Therapeutic Recreation Service

The Therapeutic Recreation Service on the adult rehabilitation unit provides programs for inpatients 7 days a week, including group activities on holidays. Patients are referred to our service by their physician and are assessed and treated both individually and in groups.

Each patient's treatment is designed to incorporate the individual's personal recreation/leisure interests with physical, emotional, social and/or cognitive goals.

Patients are encouraged to examine their leisure lifestyle, participate in activities that will foster independence and, if necessary, learn new or adaptive skills that may be better suited to their current health needs.

Each patient at Rusk receives a schedule of Therapeutic Recreation activities weekly. Evening and weekend programs are open to all patients, families, and friends. All of our programs are designed to encourage patients to cope with changes in lifestyle and increase independence to enhance quality of life. As part of this effort we provide an environment for patients to socialize and facilitate the creation of a supportive network with peers during and after hospitalization.

Our programs include arts and crafts, music therapy, digital photography, beginner's internet and computer education, assorted games, jewelry workshop, animal-assisted activities, aroma therapy, "video vacations," a variety of musical performances, movies, and many social activities, including holiday parties.