February is National Therapeutic Recreation Month! This is a time to celebrate the health care professionals that use research and therapeutic processes to assist patients in achieving their goals and highest quality of life.
The role of Therapeutic Recreation is to support and assist patients to develop and maintain healthy leisure lifestyle skills with the goal of community reintegration. Leisure skills can improve a person’s overall health, functional ability, and quality of life by enhancing their self-esteem, social skills, and independence.
In honor of this National Therapeutic Recreation Month, we would like to highlight some of the program Therapeutic Recreationists provide at our Hospital that leads to exceptional patient care. Thank you for all the work that you do!
Therapeutic Recreation on the Adult Mental Health (AMH) unit supports patients on their healing journey by encouraging healthy living through meaningful activities, self-discovery, and community connection. Weekly activities including games, music, and outings create a welcoming space that fosters connection, hope, and overall well-being.
Patients have opportunities to learn about positive affirmations, create artwork that encourages positive self-talk, and explore their dreams and personal goals.
Patients on AMH also participate in growing their own vegetables, from starting seeds indoors, purchasing plants, and nurturing them as they grow. After caring for the garden, they harvest the produce and prepare nourishing soups, salads, and snacks together. This hands-on experience provides opportunities to learn about nutrition and explore healthy recipes while building confidence and teamwork.
Celebrating the seasons, connecting with the community, and spending time outdoors are important for mental health and well-being. AMH patients visit local art galleries, museums, concerts, and community festivals to foster connection and enjoyment. Even simple walks around the Hospital grounds can be meaningful, offering moments of joy and calm through observing nature, such as spotting frogs and turtles.
Opportunities to relax, doodle, paint, or complete a puzzles support mindfulness and overall mental health, while encouraging patients to rediscover hobbies and interests that bring a sense of accomplishment.
AMH is grateful to have eight dedicated volunteers, including three who bring their therapy dogs each week, offering comfort, companionship, and a calming presence that can ease anxiety, reduce loneliness, and brighten difficult days.
