Applied Work-Based Learning

     I completed my Senior Internship at Westminster Canterbury Richmond, a retirement community in Richmond, VA. I was in the Gables, a secured assisted living memory care unit for residents with moderate to severe dementia. Throughout my internship, I practices key recreational therapy skills such as conducting assessments, planning interventions, implementing programs, evaluating program effectiveness, and documenting resident progress. I led many group and one-on-one sessions. This included activities such as Tovertafel, Rendever VR, arts and crafts, sensory stimulation, reminiscence and cognitive games, music, and physical games. 

     This experience improved my understanding of person-centered care and strengthened my ability to modify and adapt interventions to meet the needs of my residents. I gained confidence in engaging with residents and family members, advocating for others, and working within an interdisciplinary team. My internship experience also has reinforced my passion for using recreation and leisure to enhance quality of life and has effectively prepared me to work in the field.

 

     For​ Recreational Therapy Month, which is in February, I created a poster highlighting the recreational therapists that work in the assisted living department at Westminster Canterbury Richmond. This project created the opportunity for me to combine my creativity with advocacy while educating others about the value of recreational therapy in memory care.