Therapeutic Recreation at Riverview: Fostering Joy & Connection
Resident stories
At Riverview Health Centre, life continues to evolve in meaningful ways. Therapeutic recreation at Riverview Health Centre isn’t just a schedule of activities, it’s an opportunity to nurture relationships, reconnect with personal interests, and experience joy in everyday moments.
Laurence (not pictured), who thrives on social connection, begins his mornings with coffee and conversation. When he first moved to Riverview, he found himself drawn to painting – not because he considered himself an artist, but because it reminded him of the gifted individuals he once lived alongside. “I’m not that talented,” he shares with a smile, “but I like to do it.” What matters most to him isn’t the final product, but the joy that creating art brings him.
For Irvin, afternoons are spent at bingo, where he wins teddy bears for his great-grandchildren. He never expected to form such a close friendship with his neighbor, Ervin, but their shared name sparked laughter, and soon they became a duo. “Some days, you think you’ll just stay in bed,” he reflects, “but there’s always something to look forward to.”
Supporting these meaningful experiences is Rose, a recreation therapist who has been part of the Riverview community for 26 years, with the last nine dedicated to Therapeutic Recreation. For Rose, Riverview isn’t just a workplace, it’s a home she’s been welcomed into. She feels honoured to share in the lives of those around her, creating opportunities for engagement and connection. “The people here hold a special place in my heart,” she says warmly. Therapeutic recreation, to her, is more than just activities; it’s a way to support well-being, foster purpose, and ensure that each person feels seen, heard, and valued.
As Riverview Health Centre continues to grow, expanding music programs, updating community spaces, and creating more opportunities for meaningful experiences, one thing remains at the heart of it all: the commitment to ensuring that every person has the opportunity to live life on their own terms, surrounded by community, connection, and care.