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. |
|
|
Music Therapy uses music and musical activities to engage with children and promote wellbeing. In this program a Music Therapist facilitates movement and rehabilitation with the use of instruments and sound. For children who are non-verbal, music therapy offers them a way to express their feelings and emotions. From singing songs, playing instruments and exploring different sounds, this therapeutic program provides emotional support and is thoroughly enjoyed by the children. Click here to learn more about how music therapy benefits children. |
|
|
Pet Therapy provides our children with an opportunity to interact with specially trained service animals. With certified therapy dogs from Pet Paws of Canada, and miniature horses, children can interact and connect with these amazing animals. The therapy dogs and horses are specially trained to work with children with special needs including children with physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities. The animals offer companionship and fun and the children really look forward to their visits to The Darling Home for Kids. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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. |
|
