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Therapeutic Recreation for Seniors in Ottawa

Meaningful Engagement. Purposefully Designed.

Because quality of life is part of care.

Older adult participating in therapeutic recreation with Best Life Aging

What Is Therapeutic Recreation?

Therapeutic recreation uses a person's interests, abilities, routines, and goals to create meaningful opportunities for engagement. Each client receives an individualized approach designed to support quality of life while helping them continue doing the things that matter to them.

Cognitive
Activities that encourage memory, attention, problem-solving, and continued use of existing abilities.
Emotional
Familiar interests and meaningful experiences that support enjoyment, confidence, and a sense of purpose.
Social
Opportunities for conversation, connection, community involvement, and shared experiences.
Physical
Everyday movement and active interests adapted to the person's abilities and comfort.

The activity is the tool. Quality of life is the goal.

Who We Support

Personalized Engagement For Changing Needs.

Therapeutic recreation can support older adults at many different stages of aging. Some clients are living with dementia or changing abilities, while others simply need more connection, structure, and meaningful engagement in their week.

Because every program is individualized, sessions can evolve with the person and focus on the areas that matter most to their quality of life.

01
Alzheimer's disease & other dementias
02
Social isolation or reduced connection
03
Changes in mood, motivation, or routine
04
Changing mobility or physical abilities
05
Life transitions or changes in independence
06
A desire for more purpose and engagement
Older adult participating in a personalized therapeutic recreation activity
There is no one type of person who benefits from therapeutic recreation. The starting point is always the individual.

The Living Well Framework

Recreation With Purpose Behind It.

Therapeutic Recreation is part of each client's wider Living Well Plan. We learn what matters to the person, create an individualized approach, provide consistent support, and adapt the plan as their interests, abilities, and needs change.

01
Understand

Learn the person's history, interests, abilities, routines, and goals.

02
Plan

Build meaningful engagement around what matters to them.

03
Support

Provide consistent one-on-one sessions with a Recreation Specialist.

04
Evolve

Adjust the plan as abilities, interests, and support needs change.

One person. One plan. Support that continues to evolve with them.

Explore the Living Well Framework
Frequently Asked Questions

Therapeutic Recreation, Made Clear.

A few helpful details about how sessions work, where they take place, and how each program is personalized.

Each session is two hours long. This allows enough time to build a meaningful connection, engage in personalized activities, and support the client without the visit feeling rushed.
Sessions can be booked multiple times each week. Regular visits are recommended because consistency helps build trust, establish routine, and create greater opportunities for cognitive stimulation, social connection, and meaningful progress.
Yes. We create an individualized program plan for every client based on their interests, abilities, routines, goals, health needs, and what brings meaning to their daily life. The plan can also evolve as the client’s needs and preferences change.
We support clients in private homes, retirement residences, and long-term care homes. Sessions are adapted to the client’s environment, abilities, and available space, and may also include appropriate community outings when they are part of the personalized plan.
Activities are selected around the individual and may include art, music, gardening, baking, games, reminiscence, gentle movement, reading, conversation, local outings, or reconnecting with lifelong hobbies. The goal is not simply to stay busy, but to create experiences that are genuinely meaningful.
Every session begins with the person—their story, their abilities, and what makes life meaningful to them.




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