Caitlyn Payne: Enhancing Lives at Campbellford Memorial Hospital

In honour of Recreational Therapy Month, members of the senior team at Campbellford Memorial Hospital had the opportunity to shadow Recreation Therapist Caitlyn Payne. Caitlyn’s role at CMH is focused on improving patients’ quality of life through engaging recreational experiences.

Whether leading rhythmic drumming sessions, facilitating interactive games, or organizing uplifting sing-alongs, Caitlyn’s commitment to fostering joy and wellness is evident in everything she does.

“My greatest passion in my role as a Recreation Therapist is being able to help people achieve their goals and enjoy the beauty of life,” shared Caitlyn. This sentiment resonated deeply with CEO Jeff Hohenkerk during his day spent alongside her.

“Caitlyn’s unwavering passion shines through in every interaction. She is an invaluable asset to our team,” he remarked, highlighting the profound impact of her work on the patients she supports.

Caitlyn’s dedication is not without its challenges. CFO Adam Kolisnyk, who shadowed Caitlyn during one of her drumming sessions, observed firsthand the logistical hurdles posed by the hospital’s aging facility.

“The effort required to transport patients to the recreation therapy room is substantial, especially given we can only bring one or two patients in the elevator at a time,” noted Kolisnyk.

Additional challenges include the lack of a restroom or drinking water in the recreation therapy gym — obstacles Caitlyn navigates by preparing ahead of each session. Despite these limitations, her positivity and determination remain constant.

Caitlyn’s contributions to CMH extend beyond her role as Recreation Therapist. Since joining CMH in November 2019, she has also become the hospital’s trainer for Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) staff education.

“Geriatrics and dementia care are very dear to my heart, and this experience has helped me become more confident in my everyday practice,” commented Caitlyn. Teaching staff GPA techniques is one of her proudest accomplishments since joining CMH.

Outside of work, Caitlyn enjoys spending time in nature through hiking, expressing her creativity through crafting, and cherishing moments with her family. When asked what she values most about working at CMH, Caitlyn highlights the tight-knit nature of the small rural community, which fosters a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose within the hospital.