LEISURE AND RECREATION

The clients at the facility in which I am conducting my fieldwork consist of arthritis
patients and people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of
dementia that brings about the difficulty in one’s mental ability, memory and general behavior.
Alzheimer’s has various symptoms which include memory loss, inability to follow a
conversation and uncertainty with time and place. The disease identifies largely with consecutive
memory loss due to retrogression of the brain. The clients are English Christians between the age
of 58 and 90. The ethnic and cultural background of the clients does not hinder their participation
in leisure and recreation since they do not possess impeding beliefs and practices.
The clients suffer from memory loss, lack motor balance and are disoriented. They also
have a sensory loss such as sight and are easily agitated. The osteoarthritis clients often
experience severe joint pain and increased levels of fatigue. The physical and sensory functions
of the clients adversely affect their ability to engage in recreational and leisure activities. Their
participation is limited to few activities that do not require so much physical involvement. For
instance, clients suffering from osteoarthritis cannot engage in vigorous activities such as
dancing due to the joint pain and tenderness. However, they can participate in activities such as
listening to music or be enjoined in a group sing for short durations.
There is gender balance at the facility and clients with Alzheimer’s have mild to
moderate cognitive impairment. On the other hand, those suffering from osteoarthritis have
severe cognitive impairment. Leisure and recreation activities must be simplified to
accommodate the needs of the clients with poor cognitive functioning. The memory loss and
ease of agitation should also be considered when designing leisure activities for the Alzheimer’s
patients. Leisure and recreational activities are very beneficial for the clients at the facility since
they help to ease stress and increase their levels of fitness.

LEISURE AND RECREATION
The clients who have impaired sensory abilities can engage in activities such as a stroll
on the beach (Page 147). A walk on the beach on barefoot helps to stimulate their feet through
the sand and the sounds from the ocean are analyzed by the auditory system. The eyes provide
visual recognition through the response to stimuli on sensory nerves. The activity is appropriate
for all the clients irrespective of their gender and ethnic background. The clients with mild to
moderate impaired cognitive functioning can engage in group activities (Page 172) such as
reminiscence groups and group sing. Both genders can engage in group activities. However, the
ethnic background of the clients must be considered when choosing the genre of songs for the
group sing. Group activities help to reduce stress and minimize agitation within Alzheimer’s
clients.