Recreation and leisure may seem to describe time spent doing nothing of importance, but an allied health-care professional will quickly tell you that recreation and leisure are essential to good health – not just physical but mental health as well.
The institute has a separate building and a play ground for recreational activities. The recreation therapy unit is augmented with number of indoor and outdoor games such as Carrom, Chess, Ludo, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Football, Cricket, Badminton etc. Recreation facilities also include Television, Karaoke, Musical Instruments like Synthesiser (Casio) etc have also been provided in the wards for optimum benefits to the patients.
Why Recreation Therapy?
The integration of recreation therapists to the multi-disciplinary team of the institute which includes a psychiatrist, social workers, and nurses has reflected an emerging best practice recognising evidence-based reporting on the benefits of exercise and stress reduction techniques to patients’ overall health and well-being. It has also helped in assisting patients to regain their emotional footing and to integrate into supportive networks is a very important component of the program. Moreover, it helps people make connections. Many people don’t know what supports are available to them in the community and this helps them explore their options as well.
Who are Recreational Therapists?
Recreation Therapists are professionally trained practitioners who:
Individually assess each patient/client
Design specific therapeutic goals
Plan intervention programs
Implement safe and effective evidence-based recreational therapy interventions
Document interventions provided/chart patient progress
Evaluate the effectiveness of intervention programs
Manage recreation therapy practice