The objective of the therapeutic recreation program at Menorah Manor is to provide a well-rounded program which is intellectually, socially and physically stimulating for residents. However, it is so much more than that. Ray Teasdale, director of therapeutic recreation and activities certified consultant states, “therapeutic recreation is, in one word, magic.” “I’ve seen what good, positive recreation can do. It is an outlet for residents that need stimulation in their lives. A good recreation department holds not only social and mental stimulation exercises, but spiritual exercises as well. The combination of these practices is meant to keep our resident’s as independent as possible.”

So how does this program work?

In addition to group-oriented activities that are so prevalent within both the Bernard L. Samson Nursing Center (BLSNC) and the Toby Weinman Assisted Living Residence (TWALR), the therapeutic recreation staff spends the first five days of each individual resident’s life at Menorah Manor assessing their personal needs, likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. The results of this assessment will ensure that the resident feels welcome and comfortable. One resident in particular prefers jazz over classical and big band music and would rather play poker than any other activity, interests that were determined during her welcome evaluation. Therefore, her personal weekly schedule is fashioned around jazz albums which her family brings in for her and poker time which is played twice a week with other residents. “That magic moment when she beats all of the men on Tuesday and Thursday mornings is priceless,” says Teasdale. Scheduling like this is what differentiates a Menorah Manor resident’s quality of life from those living in the old fashioned nursing homes that seem to unfortunately define what assisted living and nursing care is in American society.

Upon admission, as needed and every three months thereafter, the nurses and professional therapeutic staff meet to go over resident care plans and ensure that they are in coordination with resident goals. Family members are always invited to these care plan meetings to go over the resident’s chart and the progress of their loved ones. When people participate in group activities, they are closely observed by the therapeutic staff. This determines whether or not specific activities are appropriate for specific people. (Although bingo is one of the most popular activities at Menorah Manor, some residents complained that it is boring and a waste of their time. Hence, current events and history discussions were born.)

“We want to make sure that resident’s are always comfortable and can mentally and emotionally relate to who they are,” says Teasdale. For example, one resident stayed in her room without talking for months before an Israeli flag was brought in and she was asked, “What is this?” The resident examined the handheld flag for a brief moment and then stated, “It is the Jewish flag.” Excited, the staff member then pointed to the star and said, “What is this?” She could not determine what the magan david was called. The question was then rephrased to her as “what is the Jewish star called?” The resident stated, “Barbara Streisand!” From that point forward, this woman became a “person again,” she became special among the other staff members as she continued to respond to specialized questions that could reach her on a personal level. These questions in turn stimulated her mind and made her whole again.

How does the therapeutic recreation program improve the health and well-being of the residents?

In many cases, lack of proper socialization along with organized activities greatly improves quality of life. “If you’re happy, you have something to live for,” says Teasdale. During care plan meetings, nurses and recreational therapists will look over individual patient’s charts and determine how their activities are affecting them physically and whether or not they are appropriate. The therapeutic staff members pay very close attention to doctor’s orders as well as the smiles or lack there of that they see on resident faces. “Often, it is merely building friendships that brings back the magic into ones life.” There is one lady who never left her room until another resident began visiting her and she is now one of the most active and lively residents within the Menorah Manor nursing home. “Residents like this are now interested in life because of therapeutic recreation,” Teasdale says.

Gwen Kaldenberg and her staff within the Bresler Alzheimer’s Program have noticed many positive attributes to regular therapeutic activity including: stress-reduction, self-esteem improvement, blood pressure maintenance, a decrease in the usage of medications including psychotropic (anti-anxiety/ anti-depressant) pills, balance and strength improvement, range of motion and a greater endurance.”

According to author S.E. Iso-Ahola, “therapeutic recreation is purposeful intervention designed to improve the quality of life through recreation and leisure.” This is a theory that is practiced daily by the Menorah Manor staff.

Through this specialized department, Menorah Manor residents are not only able to participate in activities within the walls of the nursing center and assisted living residence, but also during special outings that occur the second Wednesday of every month. These outings include going out to lunch, shopping, etc. Teasdale meets with the residents directly to determine where they want to go on these outings before he organizes the trips. “The Guild volunteers have been especially helpful during these outings,” says Teasdale. “Thanks to them, we had a 1:1 ratio of residents and volunteers during the last trip, a practice that I hope continues.”

What is the purpose of therapeutic recreation?

According to the National Therapeutic Recreation Association (NTRA), the “primary purpose of recreational therapy services are to restore, remediate or rehabilitate in order to improve functioning and independence as well as reduce or eliminate the effects of illness or disability.” Teasdale states that at Menorah Manor, “the purpose is to help residents live the most quality life they can live, we focus on finding the inside of each individual person and bringing it out.” A senior living home should be a home in which life is constantly improving instead of declining. And that’s what we do here, we improve the quality of life in a warm, safe, home-like environment.