St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa has been caring for Ottawa seniors since 1865, inspired by the compassionate spirit of Saint Marguerite d’Youville.

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Recreation

At St. Patrick’s home we provide recreation and leisure programs that reflect the individual needs of our residents.

We offer a variety of programs and services based on a comprehensive assessment, social history to develop an individualized plan of care.  Programs are designed to meet resident’s current and past interest, previous lifestyles, and daily schedules.

The recreation department utilizes community resources both within and outside of the Home to enhance the recreation and leisure experiences of our residents.

In cooperation with Spiritual and Religious Care we are able to offer and support programs that reflect the psychosocial, physical, cognitive, religious and spiritual needs of each resident.

Some examples of Recreation Programs offered:

Pet Therapy– If you love pets we offer regular pet visits with the Ottawa Humane Society- Brightening Lives Program or with St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dog Program.

Special Entertainment– St. Patrick’s Home offers a wide range of entertainment. We have great volunteers that dedicate their time to the home either singing and or playing instruments. We also bring in individuals or groups from the outside to perform.  This includes for example performances by MASC and the Health Arts Society. We are fortunate to have the support of the Leaders and Pearls to help fund our Music and Social and Community Engagement programs.

Community Outings– St. Patrick’s Home offers both taxi travel and accessible bus trips.  This is a great way to get out in our community to shop, attend special events, head to the museum or go and see the leaves in the fall. Trips are planned throughout the year. Taxi travel is a great alternative for those that do not like going in large group settings.

Horticulture Therapy (HT)-is a formal practice that uses plants, horticultural activities, and the garden landscape to promote well-being for its participants. Benefits of HT are to improve personal satisfaction, reduce stress, increase self-esteem, increase feelings of relaxation, increase sense of pride and accomplishments.

Special Events– Special event are offered throughout the year. Past events have included but are not limited to Antique Hat Show, Gallery Nite, Laughter Day, Themed Dinners, Weekly BBQ’s, Century Bash, Spring Fling and Dinner and Dance.

Choir-If you like to sign then join the St. Patrick’s Home choir. They meet every Wednesday for practice. They sing for special events in the home.

Meaningful Tasks– The purpose of the Meaningful Task program is to provide opportunities in which the residents work on familiar tasks and can participate in purposeful activity. Examples of meaningful tasks could include set tables, folding napkins, stuffing envelopes, delivering newspapers or even running a program for other residents.

Other examples of programs offered are:

  • Baking Program
  • News and Views
  • Snoezelen
  • Montessori Programming
  • Knit and Chat
  • Meditation

Common questions:

How do I know when programs are happening? Recreation calendars are posted on each resident home area. Residents are also provided with a copy of the calendar for their room.  The current month’s home wide events calendar can also be found on the website. 

Current Events Calendar

 What is TV Tour? TV Tour is an in house communication tool. The home will post important information like    daily activities, birthday notices, remembrance notices, and outbreak notices on a TV channel that residents can access on their own TV. For those residents that do not have their TV in there room check out the TV in the dining room on the RHA or in the main lobby for information.

Can I have input into what programs are offered on my floor? You sure can! Residents and family suggestions are not only welcome but they are encouraged. You can either ask to speak with the Recreologist assigned to your floor or attend a House Reflection Group. The House Reflection Group is a great way for residents and family to sit with Rec staff and discuss idea for programs on their RHA.