PROGRAM PLANNING

Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation For Lifespan

Prepared by
Sanjaya Acharya
 Introduction:
• Therapeutic recreation is the use of leisure activities for
improving physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being
in individuals with illnesses or disabilities.

• Recreation for lifespan refers to engaging in enjoyable

activities throughout all stages of life to enhance overall well-
being and quality of life.
 Importance
Therapeutic recreation or recreation across the lifespan is important
because it promotes physical health, mental well-being, social
connections, and overall quality of life at every stage of life. It helps
to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, increase physical
fitness, enhance social interactions, and provide opportunities for
personal growth and self-expression. Recreation also fosters a sense
of community, brings joy and happiness, and contributes to a
balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
 Purpose of the Presentation
The presentation aim is to provide proper guideline, knowledge, strategies, and inspiration to
plan and execute effective therapeutic recreation or lifespan recreation programs that
positively impact individuals' lives and promote their overall well-being.
The presentation aims to:
1. Educate: provide an understanding of the principles and benefits of therapeutic recreation
or recreation for lifespan.
2. Planning: discuss the process of program planning, including needs assessment, goal
setting, activity selection, and evaluation.
3. Discuss therapeutic approaches: introduce different therapeutic approaches and
techniques used in therapeutic recreation exercises.
4. Showcase examples: provide examples and case studies of successful therapeutic
recreation or lifespan recreation programs, highlighting their impact on individuals'
physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being.
5. Provide resources: share relevant resources, references, and tools for further exploration
and support in program planning and implementation.
Key Considerations for Program Planning:

 Needs Assessment
 Goal Setting
 Activity Selection
 Implementation
 Evaluation
 Needs Assessment : Therapeutic Recreation Program Planning

• Purpose: Conduct a needs assessment for program planning in therapeutic recreation.

• Target Population: Identify the specific population for the program, such as individuals
with disabilities, seniors, children, or any other group in need of therapeutic recreation
services
• Goals and Objectives: Define the overall goals and specific objectives of the therapeutic
recreation program, such as improving physical functioning, enhancing social interactions,
promoting emotional well-being, or increasing overall quality of life.
• Assessment Methods: Select appropriate assessment methods to gather data on the needs
and preferences of the target population, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, or
observations.
• Data collection and Analysis: Collect the data from target population and analyze the
collected data to identify common themes, patterns, and priorities, gaining insights into the
specific needs and preferences of the target population.
• Program Design: Develop a comprehensive program design that incorporates the identified
program components, considering the unique characteristics and preferences of the target
population.
• Evaluation and Feedback: Establish evaluation methods and feedback mechanisms to assess
program effectiveness, incorporating outcome measures, feedback surveys, and regular
reviews to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.

 Goal Setting :Therapeutic Recreation Program Planning

i. SMART Goals setting

Here's a brief explanation of each component of SMART goals:

• Specific: Clearly define the objective with specific details and actions.
• Measurable: Establish criteria or indicators to track and assess progress.
• Achievable: Set realistic and attainable goals that can be accomplished.
• Relevant: Ensure the goal aligns with the broader objectives and is meaningful.
• Time-Bound: Set a specific timeframe or deadline for achieving the goal.
 ii. Types of goals:
• Physical Goals: Improve physical health and functional abilities. enhancing mobility,
strength, endurance, flexibility, or coordination are an examples

• Emotional Goals: Enhance emotional well-being and self-esteem. This may include
reducing stress, anxiety, or depression, promoting self-esteem and self-confidence.

• Social Goals: Foster social interaction and community engagement. Examples include
developing and maintaining friendships, enhancing communication and socialization
skills, promoting teamwork and cooperation.

• Cognitive Goals: Enhance cognitive functioning and problem-solving skills. This may
involve improving attention, memory, problem-solving skills, decision-making

• Recreational Goals: Provide enjoyable leisure experiences. This may include promoting
recreational activities that bring joy, relaxation, and a sense of fulfillment.
 cont..

• Independence Goals: Develop independent living and life skills. This may involve
promoting self-care skills, functional life skills, vocational skills, or leisure skills that
support independence and autonomy

• Therapeutic Goals: Support therapeutic and rehabilitation processes. This includes goals
related to physical rehabilitation, psychological recovery, emotional healing, or cognitive
rehabilitation.
  Activity Selection:

• Identify interests: Understand participants' preferences to customize program activities

accordingly.

• Assess abilities: Evaluate participants' skills and limitations to design inclusive and
accessible activities.

• Offer variety of activities: Provide a diverse range of options to cater to different interests
and engage participants.

• Adapt as needed: Modify activities to accommodate individual needs and ensure

meaningful participation.

• Provide challenge and growth: Include activities that foster skill development and personal
growth.
Cont..

• Individualize program plans: Tailor program plans to meet the unique needs
and goals of each participant.

• Regularly assess and adjust: Continuously monitor and modify the program
based on participant progress and feedback.

• Provide choice and autonomy: Empower participants to make decisions and

have control over their program experience.

• Seek participant feedback: Actively solicit input to improve program

satisfaction and effectiveness.

• Encourage peer support: Foster a supportive environment where participants

can connect and learn from one another.
 Implementation: Therapeutic Recreation Program Planning

• Program Development: Create a detailed plan outlining program goals,

objectives, activities, and resources.

• Staffing and Training: Recruit and train qualified staff with expertise in
therapeutic recreation techniques and participant support.

• Resource Acquisition: Secure necessary resources, such as equipment, materials,

and facilities, to support program activities.

• Participant Recruitment: Promote the program and reach out to the target
population through marketing, community outreach, and partnerships.

• Program Implementation: Execute planned activities, ensuring a safe and

inclusive environment for participants.
continue..

• Participant Support: Provide individualized support and assistance to participants as

needed during program sessions.

• Documentation and Evaluation: Collect data, document participant progress, and

evaluate program effectiveness based on established goals and objectives.

• Program Enhancement: Use evaluation findings to make adjustments and

improvements to the program for ongoing optimization.

• Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaborate with relevant organizations, healthcare

professionals, and stakeholders to enhance program reach and effectiveness.

• Sustainability Planning: Develop strategies for long-term sustainability, including

securing funding, creating partnerships, and maintaining community support.
 Evaluation: Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation For Lifespan

Importance of Evaluation in Program Planning: Evaluation is crucial in program

planning for therapeutic recreation as it helps assess the effectiveness, impact, and
participant satisfaction of the program. It provides valuable data and insights that inform
decision-making, program improvement, and future planning.

Methods for Evaluation:

• Surveys: Conduct surveys to gather quantitative data on participant experiences,

satisfaction, and outcomes. This can include pre- and post-program surveys to measure
changes in participants' well-being, functional abilities, and quality of life.

• Observations: Systematically observe program sessions to assess participant

engagement, behavior, and interaction. This qualitative data helps evaluate the
effectiveness of activities, staff support, and overall program delivery.
• Feedback Sessions: Organize group or individual feedback sessions to gather
qualitative feedback and suggestions from participants, families, and stakeholders. This
feedback helps understand their experiences, identify strengths, and areas for
improvement.

• Continuous Improvement and Adjustments: Continuous improvement is a vital

aspect of program planning for therapeutic recreation. Utilize evaluation findings to
make necessary adjustments and enhancements. This can involve modifying activity
offerings, adjusting program schedules, training staff, or addressing identified
weaknesses to ensure program effectiveness, relevance, and participant satisfaction.
 THANK
YOU

Submitted By
Name: Sanjaya Acharya
Title: Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation For Lifespan
Email : sanjaya.luckyboy@gmail.com
Phone number: 9845090131