Rehabilitation Programs at BCHS

Our BCHS Recreation Therapy team continues to deliver meaningful and holistic programs that support patients across all domains of health.

The team has introduced Mindful Meditation Thursdays to provide physical comfort and weekly spiritual well-being.

“By guiding patients through meditation practices, we create a calming space for self reflection,” Katrina says. “It helps them feel more at ease both mentally and physically.”

On C4, the Horticulture Program promotes physical engagement and fine motor skills.

“We do hands-on gardening to give our patients a sense of purpose and connection to nature,” Rachel shares. “We find that it fosters relaxation and nurtures their spirit.”

BCHS also has an Engage and Empower Dementiability 1:1 Program which integrates Dementia-friendly resources and activities to help build rapport with patients.

“It’s all about supporting patients in managing responsive behaviours with dignity,” Rachel says. “It’s important to encourage choice and to draw on the patient’s strengths to connect socially and emotionally.”

To further enhance social, emotional, and spiritual health, quarterly special events are hosted, creating opportunities for joy, belonging, and shared experience. Most recently, the “Sundae Lovin’” event invited patients to savor ice cream sundaes and watch the classic movie Grease, sparking nostalgia, laughter, and meaningful conversation.

In the Acute Day Treatment (ADT) program, leisure engagement is fostered through groups such as Creative Expressions, Therapeutic Use of Music, Relaxation, Mindfulness, Therapeutic Writing, Community Connections, and by providing individual leisure counselling.

“As a Recreation Therapist in the Outpatient Mental Health ADT Program, I use leisure as a tool to help individuals engage in meaningful experiences to improve mental wellness,” Andrea shares. This mindset, focused on building a life worth living, inspired the creation of the Recreational Therapy and Peer Support Group (REP Group).

Through these initiatives, and many others, Recreation Therapy continues to promote quality of life and the overall well-being of our patients.

For more information on rehabilitation programs and services at BCHS, visit www.bchsys.org/rehabtherapy and www.bchsys.org/mentalhealth

 Pictured: Recreation Therapists, Rachel Brown (left), Andrea Martino (center), and Katrina Rawn (right).