As a retired Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS) from the Iowa Veterans Home, I was saddened and shocked to hear that the Recreation Department was being cut.

I would like to share some of the visions of Mr. Jack Dack, former Commandant for many years, when he included a Therapeutic Recreation Department at the Iowa Veterans Home.

The importance of having college educated Therapeutic Recreation (TR) on each unit provided a positive impact to the residents physical and mental health. Extending them opportunities for their minds to become engaged, to get them up and moving and giving them a purpose for the day, week or month. The TR activities also improve social skills, boost self-esteem, and enhance their cognitive functioning. The TRS involvement with other team members can assist to improve strength and physical fitness, alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms that may come from moving to a new environment. It aids with building social connections with peers. And most of all, it reestablishes functional independence, allowing them to have a CHOICE.

These diversions assist with providing a respite from their daily struggles i.e., isolation and loneliness, being placed in a new environment, and their aches and pains. A unit TR person focuses on the WHOLE PERSON building a trusting relationship by getting to know the new resident and building a rapport. This relationship will then foster involvement in interests they previously enjoyed and introduce them to new interests.

The off campus outings are a big part of giving residents a sense of normalcy and a chance to get away from the facility, whether it be a bus ride, sporting event, state fair, community concert, fishing trip or restaurant.

All TR personnel have college educations with classwork and internships. They have gained knowledge to be able to apply these learned principles and practices to give the best chance for residents to succeed, be happy and enjoy their new living environment.

The men and women of the Iowa Veterans Home are people who have given their lives for the protection of our freedoms that we are privileged to have. They deserve the best opportunities for leisure time involvement.