February is Recreational Therapy Month! To celebrate, we’re giving you a look inside the life enhancement program at our long-term care home, the Gardens, and hearing from one of the dedicated team members who helps bring it to life.

Life enhancement is the recreational therapy department at Kensington Gardens. It seeks to provide supportive, therapeutic programs and leisure activities based on the interests, needs and personal goals of each resident. 

Marina Cardoso has been part of the Life Enhancement team at Kensington for 12 years.  Her days are dynamic – she supports residents, plans fun and engaging activities, and leads administrative duties. “My day is never the same,” she says. “I run at least 3-4 programs per day, including special events.” 

Marina, standing by the Life Enhancement wall at Kensington Gardens. 

When it comes to planning recreational activities, each is tailored to meet the specific needs of residents, and it’s no small task. Marina explains, “We plan activities based on the five domains of recreational therapy, which are spiritual, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical health. We also take into consideration on each resident’s likes and their abilities.” 

Life enhancement has been shown to improve residents’ mental and physical health,  reduce loneliness, stress, and anxiety, and improve overall quality of life. Marina sees the difference the program makes.   

“I certainly see a great positive impact on residents’ well-being and mood. We gauge a program’s effectiveness by measuring attendance rates, retention and all the feedback we receive from residents.” 

Social events such as monthly birthday parties and live performances such as “The Piano Man” are among the residents’ favourites, keeping them entertained and engaged. 

Marina playing Scrabble with a Gardens resident in the South building. 

Marina finds a lot of joy in her work. “To me, life enhancement is great,” she says. “It’s rewarding, it’s never boring, and it keeps me active and engaged, just like the residents!” 

As we celebrate Recreational Therapy Month, let’s celebrate the dedication and compassion of therapeutic recreational professionals like Marina and the entire Life Enhancement team at Kensington Gardens. The team works tirelessly to make sure Gardens residents are comfortable, feel joyful and positive, and live in a caring and supportive environment.

Thank you to the Life Enhancement team for your continued efforts – this month and throughout the year!