4 Reasons Why Seniors Need Recreational Therapy

From arts and crafts to dance, music, and more — therapy programs for seniors are centered on enjoyable activities. Taking part in these fun activities has many advantages on a cognitive, physical, emotional, and social level. They can contribute to a greater quality of life for seniors and help them to live life to its fullest.

Recreation therapy services are offered by trained and certified professionals. If you are considering a therapy program for yourself or an elderly loved one, below are four ways it can help.

Benefits of Recreational Therapy Programs

1) Boost Cognitive Functioning

Mental stimulation can help to keep the brain active and in good health. That’s why therapy programs will often focus on thinking skills to stimulate the brain. Seniors may learn new things during their activities and can strengthen their memory, attention span, and other abilities.

2) Improve Physical Health

Light exercise is also included as part of therapy programs for seniors, when possible. This may include walking, chair exercises, and other activities that can be done alone or with others. A custom program ensures that each senior’s needs and abilities are considered. Overall, the activities can help with mobility, balance, and flexibility and bring other health benefits.

3) Enhance Emotional Well-Being

Engaging in meaningful activities can go a long way to improve a senior’s mood and enjoyment. They can help to provide a sense of purpose in support of high quality of life. For this reason, it’s key to consider each senior’s interests and passions when selecting recreation therapy services. The goal is to ensure that the activities are fun and enjoyable for the participant and generate positive feelings.

4) Increase Socialization

Therapy programming offers a way for seniors to interact with others, including their caregivers and other participants. This can help them to build and maintain ties to their community and focus on social skills. For many, this interaction helps to prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Where Can I Get Support with Recreational Therapy Programs in Oakville, ON, and the GTA?

iCare Home Health offers a range of services and supports through a team of qualified and compassionate caregivers. For therapy programs, we begin by conducting a needs assessment to determine the best therapeutic methods and activities for each client. This helps us to take into consideration each client’s interests and work to develop a trusting relationship between the client and caregiver.

We encourage you to contact us to learn more about our recreational therapy programs in Oakville, ON, and the GTA.