Behind every great care story is a simple truth: people thrive on purpose, connection, and joy. In this VCare webinar, Lorraine Bailio and AJ Aledron from the New Zealand Society of Diversional and Recreational Therapists (NZSDRT) explore how Diversional and Recreational Therapy (DRT) helps individuals live meaningfully – not just exist. Drawing from experience across aged care, disability, and mental health services, they show how purposeful activity can transform lives, reduce distress, and strengthen wellbeing across every dimension of health.

The Power of Diversional and Recreational Therapy with NZSDRT

More than “keeping people busy”

Diversional and Recreational Therapy is an evidence-based profession that uses leisure, recreation, and meaningful activity to enhance quality of life. It’s about restoring identity, connection, and confidence, whether through art, music, movement, or social engagement. Lorraine and AJ describe DRT as a practice grounded in both heart and science – supported by models such as Te Whare Tapa Whā, which views wellbeing as a whare with four walls: physical, mental, social, and spiritual. Each must stand strong for the person to flourish, and DRT helps keep that balance through engagement that supports both the body and the spirit.

Real stories, real outcomes

Lorraine and AJ share stories from Aotearoa that show the power of meaningful engagement. A retired tailor who refused exercise walked again when invited to supervise a sewing project. A former manager with early dementia rediscovered confidence by organising table settings and helping interview staff. A grieving widower who wouldn’t speak began painting his emotions – moving from dark to bright colours as healing took hold. And a new resident who identified as LGBTQ+ found freedom and belonging through music, writing, and community connection. Each moment reflects how DRT honours identity and creates space for people to be seen and valued.

From engagement to evidence

Beyond the emotional impact, DRT delivers measurable outcomes that strengthen compliance and quality ratings. Lorraine and AJ highlight how documentation turns “feel-good” moments into auditable proof of improvement. Their MIA strategy – Minutes, In-service training, Audits – captures progress, feedback, and staff development. This approach ensures activities link directly to assessment, planning, and evaluation under the APIED process, making therapeutic recreation an integral part of multidisciplinary care. As they remind listeners, auditors look for purpose, participation, and progress – and DRT delivers all three.

Investing in people, not programs

The conversation closes with a call to elevate DRT across Aotearoa. By recognising diversional and recreational therapists as allied health professionals, facilities not only enrich residents’ lives but also lift staff morale and audit performance. NZSDRT continues to lead this growth through advocacy, professional development, and community collaboration. As Lorraine and AJ remind us, when we design care around people’s stories, purpose drives participation, participation drives wellbeing, and wellbeing drives quality care.

🎥 Watch the full webinar to see how Diversional and Recreational Therapy in action changes lives across Aotearoa.