Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Southeast Michigan Celebrates National Therapeutic Recreation Week Recreational Therapy Helps Keep Seniors Active, Healthy and Independent The National Therapeutic Recreation Society established National Therapeutic Recreation Week in 1984. This special week has been celebrated during the second week of July annually since then. This year, National Therapeutic Recreation Week is July 10-16th.

What is Therapeutic Recreation?

Recreational therapy is defined by the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) as a treatment service designed to restore, remediate and rehabilitate a person’s level of functioning and independence in life activities, to promote health and wellness as well as reduce or eliminate the activity limitations and restrictions to participation in life situations caused by an illness or disabling condition.

How are Recreational Therapy services different from other therapies?

Recreational therapy embraces a definition of "health" which includes not only the absence of "illness", but extends to enhancement of physical, cognitive, emotional, social and leisure development so individuals may participate fully and independently in chosen life pursuits. The unique feature of recreational therapy that makes it different from other therapies is the use of recreational modalities in the designed intervention strategies.

Why is Recreational Therapy important?

Research supports the concept that people with active, satisfying lifestyles will be happier and healthier. Recreational therapy provides services which are based on the individuals' interests and lifestyle, which allows them to better engage in therapy and apply these functional improvements to all areas of their life. Ultimately, it allows them to generalize their therapeutic outcomes to their life after the healthcare team is no longer involved resulting in greater health maintenance over time. Recreational therapy aims to improve an individual's functioning and keep them as active, healthy and independent as possible in their chosen life pursuits.

At Senior Helpers, we believe activities are the heartbeat of living. The importance of activity in daily living is just one reason why Senior Helpers caregivers can assist your aging loved one in a variety of recreational activities that stimulate minds, promote physical fitness, increase social interaction, teach new skills and, overall, improve the quality of life for all of our clients. Our team of caregivers at Senior Helpers believes in creating an environment that is fulfilling, holistic and nurturing to enhance our clients’ quality of life.

About the American Therapeutic Recreation Association

ATRA is the national membership organization representing the interests and needs of recreational therapists. The association is directed by an elected board of directors with over 42 volunteer teams and committees, focused on areas such as public policy, coverage and

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Southeast Michigan Celebrates National Therapeutic Recreation Week reimbursement, diagnostic specialty groups, education and research. An executive director leads the association national office in Alexandria, Virginia. The association provides a vast array of membership services focusing on professional practice, professional development, external affairs, advocacy, treatment networking, and educational services. Specifically, ATRA leads the profession with nationally recognized professional standards of practice, code of ethics, and competency guidelines.

Sources: http://atra-online.com; http://www.recreativeresources.com

About Senior Helpers

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Southeast Michigan. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Canton, Center Line, Clarkston, Clawson, Clinton Township, Commerce Township and surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones' continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/2601.