What is Therapeutic Recreation?

Therapeutic recreation is the use of meaningful participation in recreation to enable all individuals to achieve quality of life and optimal health.

Recreation and leisure are integral to a healthy life. They allow us the opportunity to express our innermost selves through our skills and passions to feel fully immersed in the joys of life.

People living with dementia require additional support to enable participation and receive the many benefits of recreation as their abilities and needs change.

Click to learn about the therapeutic process…

  • Before we begin working with our clients, we like to arrange a free consultation.

    This is a great opportunity for us to get to know each other better, ask questions, and see if our services might be a good fit for the person living with dementia.

    Consultations can be done in person or remotely, and there is never any pressure to proceed with services.

    Click here to book your free consultation today.

  • During the assessment phase, we explore the very essence of who our client is.

    What is truly important to them? What experiences have shaped their lives? What unique strengths and knowledge do they have? What goals are we seeking to achieve? What unique preferences do they have? What functional skills do they possess? How can we best support their needs?

    This vital information informs the planning process.

  • We collaborate with the person living with dementia and their care partners to develop a therapeutic recreation plan based on specific goals.

    This acts as a road map for creating positive outcomes using meaningful activities.

    Plans are reviewed frequently and evolve as our client’s needs and goals change.

  • During regularly scheduled sessions, we encourage care partners to take a break for self-care while we engage our client in fun and meaningful recreational activities.

    The activities are carefully selected to meet objectives and modified where necessary to ensure an appropriate level of challenge and enjoyment.

    By facilitating evidence-based recreation experiences for the person with dementia, we enable positive outcomes that have a direct impact on quality of life and wellness.

  • We’re always evaluating the effectiveness of our therapeutic interventions. This happens during each interaction with our client, and also through frequent review of the client’s plan.

    The success of therapeutic recreation lies in meeting the objectives and goals we’ve discussed together.

    As our client’s needs change, we respond and adapt to ensure we’re staying on track to provide the best possible outcomes.

  • The details of each client session are documented in a secure online portal which is accessible to care partners at all times.

    We believe in excellent communication with care partners and members of the interdisciplinary team to help ensure continuity of care for our clients.

Christy Micallef, Owner

With over 20 years of experience in senior health services, I have dedicated my career to supporting individuals and families through compassionate, person-centered care.

In addition to my Recreation Therapy education, I am committed to continuing education related to dementia-specific learning. My background includes a variety of roles in long-term care, home care, seniors’ health services and dementia day program facilitation, giving me a deep understanding of the unique needs of clients and families at every stage of their unique journeys.

I sincerely love getting to know my clients on a deep level and discovering each person’s unique abilities so I can help them reach their full potential. To me, it’s vital that my clients are able to have their voice heard, maintain autonomy, and feel a strong sense of accomplishment and purpose while living their best possible life.

Known for being caring, patient, and dependable, I’m committed to providing consistent, high-quality support and advocating for the holistic care that every individual deserves.

When I’m not with my clients, you can usually find me volunteering for causes near and dear to my heart, camping with my dog, paddling in the summer and snowshoeing in winter. I also love pickleball, painting, singing and playing the ukulele, playing games with family and friends, and taking long hikes no matter the weather!