scope of practice
Recreation therapists use personalized, planned and purposeful recreation and leisure activities as interventions to:
- Develop physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual skills
- Facilitate practice of these skills in real life situations in the community
- Facilitate and guide a positive appreciation of leisure experiences
- Facilitate expression of positive emotions
- Support an individual’s achievement of rehabilitation and health goals
- Assist in the development of sustained and positive lifestyle changes through recreation activities
standards of practice
As allied health professionals, recreation therapists follow standards of practice:
- Conduct client assessments
- Develop intervention plans and participate in client care planning
- Develop and implement recreation and leisure programs
- Document and report on client progress
- Evaluate client outcomes
- Stay current with education and research
- Collaborate with other disciplines
- Practice ethically ensuring the rights and safety of clients
- Demonstrate inclusion and respect diversity
practice areas
Recreation therapists work with children, youth, adults and older adults in a variety of settings including:
- Mental health and substance use services
- Physical rehabilitation services
- Hospitals
- Long-term care homes
- Assisted living and supportive housing
- Adult day centres
- Correctional facilities
- Community programs
- Private practices
- Adapted and adventure programs
code of ethics
Therapeutic recreation practitioners follow ethical principles:
- Act with integrity, honesty, and transparency
- Commit to the safety and well-being of individuals served
- Receive informed consent for therapeutic recreation services
- Maintain the privacy and confidentiality of individuals served
- Provide quality service based on the highest professional standards
- Practice mutual respect and work cooperatively for the benefit of those served
- Practice professional and moral conduct in dealing with ethical issues
- Practice continued quality management to improve the profession’s ability to serve society
- Seek to improve the profession’s body of knowledge through ethical research and clinical teaching