1. Presented By: Gary Comeau Coleen Lawlor Ashley Penton January 8, 2015

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

3. 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

4. Challenges Large number of unqualified people working in recreation No minimal education requirements in recreation No Standardized Recreation Therapy Job Titles Inconsistency with the DoHW 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Discussion

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