Moving your body, mind and spirit
By Emily Bullert, Therapeutic Recreation Director at The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine
The therapeutic recreation (TR) department of a senior care community is crucial in the lives of our residents. Our team recognizes leisure, recreation, and play as integral components in the quality of life.
We strive to care for and nourish the whole person. To engage the brain, we use mind games and puzzles. For physical health, we use exercise and active games to engage the muscles in the hopes of preventing atrophy. For spiritual wellbeing, we host activities, such as devotional time, prayer time, and religious services. For mental health, music and art are an essential part of our activity schedule, along with quiet time and one-on-one time with our team members.
We seek to reduce depression, stress, and anxiety in our residents. We aim to build confidence and to allow our residents to socialize and engage in meaningful experiences.
Getting to know our residents while spending time with them individually and in group settings allows us to have a positive impact on their lives. Together, our emotional, spiritual, and physical activities are used to have a positive impact on the lives of our residents.
When they are agitated, we know how to calm them. When they are bored, we engage them to stimulate their minds. Spending time with our residents works to decrease anxiety and feelings of loneliness.
The positive impacts of therapeutic recreation are endless, as we help with depression; safety; quality of life; providing structure and routine; remaining physically active; positive self-worth; enjoyment in life; and feeling heard, understood, and validated.
Most of all, we hope to provide our residents with a feeling of love and support from God. No matter where they are in life, we continue to care for our residents and only want the best for them.
Here are some ideas for you to engage the various areas of your life.
- Grow spiritually. Sign up for our “Every Day Counts” weekly devotion emails.
- Share your talents with us. Volunteer at one of our locations. Find a care community near you.
- Move your body. From walking to skiing to bike riding to swimming, spend 30 minutes a day moving.