June 3, 2024
Wayne Erasmus, a resident at J.B. Wood Continuing Care Centre, takes part in water therapy with recreation therapist Brooke Morin. Photo by Brooke Morin.
Andrew "Rocky" Munro, a resident at J.B. Wood Continuing Care Centre enjoys AHS’ aquatic recreational therapy program. Photo by Brooke Morin.
Story by Lisa Laferriere | Photos by Brooke Morin
HIGH PRAIRIE — Residents are experiencing a new wave of wellness thanks to the launch of a recreational therapy program at J.B. Woods Continuing Care Centre.
Once a week, residents receive water therapy treatment at the local aquatic centre. The program was launched in March, and Brooke Morin, the recreation therapist who leads it, says it has so far been very successful in improving the physical and mental wellness of the residents.
“Going to the community pool helps them feel more like a part of their larger community,” says Morin. “The independence, self-worth and well-being residents experience are what makes this program so great.”
Residents at the continuing care centre undergo an assessment to determine if they are candidates for water therapy. Some of the criteria include their physical ability to swim or use a lifejacket in the water and the cognitive ability to be safe in the pool. Currently, six residents meet this criteria and two or three go to the pool at one time.
"I used to swim for many years,” says Wayne Erasmus, a resident who participates in the program. “Once I got back into the water, I was able to relax, have fun and forget about all my troubles.”
Morin says the program wouldn’t be possible without the support of the entire local recreational therapy team, which also includes a therapy assistant, a recreational therapist aide and her manager. The support of residents and their families was also key to bringing the project to fruition.
Both residents and community members have shared positive feedback about the program, with many people expressing delight in seeing the residents enjoying themselves at the pool.
Being in the water enables residents to perform a broader range of movements with less physical strain. Morin says the social aspect has also proven invaluable, with some residents even reconnecting with familiar faces from the community.
Morin also offers words of encouragement to other professionals considering similar programs.
“Don't be afraid to try something new,” she says. “It can be unnerving assisting residents in a completely new environment, but I think if you are calm and relaxed and trust your training, residents will mirror that and become comfortable and confident with the experience.”
Anyone with questions, or who would like more information about the program, can contact Morin directly at Brooke.Morin@ahs.ca.
