SECTION 15
Leisure
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Leisure
► The
importance of leisure activities
► Leisure activities after stroke
► Meaningful leisure
► Identifying and planning leisure activities for
stroke survivors
► Assistive devices for leisure activities.
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The importance of leisure activities
Taking part in leisure activities can:
► Improve social life
► Reduce depression
► Relieve stress
► Structure time
► Improve self-confidence
► Increase independence
► Improve life satisfaction
► Enhance quality of life
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Leisure after stroke
Because stroke affects physical and cognitive
abilities, it can change the activities the survivor
can take part in.
Support, adaptations, assistive devices, and
varying amounts of assistance can help.
Survivors can often find alternative leisure
activities that interest them.
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Meaningful leisure activities
To be meaningful, activities should meet survivors
needs for:
► Social contact
► Competition
► Fitness or physical activity
► A feeling of accomplishment
► Intellectual stimulation
► Creative expression
► A sense of control
► Stress relief
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Types of leisure activities
Leisure activities that might suit the interests and
abilities of stroke survivors include:
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Physical activities: Walking, yoga, swimming
Outdoor pursuits: Gardening, fishing
Solitary pleasures: Computers, reading,
Entertainment: Movies, concerts, live theatre
Community outings: Group excursions
Social life: Parties, dinner parties, dining out
Mechanical tinkering: Fixing cars
Artistic and creative pastimes: Painting, sewing
Service groups: Activities of faith groups
Cultural groups: Ethnic clubs, folk dancing
How you can help
Identify leisure activities. If a survivor is unsure of what
leisure activities are available, ask these questions:
► What do you like to do?
► Where do you like to do your favourite activities?
► When do you prefer to do these activities?
► Who do you enjoy doing things with?
► Why do you enjoy these activities?
► How can you participate in the activities?
Share this information with other members of the team who
can help find something meaningful for the survivor.
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Key point
Everyone has different interests and abilities.
Your role is to help each survivor identify
activities that are of interest.
You also help them take part in those activities.
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Assistive devices
Assistive devices are specialized tools for people
with altered abilities, such as:
► Use of only one hand
► Impaired ability to grip or manipulate objects
► Impaired eyesight or visual field loss
► Decreased mobility
Assistive devices help a survivor take part in
leisure activities. If you are unsure how a device
is used, ask a member of your team.
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Assistive devices for games
Large-piece puzzle
Card holder
Games
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Assistive devices, continued
► Reading
► Computer
Three-wheeled
bicycle
► Crafts
► Outdoor
activities
► Physical activities
Pool
accessories
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Upon reflection
Can you think of a stroke survivor you have
cared for who has found a way to continue a
leisure activity?
Who would you contact on your team to get
help with leisure activities?
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