More than just fun and games, activities at On Lok PACE are designed to engage the whole person- mind, body, and spirit. We take a whole-person approach to supporting our participants, addressing not just their medical and functional needs but also their emotional, cognitive, and social wellbeing.
As an integral part of each participants' care plan, Activity Therapy plays a critical role in the PACE healthcare model, using meaningful engagement to enhance quality of life, foster connections, and support overall health goals.
From the moment a participant enrolls in On Lok PACE, our Activity Therapists and Leaders conduct face-to-face assessments to better understand their interests, strengths, and challenges. We ask participants about their living situation, personal passions, and what brings them joy. Whether it's tai-chi, painting, poetry, or karaoke, we want every experience to nurture the whole person in ways that honor their story, preferences, and abilities.
For many participants, chronic health conditions, including memory loss, can make communication difficult and worsen feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Despite the changes we all experience as we age, we believe everyone has untapped potential- what we like to call their "superpower". By tailoring activities to the individual, we can boost their confidence, nurture their vitality, and help them find a renewed sense of purpose.
That's why our activity program goes beyond words, using music, movement, and creative expression to break through barriers. Music-based exercise and dance, for instance, can be adapted for participants who use walkers and wheelchairs. Both can serve as powerful, universal ways to connect across the languages and cultures of our diverse community. Rythm, melody, and movement can help us create safe, inclusive spaces where all participants can express themselves and feel connected and empowered.
Our Lunar New Year and Lion Dance celebrations this year are an excellent example of this work. Our Activities teams brought together staff, volunteers, and participants at each On Lok PACE center to experience the fun, excitement, and symbolic blessings of Lunar New Year through vibrant performances, including traditional Chinese lion dancing. This powerful tradition combines artistic expression with movement and music, offering not only a cultural celebration but also a therapeutic experience. The festivities engaged participants of all abilities, evoking memories, sparking creativity, and fostering not only improved mobility, but a deep sense of connection.
