Therapeutic Recreation and the Culture Change Movement: Exploring the value of prioritizing quality of life over functional outcomes

The culture change movement advocates for improved long-term care (LTC) resident quality of life. Research indicates that recreation and leisure are essential contributors to improving residents’ quality of life. However, there continues to be pressure for TR services to focus on functional outcomes for improved health as opposed to improving resident quality of life and creating a sense of home. This is because the TR profession has historically been shaped by the dominant medical discourse focused on measurable outcomes, which permeates the healthcare sector. In this presentation, we present findings from a comparative case study conducted to better understand the barriers and enablers TR professionals experience in advancing the aims of the culture change movement. Take a deep dive into this important (and sometimes controversial) discussion about TR services prioritizing the value of leisure experiences for improved quality of life over functional outcomes.

1. Participants will understand the historical influence of the dominant medical model discourse on TR services.
2. Participants will understand the role TR services can play in achieving the goals and aims of the culture change movement in long-term care settings.
3. Participants will be able to list and understand three factors that enable TR staff to actively contribute to long-term care culture change.