What Are The Benefits Of Recreational Therapy?

Recreation therapy is a type of therapy that uses engaging activities, such as music, sports, or leisure activities, to enhance a person’s physical abilities, independence, and overall well-being. This type of therapy benefits seniors and people of all ages recovering from or living with disease or injury. Recreational therapists customize their recreation therapy program based on the patient’s needs, making it a valuable part of the patient’s overall rehabilitation and treatment plan. Recreational therapeutic activities can take place in an in-patient medical facility, or at-home with the assistance of a home health care professional.

The benefits of recreational therapy have been shown to improve cognitive function, overall physical health, and the ability to socialize. These benefits have been show to support the patient’s recovery and improve their quality of life.

Recreation Therapy Offers A Unique Type Of Support

When a patient engages in recreational therapy, their mood is almost always improved. It also produces other benefits that support improvements their overall well-being, such as:

• Increased cooperation.
• Return of appetite.
• Stronger immune system.
• Improved conversational skills.
• Increased attention span.
• Reduced insomnia or difficulty sleeping.
• Better body image perception.

One of the greatest benefits of recreational therapy is that it focuses on activities that people can do, regardless of their age or limitations, and encourages fun and play. As a result, feelings of isolation are reduced, and friendships and supportive bonds are created. Group therapeutic recreational activities also allow patients to develop kinships with those who are in the same stage of life or are dealing with the similar challenges. Individual therapy focuses on activities that spark joy. Both group and individual recreational therapy help improve emotional health and self-worth.

Ready To Learn More About Recreational Therapy?

If you think that adding recreational therapy to your loved one’s care is a good idea, begin by researching the options available in your area. For example, you will find that reputable home care in Mississauga, Burlington, and Oakville have services that will work for you.

It’s important to know that your loved one will notice the most benefits from recreational therapy when the program is tailored to their unique needs. When considering recreation therapy, find out what process is used to determine which recreation activities will be used as part of therapy. The therapist should work to understand their clients’ interests and passions, and include some of those activities as part of their therapy.

As a home care provider in the Mississauga, Milton, Burlington, and Oakville area, iCare Home Health’s recreation therapists can support seniors and people of all ages dealing with illness or injury. Find out more about our therapeutic recreation at home program by calling us at 905-491-6941 or by scheduling a free needs assessment.