Recreation therapists work with clients and families help them return to and/or participate in leisure, social, physical and community roles. They help a client address barriers to leisure due to illness, disability, chronic condition or aging. Recreation therapists promote health and wellness.
What do recreation therapists do?
- Educate clients and families about the benefits of a balanced leisure lifestyle
- Address barriers to leisure
- Provide opportunities to a client to build skills, confidence and independence within the their community, home or facility
- Collaborate with families, other health care providers and community agencies to integrate leisure
- Work with clients to increase leisure satisfaction
Where do recreation therapists work?
- Hospitals and community health centres
- Supportive living and long-term care facilities
- Home care within a client’s home
- Adult day support
- Rehabilitation and chronic disease management programs
- Addiction & Mental Health service programs
- Community settings
Alberta Health Services employs over 225 recreation therapists. Read about how recreation therapy reconnects patients with the joy of leisure – Making a splash in Medicine Hat.
What are the credentials of a recreation therapist?
- Recreation therapists at AHS have a degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation and Leisure Studies. They require professional membership with the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
- Some therapists are Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS)
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