What is diversional therapy in aged care?

Diversional therapy in aged care is all about designing resident-centred activities that help individuals to feel empowered and live their best lives. The focus is on improving an individual’s quality of life through a variety of purposeful activities that support their psychological, spiritual, emotional, social and physical needs. 

Where residents experience cognitive or physical challenges, it’s important to promote individual choices, decision-making and active participation. Activities are therefore designed specifically for each resident, tailored to their specific needs and optimised to achieve the maximum amount of enjoyment and fulfillment. 

What are the benefits of diversional therapy in aged care?

At Estia Health our principles of growing together, creating happiness, and taking responsibility amongst others means that we place a high emphasis on providing lifestyle enhancement programs for our residents. These programs achieve great results, such as: 

• Reduced stress and boredom 

• Greater confidence and self-esteem 

• Promotion of emotional and physical well-being 

• Improved mood and memory abilities 

• Lesser feelings of isolation 

• A sense of fulfilment by learning new things and connecting with others 

Each one of our homes offer a multitude of different activities including outings, for those who are able or wanting to go out, as well as on-site activities including cooking, gardening, arts and crafts, bingo, knitting, book groups, social morning teas, happy hours, BBQ’s, awareness day events, sing-a-longs, entertainers, pampering sessions, weaving sessions and so much more. 

Within each of our homes, residents have plenty of different spaces where they can entertain family and friends, including gardens in many of our homes. 

One of the most important things about diversional therapy is that these activities are not meant to feel like they are trying to fill a resident’s day. The therapy is developed to provide options for people to engage in something that brings them joy and improves their overall well-being.  

Diversional therapy and dementia

For those living with dementia, diversional therapy assumes even greater significance, offering alternatives for meaningful activities and enriching experiences. It improves quality of life immensely by curbing rapid mood fluctuations and keeping minds active. 

Various techniques may be adopted, which means there’s always something for everyone. Art and music therapy offer engaging alternatives to exercise creativity and self-expression for those experiencing challenges with verbal communication. Relaxation and enhanced cognitive functioning can be facilitated by sensory stimulation, which engages the senses, such as smell, sounds, touch and sight. 

Many of our memory support units are equipped with sensory gardens with a variety of textured plants, and all seating areas have spaces where resident can enjoy background sounds such as birds chirping or the rustling of leaves in the nearby trees. 

Some of our homes have vividly colourful murals providing visual stimulation and enhancing cognitive functioning by encouraging image association. 

If you are interested in finding out more about our homes, or staying with us in respite care or long-term care, please visit Our homes to find the best location for your loved one or contact us today on 1300 682 833.