Improving function through leisure and recreation

Transcription

1 Company LOGO Improving function through leisure and recreation Shelley A. Silvers, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist, James H. Quillen VAMC

2 Special Thanks Paul Burchuk, CTRS Recreation Therapist, SCI Hampton VAMC Kimberly Gladson Recreation Therapist, DOM Mountain Home VAMC

3 What is Recreation Therapy? What is it? (from American Therapeutic Recreation Association website) US Dept of Labor definition: profession of specialists who utilize activities as a form of treatment for persons who are physically, mentally, or emotionally disabled. Active treatment to improve physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning and to increase independence in life activities.

4 What is Recreation Therapy? Use leisure in ways to enhance health, independence, and well-being Traditionally delivered in rehabilitation facilities, long-term care units, assisted living facilities, home healthcare, etoh/substance use facilities, pain centers Can be delivered in community parks and recreation programs in larger cities

5 What is Recreation Therapy? There is formal training and credentialing for RTs CTRS certified therapeutic recreation specialist Bachelors degree or higher from accredited institution 480 hour internship Will increase to 560 hours in Jan 2013 National certification examination RT is recognized as a rehabilitation service by JCAHO and CARF

6 What does RT address? Musculoskeletal, neurological, and neuromuscular impairments Sensory impairments Cognitive impairments Psychological impairments Social or behavioral impairments

7 Benefits Helps to prevent decline in physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning Reduces the need for health care services Reduces secondary disability and associated health care costs An additional means to help manage pain that can be used alongside other management options

8 How does it benefit a person with chronic pain? Helps to set realistic, achievable goals Sets up opportunities for accomplishment Increases self-esteem Provides pleasurable/enjoyable experience Increases activity level energy level Physical reconditioning

9 Improves sleep How does it benefit a person with chronic pain? Decreases boredom Distracts from pain gate control theory Provides opportunity to practice appropriate pacing Improves weight management Focus on wellness behaviors, not sick behaviors

10 How does it benefit a person with chronic pain? Increases socialization Improves conversation skills Improves social skills Improves cognitive functioning Memory Attention Decision making Sequencing Organization skills Money management skills

11 How does it benefit a person with chronic pain? Improves coping abilities Improves mood Decreases anxiety Decreases stress Increases life satisfaction Combats kinesiophobia Challenges assumption that avoidance is an adaptive pain coping strategy Enhances other treatment goals

12 Who is an appropriate candidate? Anyone with a need to work on a physical, cognitive, emotional, or social impairment

13 What formal resources may be available? Art therapy Music therapy Animal assisted therapy Recreational resource awareness Leisure education Leisure skill development

14 What can you do when no formal resources are available? Encourage/assist patients to determine: Values Motivators Leisure goals Possible activities Barriers A schedule

15 Values and Motivators What do they value in life? Find an activity that is motivating so they Will do it An activity worth approaching will help combat fear-avoidance behaviors

16 Choosing an activity PAL Be realistic Make it something they are capable of doing Does not have to be exercise Be something they can do alone or with others Something that can be broken down into smaller steps Try to modify something they used to like to do Something to do each day Be creative Set up short term and long term goals

17 Encourage a different mindset Focus on what they are currently capable of doing, not what they used to be able to do Give themselves credit for efforts, not just outcomes Make it a want or a choice versus a must or a should

18 Leisure activities Arts/crafts Music Sports Education Reading Spectator appreciation Relaxation Helping others

19 What are the barriers? Travel Finances Weather Motivation Guilt Limited skills Small social network/no companion Time Work

20 Activity Schedule Start low and slow Increase number of activities over time Increase time spent in activity over time Have them plan as much as possible Identify the connection between activity and mood/quality of life

21 Exercise Write down 2 activities that you enjoy Who would you be without these activities in your life? How could you modify the activity to work with: LBP? Fibromyalgia? Right arm amputation? What are 2 other activities you might do if you couldn t engage in these?

22 Resources For Veterans Team River Runners Kayaking program Volunteer services at VA projects, crafts, volunteering Help Hospitalized Veterans Warrior Institute

23 Resources For veterans Wounded Warrior program Horses for Heroes At Small Miracles stable in Kingsport Project Healing Waters For elderly Senior center

24 Resources For anyone YMCA Local park district Small miracles therapeutic equestrian center Focused on youth and veterans Adaptiveadventures.org Patrice Neal Rehabilitation Center Ft Sanders Regional Med Center Generally for physical rehab