Recreation TherapyThe poss-abilities are endless ….

Lauren MacDonaldRecreation Therapist, CTRS

Willa SartyRecreation Therapy Associate

What’s Recreation Therapy all about?

“Leisure, recreation and play are essential to health and wellness. Focusing on people’s strengths, recreation therapy

engages people in a systematic process through which leisure is used as a primary tool in achieving health and

wellness.”-TRAAC (2011)

Would You Rather…

Why is Leisure important?

Leisure acts as a protective factor to health and well-being by connecting clients with;•meaningful activity•tools to build healthy and supportive relationship•ongoing community opportunities•inner strengths such as, confidence and self-efficacy•stress management techniques•coping skills•the ability to feel a sense of purpose or identity

(Caldwell, 2005)

But how does it work? Programs and services aimed to meet client needs Client focused Research Assessment Planning Implementing Documentation Evaluation Evidence-Based Best Practice

But really … How does it work?Leisure Education

1:1 Interventions

Group Programs

Community Outings

Who Benefits from Recreation Therapy?

 

Recreation Therapy helps

people of all ages, abilities

and backgrounds get well,

live well and stay well.

Within Capital Health, RT

services are provided in 12

different sites including:

Long Term Care (Veteran’s Memorial Building)

Transitional Care (VG and DGH) Nova Scotia Rehabilitation

Centre Nova Scotia Hospital Abbie J. Lane East Coast Forensics Connections Club House New Beginnings Club House Geriatric Assessment Unit Geriatric Restorative Care Acute Care Addiction Prevention and

Treatment Services

As well as the IWK

Sooo … how do I become a Recreation Therapy

Professional? • Diploma Program

-Nova Scotia Community College, other colleges in Canada

• Degree Program-Dalhousie University, other Universities in

Canada

Lauren’s Story!

• NSCC Diploma• Therapeutic Assistant• Recreation Therapy Associate (Acute care)• Dalhousie Degree• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)•Recreation Therapist at Addiction Prevention and Treatment Services (Community Based Services)

ProgramsExploring LeisureDrop in Programs

Creative RecoveryCommunity Leisure

Sampling Meet Up for Recreation

Seasonal Retreats   Individual Leisure

CounselingWorkshops

ProcessesRegistration vs. Sign upOpen vs. ClosedCommitment vs. Drop inEvening vs. DayEvaluation and feedback Co-facilitation (internal vs.

external)Focus groups Integrated partnerships

(acupuncture, stop smoking services, etc.)

One Size Does Not Fit All

Willa’s Story!

•NSCC diploma program•Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre•Therapeutic Assistant•Recreation Therapy Associate on the Transitional Care Unit

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1. 2:00pm Creative Workshop:

6:00pm TGIT: Bowling

2. 3. 2:00 pm Pet Visits: Donna & “Jasper” Afternoon Library Cart

4. 5.2:00 pm Pet Visits:Laura & “Simba”5:45pm 4B Bingo with John & Joyce

6.

6:00 Mennonite Choir Hymn Sing

7.10:30am Tim’s Club

8.2:00pm Creative Workshop:

6:00pm TGIT: Thank Goodness it’s Thursday!

9.

10.2:00 pm Pet Visits: Donna & “Jasper” Afternoon Library Cart

11.

12. 2:00 pm Pet Visits:Laura & “Simba”

5:45pm 4B Bingo with John & Joyce

13. 6:00pm Music with Tom

14.10:30am Tim’s Club

15.2:00pm Creative Workshop:

6:00pm St. Patrick’s Day Ceilidh

16.

17.2:00 pm Pet Visits: Donna & “Jasper” Afternoon Library Cart

18.

19.2:00 pm Pet Visits:Laura & “Simba”5:45pm 4B Bingo with John & Joyce

20.

6:00pm Music with Joseph & Gary

21.10:30am Tim’s Club

22.2:00pm Creative Workshop: 6:00pm TGIT: Bowling

23.

24.2:00 pm Pet Visits: Donna & “Jasper” Afternoon Library Cart

25.

26. 2:00 pm Pet Visits:Laura & “Simba” 5:45pm 4B Bingo with John & Joyce

27.

28.10:30am Tim’s Club 2:00pm “Get to Know You” Social

29.2:00pm Creative Workshop: 6:00pm TGIT: Thank Goodness it’s Thursday!

30. 31.2:00 pm Pet Visits: Donna & “Jasper” Afternoon Library Cart

Any Questions?

Curious? Want to learn more?

Why not volunteer?

http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/giving-volunteering/volunteering

Helpful Sites … http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/recreation-therapy http://www.dal.ca/academics/undergraduate_programs/rectherapeutic.html http://www.nscc.ca/learning_programs/programs/plandescr.aspx?prg=husv&pln=hs-therrec http://www.traac.ca/ http://www.nsrph.com/  http://www.nctrc.org/ http://www.canadian-tr.org/