Welcome to Recreational Respite!

Fun changes behavior! Taking something that is good for your overall social, physical, emotional and mental well being and turning it into something engaging and fun, with positive outcomes, is critical for overall quality of life. Those affected by cognitive impairments (memory, or other mental health), physical challenges or disabilities may not always be able to identify how to turn their needs into effective and engaging accomplishments. Therapeutic Recreation is purposeful intervention designed to improve an individual's quality of life; mental health, emotional and physical wellness. While standard therapies tend to treat illness, recreation therapy can aid to develop and maintain great well being and quality of life.

Recent Posts from Our Blog

Meet Tim!
  April 16, 2013

I had to share this incredible story and truly an inspiration..

Meet Tim!  Tim Harris, owner of Tim’s Place, is the country’s only restaurant owner with Down’s Syndrome, and the joy he gets from serving people good food carries over into his diner’s most famous export: hugs!
Thanks to Exceptional Family for sharing!

http://www.exceptionalfamilytv.com/video/worlds-first-restaurant-owner-down-syndrome

Caregivers: Where Did I Put My Memory!?
  April 10, 2013

It’s that moment we all dread: we meet someone we know, but suddenly can’t recall his name. Or we forget where we put our purse, our wallet, our keys. Sometimes we can’t remember the word for the uh … c’mon, you know, the uh, thing-a-ma-jig to wash the salad. And by the way, where exactly did we park the car?

Memory loss is the second greatest health fear for Canadians, after cancer. And memory loss is a growing epidemic, as we live longer, our brains age, and we have more and more information to forget.
Those caring for loved ones who are affected by impairment, challenge or disabilities are often confronted with their own memory loss concerns because of their ever growing TO DO list. I particularly enjoy how you can turn you ‘to do/to know’ list into song! Try it!! Read More…

CBC News: Alzheimer’s prevention strategies…
  April 4, 2013

Exercise gets the circulation going to allow more glucose and oxygen to get the brain regardless of cognitive impairment, said Dr. Tiffany Chow, who treats people with Alzheimer’s and prescribes exercise for them at Baycrest in Toronto.

The social stimulation of going out to a gym class or taking a walk with a friend offers others benefits… Read More…