Our partnership with Brock University Therapeutic Rec December 18, 2020

“I was happy to give someone a source of happiness and purpose,” she said. “I know many older adults are isolated and may not be able to see their family members this year. I hope this gives them some connection and purpose during a more difficult holiday season.”

Our partnership with Brock University Therapeutic Recreation program students has continued even with this school year’s added challenges. While physical distancing has made in-person visits impossible, a group of Brock University students used some inside-the-box thinking to get connected with residents of a local long-term care home.

As part of their third-year RECL 3P12 Leisure and Aging course, 17 pairs of students conducted virtual meetings with residents of Radiant Care Tabor Manor in St. Catharines to engage in social interaction, get an idea of their life history and leisure interests, and prepare special care packages. Despite the COVID situation, we can still strengthen the relationship between the Brock University Therapeutic Recreation students and our residents.

For third-year Therapeutic Recreation student Lindsey White, the community-focused experiential education exercise offered the chance to grow her own skillset while also learning beyond the classroom and helping others.

“I was happy to give someone a source of happiness and purpose,” she said. “I know many older adults are isolated and may not be able to see their family members this year. I hope this gives them some connection and purpose during a more difficult holiday season.”

White and her partner Mel Mann paid close attention to the details they had learned from Mini Terhorst, the resident they interviewed.

“We hit it off with Mini right away,” said White. “She seemed to love seeing younger people who wanted to engage with her. It made us happy to get to know each other and form a genuine connection.”

With that connection and the information they had gleaned from the conversation, White and Mann created a box that aimed to stimulate Terhorst’s senses while also invoking memories of things she was passionate about.

READ MORE FROM BROCK STUDENTS HERE

ADDITIONAL NEWS COVERAGE HERE