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In addition to our respite and palliative programs, The Darling Home for Kids offers numerous other therapeutic programs designed to meet the physical, developmental, psychological, and spiritual needs of the children we service. From arts and crafts to outdoor walks and splashing around in our hydrotherapy pool, the Home gives children the opportunity to experience something new and exciting!
For more information on our programs, please contact Robyn Edwards, Recreational Therapist/Volunteer Coordinator at 905-878-7673, ext 5.
Hydrotherapy is the treatment of diseases and soothing pains using water. The Hydrotherapy pool is a stimulating and fun way for children to participate in physical therapy, which helps condition muscles, increases range of motion, and improves mobility. The pool offers an opportunity to experience play and exercise in the comfort of a controlled water environment. The children love the water and it gives them a complete sense of freedom.
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Music therapy is a recognized health professional using music and musical activities to address physical, psychological, cognitive and social needs of individuals. Music therapy is used for the following benefits: facilitates movement and overall physical rehabilitation, motivates people to cope with treatment, provides emotional support for clients and families, and offers an outlet for expression. Music therapy also uses music in the accomplishment of therapeutic goals, such as the restoration, maintenance and improvement of mental and physical health. It is the organized use of music, as directed by the music therapist in a therapeutic environment, to bring about sought-after changes in behaviour. These changes help the individual taking part to experience a better understanding of themselves and the world around him/her.
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Pet Paws is a program that utilizes therapy dogs, which have had extensive training and have received a physical and behavioural examination by the trained personnel. It is because of this training that these dogs have been deemed suitable to work with children.
The Darling Home for Kids now welcomes Miniature Horses for visits. These animals have also been deemed suitable for working with paediatrics. These horses have extensive experience working with children with special needs including physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities.
Children are offered the opportunity of interaction if their health permits, as determined by healthcare personnel and if there is an animal available. When permission is granted, the animals may come close enough to be patted and played with. This will occur where it is most convenient for the child.
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Recreation Therapy is designed to treat and maintain children’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. Recreation Therapy provides an enriching experience for the children during their stay as it aids in improving and maintaining physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning, preventing secondary health conditions, enhancing independent living skills and overall quality of life. Recreation Therapy includes activities such as arts and crafts, sensory activities, games, baking and nature walks. This type of programming provides an enriching experience for the children during their stay at The Darling Home for Kids.
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Snoezelen provides a fun, recreational and multi-sensory, environment for our clients. It provides stimulation and relaxation through the use of smell, touch, sound, color, and light. Our Snoezelen room provides an array of multi-sensory stimuli. Children become fascinated and mesmerized and are enticed to reach out and explore and interact with switches, orbiting images, lights and colours. Research has shown that multi-sensory environments provide an opportunity for the participant and caregiver to improve communications, build trust and enhance their understanding of each other. It is a safe place that replenishes the spirit.
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The Home launched its Siblings Program in 2006 and holds quarterly Siblings Days, which consist of recreation- and discussion-based activities with the aim of boosting self-esteem, enabling communication of feelings and concerns, and helping to foster a better understanding of their sibling’s disability. Our program also provides one-on-one counselling and support for transition to community-based bereavement programs for siblings facing the loss of their terminally ill sibling.
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