When assessing the person’s leisure interests after brain injury it is essential to consider past, present and potential future leisure activity, interests, likes and dislikes. This assessment is often be facilitated by an Occupational Therapist (OT) when the person is in a rehabilitation setting.
Aspects of leisure assessment should include:
A leisure history which details activities previously enjoyed.- Identification of activities which are meaningful to the person rather than just activity to fill time.
- Information from family and friends, particularly if the person has cognitive and/or communication difficulties. This will help identify potential leisure interests that may otherwise be missed.
- A ‘leisure interest checklist’ (usually provided by an OT) which can be invaluable for generating a wide variety of ideas and helping to identify interests that may otherwise be missed.
The Interest Checklist UK may be a helpful tool in considering potentially suitable leisure activities.
Assessment should also take into account other factors which may help inform the choice of suitable leisure activity:
- Medical conditions (e.g. angina, asthma, allergies) which may be considered a contraindication to certain leisure activities.
- Psychological/psychiatric difficulties (e.g. social anxiety, alcohol problems).
- Cognitive, communicative and physical difficulties.
- Sensory and visual/perceptual impairments.
- Sensory overload (e.g. reduced tolerance to noise, light, busy environments).
- It may be important to ensure a healthy balance of activities and rest in order to reduce fatigue.
- Behavioural difficulties (e.g. aggression, disinhibition).
Multidisciplinary team input may be required to add to the assessment and to support participation in leisure activities.