Every other Friday Providence Care Recreation Therapist Hailyne Carr-Williamson is busy in the Level 2 recreation kitchen at Providence Transitional Care Centre (PTCC) with a handful of patients. This Friday, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are on the menu.
“Recreation therapy is an important part of a patient’s care,” explains Hailyne.
“It’s whole person care at its best because I see the patient through a physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual domain.”
Today, joining Hailyne within the group, is patient Kim Thorne. Kim is at PTCC following a car accident. She is building strength and relearning to walk so she can return home successfully.
“Being in the hospital is tough. It’s lonely and you’re sick and hurt. The recreation therapy sessions are how you build community here,” she explains. “If you don’t have community everything is so much harder.”
Hailyne has worked as a recreation therapist at Providence Care for the last two years and says one of the biggest misconceptions of the profession is that it’s all “fun and games”.
“Every decision and intervention a trained recreation therapist implements are based on evidence-based practices and are goal-oriented to each individual patient we see,” says Hailyne. “As a recreation therapist, I follow the process of assessment, preparation, implementation, evaluation, and documentation just like any other allied health professional. The fun and enjoyment patients have during an intervention is a bonus,” she adds.
At any given time Hailyne has a case load between 18-22 patients. She is often one of the first people patients meet upon admission if they are struggling with low mood or social isolation. During her initial assessment with patients, Hailyne documents the patients’ interests and goals as well as the barriers that exist in reaching those. With that, she creates an intervention plan on how the patient can engage with recreation therapy while in the hospital to achieve their goals.
“Common goals I come across in the initial assessment are to increase physical function as it relates to leisure, to decrease periods of anxiety and agitation through leisure engagement, to use leisure as a way to reduce isolation, and to increase community leisure resources for when they’re discharged.”
Patient Carolyn Holden, who is also participating in the baking group today, says on top of the socialization she attends recreation therapy to stay active, physically and intellectually.
“It keeps my brain going and fills the day. I’m 89 this year but still live alone and I’m just not used to being inactive. There are only so many books you can read and then you’re ready for something else.”
The retired schoolteacher fell ill with influenza which caused a dizzy spell and a fall. Carolyn is recovering from a broken leg and looks forward to returning home stronger with maybe even a few new hobbies.
“Group sessions I typically facilitate are chair yoga, mindfulness and meditation, Jeopardy, bingo, painting, trivia, virtual travel, baking, gardening, music with boom whackers, and word games,” explains Hailyne. “Patient autonomy is my first focus, although I will always try to motivate my patients to try new things. There have been times when individuals have found a new hobby while being in hospital”
And while today’s baking session may look like a fun activity with a bonus sweet treat at the end, Hailyne’s superpower is seeing the therapy within it.
“Baking group aims to improve fine motor skills, stimulate cognition, assess functional kitchen skills, promote reminiscing and increase socialization. Therefore, I would encourage patients who have goals within the cognitive, social, and emotional domain to attend baking. If someone has similar goals, but dislikes baking, I would encourage them to come to a program like bingo. It’s important in my role to ensure I’m aware of patient goals and interests to help them progress quicker, and thus discharge faster.”
During discharge planning Hailyne introduces community groups and resources to the patient, even helping them fill out sign-up paperwork and applications. She says that through recreation, patients are able to rediscover joy which eases stress and creates a foundation for strong coping skills and independence.
“One of my favourite parts of my job is seeing patients engage in self-directed leisure with others. When I see a group engaged in a card game, working on a puzzle, colouring together, or just gathering for a coffee in the cafeteria without any support from myself, I feel fulfilled. It shows they’ve gained the confidence and mobility to make it happen on their own, and there’s nothing better.”
During Recreation Therapy Month, we recognize all Providence Care recreation therapists for the joy, connection, and meaning they bring to the lives of those they care for. Whether in hospitals, long-term care, or the community, their work helps people rediscover moments of light and laughter that many thought were gone. Their dedication truly enriches the lives of those in their care.
You can make a difference, too. By donating to Providence Care through our fundraising partner, University Hospitals Kingston Foundation, you help fund programs, services, and essential equipment—like the tools needed for recreation therapy. Every contribution brings comfort, joy, and meaningful experiences to those in our community.
