Need for enhancing mobility among older adults in long-term care
Monday, June 04, 2018 – The Canadian Association for Long Term Care (CALTC) has released a tool designed to provide best practices for recreational programs in residential care and calls for further study to help ensure the best care is being provided for Canada’s seniors.
Recognizing the importance of recreational therapy for seniors, CALTC members worked collaboratively with Mitacs and Simon Fraser University to develop the report entitled “Recreation Therapy to Promote Mobility Among Older Adults in Long Term Care.”
The report highlights ten key findings or recommendations and provides an overview of the scientific evidence and current practices for recreational therapy in long-term care, focusing largely on programs for improving or maintaining the mobility of older adults. The report also identifies some best practices and outlines many of the challenges and barriers to implementing recreational therapy programs in long-term care such as limited space and inadequate staffing.
“The quality of life for our diverse long-term care population can be increased by implementing recreational therapy programs,” said Daniel Fontaine, Chair of CALTC. “Identifying effective recreational therapies will help inform caregivers in long-term care settings as they choose tailored recreation programs for mobility for our seniors.”
This report was developed through extensive literature review, as well as a survey that was distributed among recreational therapists and those who provide recreational therapy services in residential care homes across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.
“It is crucial that we address the current challenges and barriers impacting the delivery of recreation therapy programs in long-term care settings across the country,” said Fontaine. “We’re pleased with the introduction of this report, which provides the opportunity to further explore our commitment to ensuring Canada’s seniors are receiving the most appropriate care that best enhances their quality of life.”
See CALTC news release.
About The Canadian Association for Long Term Care (CALTC)
The Canadian Association for Long Term Care (CALTC) is a national organization comprised of provincial associations and long-term care providers that deliver publicly-funded health care services for seniors across Canada.
CALTC members represent care providers responsible for the employment of Canadians and delivering quality care to Canada’s most vulnerable residents each day. For more information: www.caltc.ca
For further information:
Jessica Stepic, contact@caltc.ca, (416) 433-8087
