What is Recreational Therapy?
Recreational Therapy contributes to the broad spectrum of health care through treatment, education, and the provision of structured recreational opportunities--all of which are instrumental to improving and maintaining physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning, preventing secondary health conditions, enhancing independent living skills and overall quality of life. Recreational Therapists help people get better and/or learn to experience healthy recreation and leisure activities by guiding them through a process of participating in goal oriented, structured recreation activities.
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What Does a Recreational Therapist Do?
Recreational Therapists use structured, treatment driven activities based on goals set for people receiving recreational therapy. These activities are designed to be enjoyable so that the person is motivated to get better and stay better. Recreational therapists might also focus on activities that help the person to socialize with others, enjoy recreation alone, or simply enjoy life. Recreational therapy is brilliant simplicity. Doesn't it make sense to you that people should enjoy their therapy while they work to get better and feel happy?
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Where Do Recreational Therapists Work?
Recreational Therapists are trained to work in a variety of healthcare, community-based, and non-profit settings. You might find Recreational Therapists working in hospitals or rehabilitation facilities alongside occupational, speech, and physical therapists. You might find recreational therapists working in facilities specific to the aging population, such as nursing and long-term care facilities. More and more recreational therapists have started their own private practice. Or, you might find recreational therapists working in community parks and recreation departments. These are just to name a few.
