The Value of Recreation Therapy in End-of-Life Care: Case Studies From an Inpatient VA Hospice Program

Abstract

Providing maximum comfort and pain control can be challenging for hospice teams when treating the end-of-life patient. With the medical complexities end stage disease presents, it can be additionally pertinent to treat the patient holistically. Who are they outside of their medical condition? What is important for them to address? Is there a nonpharmacological approach that can be of benefit? With the availability of a Recreation Therapist (RT), inpatient and home hospice teams can increase comprehensive treatment to target cognitive, social, emotional, and physical domains of patient care. An RT often uses nontraditional therapeutic approaches and resources to increase the hospice patient’s overall well-being, including comfort and pain control. The following case studies will highlight evidence-based modalities used by a Recreation Therapist to treat hospice patients in a Veterans Affairs facility.