Mrs Laura Handley1
1NSW Health, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Aged Care Awaiting Placement., Figtree, Australia
Abstract:
Leisure and recreation are essential components of holistic care in hospital settings, positively impacting psychological, emotional, social, spiritual, and physical well-being. Despite this, leisure and recreation are often considered secondary to other forms of therapy, especially in inpatient environments.
An innovative interdisciplinary allied health model was implemented in a new transitional aged care ward, featuring a senior Diversional Therapist (DT) as a key team member—the first of its kind in the LHD. The DT provided core competency-based training to the allied health team, facilitating a DT-led therapeutic approach to patient care.
By incorporating Diversional/Recreational Therapists (DT/RT) into care teams, patient outcomes can be significantly improved, particularly through reduced Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) and increased use of non-pharmacological interventions. DT/RTs are uniquely positioned to collaborate with other Allied Health professionals, delivering complementary therapeutic interventions that enhance patient care while empowering both healthcare teams and patients.
This presentation will explore the integral role of DT/RT within interdisciplinary teams in inpatient aged care settings, highlighting the impact on the practice of other Allied Health disciplines and demonstrating how this collaborative approach can elevate patient care and team dynamics.