How Does Recreational Therapy Help Seniors?

How Does Recreational Therapy Help Seniors?

From crafts to music, sports, and more activities — recreation therapy services are available to help seniors.

If you are considering these services for a senior in your life, it’s important to first ensure their daily medical and physical needs are being met. If so, another key part of senior care is to support their health and well-being with recreational activities.

If this is your first time looking into recreation therapy services, below are more details.

What are Recreational Therapy Programs?

Recreational activities have the power to help with a senior’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional health. They can include many types of activities, such as games, art, and exercise, that can be adapted to suit a senior’s abilities. The activities can not only help reduce the effects of a disability or illness, but they can also bring positivity into a senior’s life.

Are there Benefits to Recreational Therapy Programs?

Below are some ways that these therapy programs can help seniors. These benefits have the power to bring more fun into their daily routine and enhance their quality of life. By choosing programs that seniors enjoy, the activities will have meaning and bring more happiness to their day.

Below are four ways this therapy can help seniors:

Physical Health

Therapy programs for seniors will enable them to keep moving. Activities can be customized to cater to each senior. For example, chair yoga can be used for those who need a seated exercise. The focus is on improving mobility, flexibility, balance, and more functions.

Cognitive Health

A focus on cognitive function can help keep a senior’s mind active and healthy. For example, playing an instrument or painting can work to keep the brain stimulated and increase alertness.

Socialization

In addition to leading activities, recreation therapists can offer companionship. When safe to do so, group activities can help create a sense of community. Group activities also allow seniors to build meaningful relationships. At a time in life when loneliness and isolation are common, this socialization is key for many seniors.

Emotional Health

Therapy programs for seniors can also improve their mood and reduce stress. The key is to focus on meaningful activities that align with their interests. This can add positivity to their day and allow them to focus on upbeat experiences.

How to Get Started with Recreational Therapy Programs?

If you’re ready to get started on programming for yourself or an elderly loved one, reach out to us at iCare Home Health. We’re a senior home care provider in Oakville, ON, offering a range of compassionate services.

Our team will begin by conducting a thorough assessment to determine your needs. Our goal is to understand your specific interests and work towards building a relationship between you (the client) and our team of caregivers.

Contact our team in Oakville, ON, to get started with recreational therapy programs and receive a free assessment.

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President of iCare Home Health Services, a community based, boutique home health care company dedicated to serving the needs of our customers to maintain their quality of life and dignity while they recover from illness or age at the comfort of their own home.