The impact of COVID-19 on Therapeutic Recreation practice in long-term care homes across Canada

Abstract

ABSTRACT In Canada, adults aged 70 and over account for more than 20% of COVID-19 cases [Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). (2020). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Epidemiology update. Retrieved September 7, 2020, from https://health-infobase.canada.ca/covid-19/epidemiological-summary-covid-19-cases.html?stat=num&measure=deaths#a2]. Those residing in long-term care (LTC) homes are particularly vulnerable, with hundreds of outbreaks occurring in LTC across the country. By the end of May 2020, more than 80% of COVID-19 deaths were residents of LTC [Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). (2020). Pandemic experience in the long-term care sector: How does Canada compare with other countries?]. In order to protect residents, restrictions on activities and visitors were implemented, and therapeutic recreation (TR) professionals adapted programming in keeping with COVID-19 restrictions. The purpose of this article is to describe professionals’ perspectives and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, we explored how TR professionals adapted their practice in accordance with public health measures and restrictions; and we explored their perspectives regarding the implications of the restrictions on resident well-being. Thematic analysis generated three themes: shifting TR practice; perceived impact on resident quality of life; and drawing on strengths and resources. Findings suggest that as a direct result of COVID-19 restrictions, professionals were challenged to meet residents’ needs as they had pre-pandemic, but instead, through creativity and an emphasis on person-centered care ideals, managed to contribute to resident quality of life.