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

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.

Automated summary

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, long-term care facilities have been heavily impacted, with residents accounting for a significant portion of cases and deaths. Therapeutic recreation professionals in these facilities have had to adapt their practices to meet the needs of residents under public health restrictions. Despite the challenges, they managed to enhance resident quality of life through creativity and person-centered care.