Therapeutic Recreation

Greater Harlem Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center’s Therapeutic Recreation (TR) / Volunteer Services, provides a wide range of goal directed activity, leisure and community based interventions and Techniques to improve the physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual needs of our residents.  With the assistance of dedicated Recreation Leaders and Activity Aides, individual and group recreation therapy sessions utilize various activities designed to maximize the goals and quality of life for the residents of Greater Harlem.

The Therapeutic Recreation Staff believes that active participation, focuses on enjoyment and self expression through creative arts, special events, games, entertainment and more, offering residents the opportunity to become involved, explore leisure interest and spend quality time with peers, family and friends.

TR programs are offered to the resident 7 days a week, smaller Specialized Programs are offered on the units daily, allowing the residents the opportunity to participate in activities in a more intimate setting, i.e.:

1.      Reality Orientation

2.      Current Events

3.      Discussion Groups

4.      Word Games

5.      Music Therapy

6.      Strolling Musician

7.      Exercise

8.      Creative Arts, etc.

Residents are also given the opportunity to participate in larger Activity Groups, Special Events and Evening Programs i.e.:

Dancercise
Computer Access
Inspirational Groups
Men of Distinction (Men’s Group)
Ladies of Leisure (Women’s Group)
Monthly Birthday Parties
Holiday Oriented Events
Fashion Shows
Entertainment
Movies
BBQ’s (adjacent patio)
Social Events, etc.
 

In addition, to holiday celebrations and regularly scheduled program residents have an opportunity to go on community excursions.  Some of our more popular outings are i.e.:

1.      The Mall

2.      Local Restaurants

3.      Stadiums

4.      Bowling Alleys

5.      City Tours

6.      Casinos

7.      City and State Parks. 

The Department of Therapeutic Recreation (TR) uses treatment, education and recreation services to assist the residents with illnesses, disabilities and other conditions to develop and use their leisure in ways that enhance their health, functional abilities, independence, spiritual well being and quality of life. We provide ongoing program of activities appropriate for the needs and interest of all residents, in a group setting as well, individual, and independent settings.  These programs create an opportunity for each resident to establish and express an independent and active leisure lifestyle.        

The TR Department assists residents in: eliminating boredom and barriers to leisure participation; Identifying and developing leisure and social skills; and optimizing leisure and physical functioning.

The TR Department provides meaningful social, leisure and diverse activities for each resident based on the assessment of the individual’s leisure needs.  These activities are implemented to stimulate participation in individual and group activities within the facility and community. TR is instrumental in improving the individual’s functional capabilities.

Alzheimer Program

Our Alzheimer’s and related dementia program is designed to meet the needs of this special population.  The recreation and nursing staff design and implement therapeutic activities that serve to maximize the resident’s cognitive and functional abilities.  The emphasis is on enhancing the resident’s quality of life in an environment that promotes individuality, respect and dignity.

Restorative Rehabilitation

Greater Harlem Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center offers a comprehensive rehabilitation program that comprises Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. After undergoing surgery or other initial treatments, some patients require placement in a sub-acute rehabilitation setting before returning home to live independently again. Fortunately, Greater Harlem Nursing Home offers such a program to help “bridge that gap” between hospital and home environment.
Residents admitted for short term rehabilitation have the opportunity to realize their goals within reasonable time and enjoy a more meaningful life after rehabilitation. Based on individual needs, the rehabilitation program is tailored to meet ones’ need to be able to return back in the community functioning at their highest level possible or any other living arrangement made between the resident, family and with the help of our dynamic discharge team headed by the Director of Social Services, Nursing and Rehab. Our rehabilitation staff is very friendly, cordial and adheres to the highest standards established by the regulatory boards and the Department of Health. The Department of Rehabilitation also offers clinical affiliation to college students from various colleges in New York.
The Department of Rehabilitation enjoys a rich and diverse cultural background which our residents have found to be very helpful. We believe in cultural change and strive to deliver care bearing all those aspects in mind. The staff strives for the highest level of care and also believes in our Mission – “Together We Can”.
The progress of each resident is closely monitored by the Unit Physician and a consultant Physiatrist.
GHNHRC offers Rehab Services in the following areas of specialty:
                                                
Restorative Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy is the treatment of a disease/s or condition/s by physical or mechanical means, such as through exercise, physical agent modalities like heat, or electrical stimulus. A physical therapist provides these treatments and will also provide education, instruction, and support for recovery.

Restorative Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. It gives people the "skills for the job of living" necessary for independent and satisfying lives. Services typically include ADL retraining, therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular reeducation, home training, etc.
 
Restorative Speech Therapy
 The Speech-Language Pathologist assesses the impact of any communication or cognitive difficulties on the resident’s ability to function independently.  Through individualized programs, the speech-language pathologist also works with individuals who have difficulty with swallowing, the medical term of this being, dysphasia.  The speech-language pathologist creates a program and provides a recommendation for each resident regarding appropriate meal time management and safety, compensatory strategies, and follow up care.

Conditions commonly treated in our Rehabilitation Department are but not limited to:

• Arthritis  (Gout, Osteoarthritis,)
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Chronic pains
• Back and neck pains
• Stroke/ CVA
• Sports related injuries
•  MVA related injuries
• Osteoporosis
• Amputee and prosthetic/orthotic program
• Post hip replacement
• Post knee replacement
• General weakness
• Gait abnormalities
• Feeding difficulties
• CHF
• Cardiac rehab  ( cardiovascular disease)
•  Cumulative trauma
•  Low vision
• Balance disorders (vestibular rehab)
• Swallowing disorders
• Deficits in performing activities of daily living, among others

For admissions information contact:  212-690-7400 ext. 232/234

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For Rehabilitation Services please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

                                 Bringing Quality Back to Life!