Sports, games, arts, crafts and music are all part of a recreational therapist's tools to help patients become active again.

And starting next week, the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) will be hosting a Recreational Therapy week to help educate the public and those interested in pursuing this line of work with what they do.

On Monday, there will be an open house in the lobby of the King Edward VII Memorial hospital (KEMH) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. where there will be demonstrations of RT activities and information on the career options.

Capri Smith, activities director for the Continuing Care Units (CCU) at KEMH said the work RT's do is extremely important in getting patients back on their feet.

She said: "Our work is especially important for seniors because we develop and use leisure in ways that enhance their health, functional abilities, independence and quality of life.

"Our primary goal is providing opportunities to improve health and well-being.

"Recreational Therapists are trained, certified, registered and/or licensed healthcare professionals. There is a great need for qualified therapists in Bermuda.

"This is a wonderful and rewarding field, with opportunities for career advancement and the gratification of making a difference in the lives of patients."

The public will be able to speak to staff from the Activities Department on Monday July 14 and Tuesday July 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the hospital lobby.

Other activities for the week include a Tea Party for CCU residents hosted at the Matilda Smith Williams Seniors Residence on Thursday and a picnic at Clearwater Beach on Friday that will include clients from CCU, the Lorraine Rest Home, Lefroy House, the Silvia Richardson Care Facility, the mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute and the Matilda Smith Williams Seniors Residence.