Program Overview
The Recreation Management in Gerontology (C152) diploma program will teach you the specialized skills you need to work with older adults. Over the course of two years, you’ll learn how to design therapeutic activity programs for older adults that consider the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual perspectives of the aging process. This is a well-established and industry-respected program that has been training students in the field for over 30 years.
You’ll learn to develop strong interpersonal communication skills that will support your ability to work with people across different life stages—an essential aspect of this job. You will also develop effective business communication skills that will help prepare you to co-ordinate and manage physical, financial and human resources of a recreation department.
You’ll study the science and theory behind aging and will take an in-depth look at the biological changes of aging. You will gain an understanding of diseases often related to aging, like Alzheimer's. This program will provide you with new ways of thinking about dementia and innovative ways of meeting the needs of those in your care using the DementiAbilitiy methods. In addition, you will have the opportunity to explore complementary and alternative therapies and examine perspectives about end-of-life care.
You will have hands-on training to practise and apply what you are learning both on-site at our nearly 24,000+-square-foot Simulation Centre facility, and off-site with one of our 600+ field placement partners.
We will prepare you for a career in a health-care setting by using the latest industry software. You will learn proper documentation techniques and how to use comprehensive care planning tools such as Resident Assessment Instrument – Minimum Data Set (RAI-MDS) training.
This long-standing program will equip you with the skills you need to successfully create and deliver innovative, specialized therapeutic recreational programs for older adults in a variety of settings that include long-term care facilities, retirement homes, hospitals, community-based service agencies and adult day programs.
Apply to this program if you are energetic, organized, creative, and enjoy working with older adults and want a rewarding career.
Your Field Education Options
Field education, also known as work-integrated learning, plays an important role in this Recreation Management in Gerontology program by integrating theoretical learning with practical experience in a workplace setting. Field education is offered in each semester, with each experience building on the previous one.
You can expect to complete your field placements in a variety of health-care settings and with older adults of differing needs and abilities.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Function effectively as a member of an inter-professional team in the development and provision of health-promoting and life-enhancing services and programs for older adults.
- Accurately and comprehensively assess and record the ongoing needs of the older adult using a variety of widely used electronic systems.
- Develop, coordinate, deliver and evaluate a variety of services/programs that enhance clients’ level of functioning and quality of life by applying relevant research and theory to practice.
- Apply appropriate health and safety protocols in order to protect the health, safety and well-being of their clients, their co-workers and themselves.
- Communicate effectively using a variety of therapeutic techniques and in adherence with privacy and freedom of information legislation.
- Identify, select and use appropriate professional and community resources to meet the needs of the older adult.
- Ensure programs operate in compliance with relevant policy, legislation and standards of practice for services to older adults in a variety of settings.
- Establish and maintain professional and ethical standards in the field of activation gerontology as set out by relevant professional bodies.
- Promote accessible, inclusive and responsive programs and services by recognizing the diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families and communities.
- Manage physical, financial and human resources in order to effectively coordinate services for older adults.
Canada,Ontario 
