Therapeutic Recreation Month - Meet Meagan
1. What is your name and what is your position at Green Acres Foundation?
My name is Meagan, I am a Recreation Therapist at Green Acres Foundation.
2. How long have you worked at Green Acres Foundation?
7 months
3. How would you describe or summarize the occupation of a recreation therapist to someone who has never heard of it?
Imagine moving into a new place with new people and you are limited to do the things you want. I am that person who provides you with hobbies to increase your emotional, physical, social, spiritual, and cognitive functions, while encouraging new experiences. My job is to find out your needs of leisure and incorporate them into meaningful activities for self-improvement.
4. Why is recreation therapy important for seniors and senior housing communities?
The importance of recreational therapy is that it focuses on all 5 domains of a person’s wellbeing. Those 5 domains being physical, emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and social. The importance of recreational therapy is that socialization is the adult form of play which is essential for older adults. Socialization is such an integral component for those who move to housing communities. It is my job to identify the domains that need to be improved and provide opportunities for socialization to occur.
5. What do you love most about your job?
It is so hard to pick a few things I love about this job because I truly love everything and every day when I get to come to [the senior community] but if I could narrow it down it would be:
Smiles I receive when I get into work from my residents and the excitement they have for what is happening that day for activities. It makes me feel fulfilled knowing that they are intrigued by my activities.
Bonding and creating a professional relationship with the residents so that they can come to me to talk about anything that can improve their needs and engagement.
Challenges that I face and the opportunities that it gives me to be able to adapt to those changes with confidence.
Respect I get from my co-workers who help me thrive in the work environment. My coworkers provide help and assistance without hesitation
A successful activity - Mindful Minutes
6. Any activities that were successful or unique that you would like to share?
I introduced an activity called Mindful Minutes which has been successful. This activity is targeting cognitive, emotional, and physical domains of the residents. It is a peer support group that revolves around a one word journal prompt that my residents can express themselves by writing responses to the questions asked. It is a safe, quiet, and critical thinking activity that does not require socialization, but can spark conversation.
7. Since February is Recreation Therapy Month, is there anything you would like to share or add to the conversation?
Your personality is what makes your job effective to the residents and clients. Providing person-centered care is so important for residents and for their families because it shows your passion for each individual.
