Engaging Recreational Programs
At The Bess and Moe Greenberg Family Hillel Lodge Long-Term Care Home of Ottawa (Hillel Lodge), we are committed to offering programs that nurture and inspire our residents, fostering a vibrant community where everyone can enjoy meaningful and enriching activities.
Upon admission, a member of the recreation team meets with residents and, if requested, their families to discuss individual needs and preferences. This collaborative approach enables us to develop personalized recreation plans that cater to each resident's unique interests and past lifestyles. By fostering opportunities for connection, independence, and meaningful engagement, our recreational programs enhance the psychosocial, physical, cognitive, cultural, and spiritual well-being of residents, ensuring they enjoy fulfilling experiences that allow them to be themselves.
We provide a wide variety of engaging recreational programs for residents to participate in:
Music Program
Our music program utilizes the power of music to promote cognitive functioning and emotional well-being. Through various musical activities, residents can express their emotions, enhance listening and comprehension skills, improve memory, and foster social interactions. We also feature a resident choir, Hillel Harmony, which performs a show each spring, adding to the joy and community spirit of our programs. This initiative not only stimulates the mind but also creates a joyful communal experience.
Art Program
In our art program, Exploring Art Group, residents are guided by a professional art therapists who encourages exploration of various artistic forms while addressing mental, physical, and emotional health concerns. Engaging in creative expression can be particularly beneficial for older adults, providing an outlet for self-expression and promoting overall well-being.
Horticultural Program
Our Green Thumb Club, guided by our horticulturalist, offers residents the opportunity to engage in gardening activities both in our Dream Garden during warmer months and through an indoor mobile garden in colder months. This program creates a space where memories can be shared and curiosity can flourish. By selecting plants that resonate emotionally or cognitively with individuals, we aim to spark connections that extend beyond the garden. Participants can reignite their ties to nature while fostering community through warm interactions and shared learning.
Java Programs
The Java Memory Care program supports residents with late-stage dementia or Alzheimer's through person-centered emotional care, reflecting Hillel Lodge’s commitment to innovative and dignified care models. Similarly, the Java Music Club enables staff to identify residents in need of peer support and invite them to small groups led by a peer mentor. Each session features a guided curriculum where participants select themes—such as friendship and Jewish holidays—that foster music and discussion, helping to build stronger relationships. The benefits of these connections are felt well beyond the sessions themselves.
Companionship Connections Program
The Companionship Connections Program is designed to combat loneliness and enhance the quality of life for our residents. Many individuals experience isolation due to physical limitations or family circumstances that hinder their ability to participate in group activities or maintain close family ties. This program provides personalized one-on-one engagements that foster meaningful connections and encourage regular social interaction, ensuring that each resident feels valued and supported.