. Subscribe the Blog with your email so you can stay updated on upcoming events and the latest articles.
