The value of recreation therapy for individuals living with dementia

Abstract

The purpose of this research was, first, to examine the meaning of recreation participation for individuals with Alzheimer's disease; and secondly, to examine the provision of recreation therapy on a dementia care unit as experienced by recreation therapy practitioners. Qualitative methods included observations of programs, interviews with residents, family members and recreation therapy practitioners, and the maintenance of a reflective journal. -- The findings suggested that participation in therapeutic recreation (TR) programming was important for a number of reasons. In addition to experiencing feelings of enjoyment, engagement and meaning, of primary importance was the relationship development between resident and practitioner. Issues of the TR practice were also examined and discussed. Recommendations for practice and future research are highlighted. -- From this research it was suggested that there should be more communication between the practitioners and the family members as well as between the staff. Increasing communication between the practitioners and the family members will allow for the practitioner to learn more about the residents and provide programs that are focused on residents' personal preferences and past activities.