A Model for Quality of Life: Occupational Justice and Leisure Continuity for Nursing Home Residents

Older adults in long-term care have reduced autonomy in their daily time use including engagement in leisure occupations. Leisure is associated with enhanced physical and mental health and maintenance of identity through occupational roles. Continuity theory supports continuation of past interests, values, and activities throughout life. Older adults typically maintain previous leisure interests but frequently are deprived of these valued occupations in long-term settings. Occupational justice proposes humans want and need to be engaged in valued occupations of choice for promotion of health and life quality. Residents have a right to access valued leisure occupations to support health and well-being. The purpose of this paper is to propose a model for improved quality of life that incorporates continuity theory and occupational justice to support leisure engagement. Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to promote access to leisure activities by identifying clients' interests and removing physical and social barriers that impede performance.