Reminiscence TR Treatment Program

A reminiscence program would be considered a TR treatment program if the “activities that are provided in a long term care setting that allow the individual to improve functioning through treatment or education” (Thomas, Part II Diversional vs. TR Activities). If the reminiscence program aimed to rehabilitate and treat specific symptoms the participants were going through, than it could be considered a TR treatment program (Thomas, Part II). The reminiscence TR treatment program usually requires a physician’s order and is run one-on-one or in small groups with a certified recreational therapy specialist, CTRS (Thomas, Part II). This program requires active participation and documentation must be in compliance with rehabilitation agency standards

These activities are less strict, in that the client does not have to be fully involved and involves a varying amount of people (Thomas, Part II). An example provided by Thomas that could also apply as a reminiscence activity is a party, but more specifically a reunion party. This would be consider reminiscence activity because the client and peers will talk about past memories they endured together, they are reminiscing about “the good old days” which involves social and cognitive functions. Social functioning is involved because the client will be socializing with their peers; and cognitive functions are involved through the client using their long-term memory to remember memories with those peers. If I were to start a reminiscence program in a residential facility, I would select clients that are new to the facility because being new to any situation can be difficult. My program focus would be getting new residents oriented to each other and the facility, in addition to increasing positive feelings and turning the focus towards positive things the

As stated above “most of the individuals have a dx of s/p stroke, hearing loss, minor vision loss, arthritis...” Simple muscle training would be apart of my therapeutic recreation program, in which clients may choose the size weight dumbbell they wish to use. If the client has arthritis making it difficult for them to grip a dumbbell, then I would offer them to use an equivalent weight medicine ball. This will allow the client to participate in muscle strengthening using a weighted medicine ball to increase muscles. This also keeps in mind the principle adapting for availability because a weighted medicine ball can be easily obtained at any sports equipment store. Finally this example displays the principle, “adapt only when necessary” (Ray, 2002). The client cannot perform the task because they cannot grip the equipment, so getting something they can hold on to is necessary and also fulfills the role of muscle toning will be a good modification for this program. If I were to start a physical activity program for clients as a diversion activity I would have a dance class, in which anyone can participate and dance to the different types of music playing. I would provide water and light healthy snacks for those involved, and I would have a few staff