Recreational therapy offers seniors fun and games, plus therapeutic benefits
You don’t have to be a kid to have some fun, and a good game can be recreational therapy too.
A parachute, that would make a delightful roof for a carousel, provided plenty of entertainment and physical exercise for continuing care residents at Valleyview seniors’ residence on Thursday.
Balloons and balls were tossed in the air with delight as participants lifted their arms and raised the parachute up in the air.
“I love this,” said Margaret Knutson, 94. “It’s the colours, (going) up and down, and to think we can do it.”
When the parachute was up in the air it created a tentlike environment underneath. That image had Knutson remembering her childhood and games she had played.
The game has therapeutic benefits as residents move their arms, said Mary Anne Janzen, recreation aide. It is a great distraction. It also exercises eye hand co-ordination as residents attempt to lift the parachute high enough to bounce the balloon or balls out of the area.
February is recreation therapy month, putting the spotlight on the benefits, said Debbie Jesse, recreation therapist at Valleyview. Residents have the option of participating four times a week. It may feel like a game but it is much more than that. It addresses physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs.
The exercises and games are chosen based on the skill level of the residents, said Jesse. The colourful parachute may be easier to see for residents with visual challenges. Recreational therapy is geared to maintaining or improving their quality of life through leisure, and it is based on the goals of the individual.
“It is person-centered based on their own goals and objectives,” said Jesse. “It also alleviates boredom.”
Janzen also made use of a very large ball to roll to the residents in the circle. They had the option of kicking it back or using their hands to keep the ball moving.
Twirling wands with brightly coloured metallic strips brought smiles to many of the faces. They swished them back and forth, reminiscent of conducting a orchestra or acting as cheerleaders.
The activities for this recreation therapy class could all be done while sitting down. Jesse says recreation therapists are specially trained to engage people on every level and taking into account their physical limitations.