Creative Arts and Recreational Therapist

Recreational therapy that uses creative arts is important in the healing and maintenance process of elderly people, and many other patient groups. These healing techniques can encompass many approaches, from long term rehabilitation programs, to in-patient psychiatric facilities and nursing homes. Recreational therapy encompasses many creative activities, too, such as art, music and dance therapies, with one overriding goal--improving the overall quality of life.

Things You'll Need

• Colored pencils Drawing paper Felt tip pens Markers Nontoxic glue Scissors Tape Dramatic scripts Lesson plans Materials cart Music collections (cassette, compact disc or vinyl) Program budget Storeroom

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Instructions

• 1

  Figure out clients' needs and capabilities, while carefully considering what you hope to accomplish. Young people in a psychiatric inpatient program will have far different requirements then wheelchair-bound residents of a nursing home or a unit dedicated to Alzheimer's patients.

• 2

  Study the institutions and programs that you will work with and prepare a budget. Settle on some goals that depend on the types of clients that will be served (such as improving physical, cognitive and emotional functions or building unity and teamwork among patients). Ask what kinds of creative activities you will offer--whether it's art, music and drama--and focus on one of them or integrate them with a related field.

• 3

  Set up a separate room within the facility, if possible (some recreational therapists may have to use a cart to bring necessary supplies into a dayroom). Make sure the area is clean and comfortable for patients. Write out a schedule and programming times outlining when classes will occur. Approach these plans like an elementary or high school teacher by readying the materials that you will need, from art therapy supplies, to collections of music on compact discs or tapes, and drama scripts.

• 4

  Offer a wide range of activities, from games and straight out amusements, to artistic pursuits, and physical activities. Think boldly--having clients taking care of animals or doing water aerobics can be as creative as a simple line drawing. Still, your focus is on creative activities, so educate yourself in art, dance, drama and music therapy fundamentals before devising a program. That way, you will have a good sense of what reaches the people that you plan to serve.

• 5

  Work hand in hand with other program therapists, doctors, and psychiatrists in understanding and meeting patients' needs. Allow for some overlap between programs--such as incorporating life skills training taught in a juvenile home class into drama and art activities. (This can incorporate skits about appropriate behavior, for example, or lessons in anger management.) Spell out your program goals and review them with each group of clients.

• 6

  Take inventories of patients from the get-go and keep meticulous written records so you can document the success of individual projects as well as the growth in your clients. These steps are useful building blocks, especially if you plan on applying for nonprofit status or government grants to offset expenses. Review these outcomes within the context of your budget and goals to make sure that all the program's objectives are met.