Promoting Engagement in Leisure Activities for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness
Graduation Date
2008
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Abstract
Many veterans of recent wars are currently experiencing homelessness. Some estimate that up to one third of the homeless population are veterans (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2008b). Many veterans experiencing homelessness also have conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder, substance and alcohol abuse, and major depression. Veterans receive treatment for these conditions through the Veterans Administration (VA) and private veteran advocacy groups; however, leisure activities are mostly neglected as an area of treatment focus. Leisure is important for quality of life and help veterans reintegrate into the community and resume productive lives. Therefore, the goal of this project was to help veterans explore a variety of different leisure activities though participation in a leisure skill development group. Results indicated that there is a vital need for leisure development in this population and that occupational therapists are qualified and able to assist veterans achieve these goals.