Therapeutic Recreation Presented By Gary Comeau Coleen Lawlor

Therapeutic Recreation Presented By: Gary Comeau Coleen Lawlor Ashley Penton January 8, 2015

In This Presentation. . . �Background �Challenges �Opportunities �What We Hope For �Discussion

Background �What is Recreation Therapy? �The Evolution of Recreation Therapy �Standards of Practice �Recreation Therapy Across The Province Today �Increase Demand For Recreation Therapy Services �University and Community College Education Programs �Department of Health and Wellness Requirements

Challenges �Large number of unqualified people working in recreation �No minimal education requirements in recreation �No Standardized Recreation Therapy Job Titles �Inconsistency with the Do. HW in funding Recreation Therapy positions �Current Services do not meet demand (increase in challenging behaviours and greater diversity) �Same model for providing recreation therapy services

Opportunities �Implement Standardized Recreation Therapy qualification and fund accordingly �Expand current recreation therapy services being provided in long term care �Use Recreation Therapy to address/reduce challenging behaviours �Expand existing services to include Recreation Therapy leading Day Program.

What We Are Hoping For? �Standardized qualification for all recreation staff �New model for providing recreation therapy services that includes: �Increase in recreation therapy services in long term care �Consistency in funding recreation therapy services. �Qualified Recreation Therapy Professionals funded appropriately. �Expansion of Recreation Therapy services to include Day Programs and working with Challenging Behaviours.

Discussion

Presenters Contact Information Gary Comeau - g. comeau@oakwoodterrace. ns. ca Coleen Lawlor - Coleen. Lawlor@cdha. nshealth. ca Ashley Penton - Apenton@nwood. ns. ca Thank you for the opportunity!