MINIATURE HORSE MAKES A HOUSE CALL AT RIVERVIEW HEALTH CENTRE
6 September 2023RHC Foundation Donors Fund Innovative Therapeutic Recreation Activities
WINNIPEG, MB – Residents of Riverview Health Centre (RHC) enjoyed a visit from a very special neigh-bour today. The RHC Therapeutic Recreation team invited a miniature horse into the Centre to engage with residents, encourage positive emotions, and strengthen connections with the world outside.
“Animals are recognized as being a positive force in the compassionate care process, offering physical contact with another living creature – something that may be missing in a resident’s life,” says Chris Edwards, Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator.
“A visit from a therapy animal breaks the daily routine and stimulates the mind in dramatic ways,” says Chris. “It may invoke pleasant memories and create new ones. Most certainly, it can divert a person’s attention and invite them to engage with their world.”
A chance to encounter a miniature horse is just one of the innovative activities that RHC patients and residents enjoy. The RHC Therapeutic Recreation team utilizes a therapeutic process involving leisure, recreation and play as primary tools for each person to maximize enjoyment of leisure time, optimal health and independence, and the highest possible quality of life. The program’s creative activities are entirely funded by the Riverview Health Centre Foundation.
“100% of Therapeutic Recreational programming is made possible through donor support,” says Bridgette Parker, Executive Director, Riverview Health Centre Foundation. “Our donors play a critical role in bringing the program to life by funding outings, games, art therapy, special performances, holiday celebrations and, yes, visits from miniature horses.”
“We are grateful for all those who help ensure that patients and residents have an enriching experience at Riverview,” says Bridgette.
ABOUT RIVERVIEW HEALTH CENTRE and RIVERVIEW HEALTH CENTRE FOUNDATION
Riverview Health Centre (RHC) provides compassionate and progressive rehabilitation, palliative and long-term care. RHC provides specialized therapeutic and restorative health services to adult residents of Manitoba in a supportive environment that recognizes the cultural, spiritual, and ethnic diversity of our community. Innovation through education and research activities in collaboration with community partners is integral to the achievement of this mission. The Centre provides specialized inpatient, outpatient and outreach services which include rehabilitation, palliative care, complex continuing care, personal care, adult day programs and respite care.
Riverview Health Centre Foundation is an organization of dedicated volunteers and staff committed to helping those needing rehab, long term or palliative care live life to the fullest while receiving the quality of care they need to foster the best possible quality of life. Contributors to the Foundation are essential in meeting Riverview’s needs by providing funding for new equipment, special services, updated facilities, innovative programs – including Therapeutic Recreation, research, and education.
For further information, contact: Bridgette Parker, CFRE
Executive Director
Riverview Health Centre Foundation bparker2@rhc.mb.ca
T (204) 478-6197
C (431) 338-1972
rhcf.mb.ca
