Diversional Therapy

Bachelor Applied Science (Diversional Therapy) from UWS

Linda began as a Diversional Therapist (DT) located at the Castle Hill site and has since developed through roles as DT Coordinator, DT Services Manager and more recently, Care Projects Coordinator.

As an ARV team member, Linda said, “This environment really supports Diversional Therapy with resident/client needs at the forefront of care delivery. The organisation is moving forward, with big plans for the future.”

Teamwork is an important aspect of ARV care. “The Diversional Therapist works as part of a multi-disciplinary team,” said Linda. “You are not required to know everything, but you are required to utilise the services and expertise available to us.”

ARV employs 20 DTs and 30 Recreational Activities Officers across 17 residential aged care facilities. Linda said, “We have a yearly strategic planning day and bi-monthly DT quality improvement meetings. The ARV manual for Managing Care and Lifestyle contains a DT section, as does a compulsory assessment and care planning pack.

Linda appreciates ARV’s vision of ‘Creating Commuities of Christian Care’. “Supporting resident leisure and lifestyle needs allows me to work closely with chaplaincy,” she said. “We don’t just care for the illness here; we care for the person as a whole – their physical, cognitive, social and spiritual needs.”

”I would encourage people to consider ARV as an employer,” according to Linda. “It offers wonderful support structures to help a professional reach their potential, whether a graduate or experienced professional.”