A wide variety of patient programs and treatment groups are available through Recreation Therapy at the NIH Clinical Center.
Art of Relaxation Patients and family members may increase their knowledge, awareness and skills in relaxation by learning relaxation techniques through educational and practical experiences, multi-modality relaxation sessions utilizing vibro-acoustic chairs or individual sessions for education or palliative care.
Personal Fitness Fitness activities and recreation benefit patients with disabilities or illness A recreation therapist provides a health/fitness assessment along with an individually-designed fitness plan. If warranted, activity modifications and adaptations are recommended.
Animal-Assisted Therapy Patients may interact in a one-to-one or group situation, with a dog and trainer volunteer. The dogs are specially trained, groomed and approved by the Clinical Center veterinarian before visiting patients.
Healthy Cooking This program, which includes a cooking demonstration, explains trends in "light cooking" and the latest nutritional guidelines, such as the food pyramid. Patients, family members and guests can sample a variety of low-fat foods and discuss fast, easy recipes that use fresh ingredients.
High Adventure High Adventure is an experiential learning program where participants gain insight into themselves and others in a safe, non-threatening environment. Primarily used with pediatric patients, the activities foster communication, encourage socialization and promote problem solving, decision making and responsibility while emphasizing team work and cooperation. By learning new skills and alternative behaviors, participants can improve confidence, self-concept and coping. A climactic finish to a series of High Adventure sessions is the use of the climbing wall. This provides the participants with an opportunity to individually challenge themselves.
Medical Play A specialized intervention that helps children realistically adjust to disease and treatment. It facilitates imagery and understanding of medical procedures, decreases patient anxiety through preparation, and allows children to work through fears. Medical play after surgery or medical procedures offers an opportunity to reduce traumatic experiences related to hospitalization.
Look Good, Feel Better Women receiving cancer treatments may learn from trained cosmetologists about how to manage their unique appearance needs. Volunteer cosmetologists provide information and demonstrations in skin care and makeup techniques. They also show how to use various head coverings such as wigs, scarves and turbans. This program is sponsored by the American Cancer Society , the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association, the National Cosmetology Association, and Recreation Therapy at the NIH Clinical Center.
General Recreation
In addition to the above specialty programs for specific patient populations, Recreation Therapy at the NIH Clinical Center also offers general recreation programs for patients and their families.
Arts & Crafts A multi-purpose crafts room provides the environment for patients to learn new creative skills or maintain existing leisure interests. They can make items for themselves or gifts for a loved one.
Community Reintegration Outings Community outings enable patients to have recreational and social experiences outside the hospital setting.
Gymnasium and Weight Room These areas enable patients to participate in exercise, weightlifting, sports, and physical games.
Playrooms Playrooms are located throughout the hospital. Activities in these playrooms are comprised of three components: general drop-in programs, patient-care unit programs and highly-structured clinical programs for patients on specific research protocols. Playrooms offer the child normative developmental play that might be missing in the hospital. These experiences not only help the child adjust to, and cope with illness and treatment, but also provide support for family members.
Horticulture Horticulture programs are used to promote sensory stimulation and provide opportunities for patients to participate in nature-inspired creative activities.
Other Services
Patient Library A library is open to patients and their families and friends. Books for adults and children may be borrowed. Music cassettes, CDs and books on tape are also offered. A limited number of books in Spanish, French, Greek, Portuguese, and German are available along with some magazines in Spanish. The Washington Post and New York Times newspaper are delivered daily. Six wireless computers are available for bed-bound patients.
Art Therapy Art therapy encourages children and adults to paint, draw or shape thoughts, feelings and emotions that are difficult to express in words.
Music Therapy Music therapy uses music and musical activities to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses.
Massage Therapy Massage therapy is used to promote relaxation, ease stress and reduce pain through therapeutic touch.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine is used as one form of complementary and alternative medicine to promote healing, relieve pain and ease stress. A Tai Chi program is also available.
Yoga and Meditation Techniques are taught that provide access to the benefits of holistic self care.
