What is Recreation Therapy?
Recreational Therapy utilizes the delivery of treatment that is designed to rehabilitate an individual’s independence and daily functioning. Therapy aims to promote health and well-being, and to address activity restrictions caused by an illness or chronic condition. Recreational Therapists work to improve a client’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning, as well as help clients, overcome barriers to independence and leisure. Some examples of Recreational Therapy techniques include sports, arts & crafts, movement, and everyday tasks. Virtual therapy & telehealth options are also available.
Needs Assessment
Therapeutic recreation services have much to offer individuals in developing their leisure lifestyle and improving their psychological, physical, and social well‐being (Stumbo & Peterson, 2013). We believe that individuals across their lifespan deserve a good life and this “good life” must include leisure well‐being. Attaining leisure well‐being and a flourishing life include developing or refining skills in community inclusion, leisure education, and movement programs. Therapeutic Recreation Specialists at IDEAL Therapies have created a plan to provide services to help participants build their strengths in the following areas:
Improved stress management
Community inclusion
Transitioning through different phases of life
Exercise promotion
Adaptive equipment and modifications
Education of leisure, barriers, and available resources
Financial aid
Knowledge and awareness of leisure opportunities
Decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety
Decrease in use of psychotropic medications
Improved memory
Improved communication with peers and circle of support Improved intrinsic motivation
Recreation Therapy
We provide Recreational Therapy to children and adults with various disabilities and special needs. Recreational Therapists work with individuals to improve and restore the loss of motor, social, and cognitive functioning, while promoting individuals to build confidence, develop healthy coping skills, and implement skills that are learned in treatment into their daily lives. Therapy service areas vary widely and are based upon the individual’s interests.
