Utilizing Therapeutic Recreation to Empower Persons with Alzheimer's in a Day Center A Case Report

Approximately 500,000 Canadians have Alzheimer's disease or a related form of dementia, with the majority of these individuals residing in the community. As a result, there is significant need for support networks and programs that can optimize functioning and independence of persons with dementia. Therapeutic Recreation enhances people's social, psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being across the life course and can be a key part of dementia care. This case report provides insight into one Therapeutic Recreation program and the associated model for delivery, focusing on the impact of the program on one participant with Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of Dementia. The participant's involvement in a Wii bowling activity enabled the participant to demonstrate increased focus, to engage in a familiar and meaningful activity, and to master new skills. Several implications are noted, such as the importance of completing a task analysis and identifying problem areas for the person with Alzheimer's. It was also observed that the caregiver benefited from the client's improvements. Future studies and practice should include the caregiver in the sessions, which may assist in transferring skills to the home environment.