At Regis Sippy Downs in Queensland, no two days look the same for Lifestyle Coordinator Susie. Since joining Regis in 2017, Susie has built her career around bringing energy and creativity into everyday life in the home.
Her path into aged care was not traditional. After nearly 20 years working in primary schools across the Northern Territory, Susie returned to Queensland looking for something new. “I thought, what am I going to do?” she said. “Everyone said, you should get into aged care. You’re good with people.” They were right.
Today, Susie plays a role in shaping daily life for residents, from organising events and outings to spending one on one time with those who need it most. “A highlight of my day today was taking a resident out to buy a pair of shoes,” she said. “We had such a wonderful day and she came back and said, ‘can we do it again?’ That’s what it’s about.”
“People think lifestyle is just playing games,” she said. “It’s more than that. Some days you’re running activities all day. Other days you’re sitting with someone one on one, just talking.”
Her approach is shaped by experience, particularly her time working in memory support. “I love it. You just sit, hold their hand, talk to them, follow what they’re interested in.” Rather than leading the day, Susie adapts to it, following each resident’s pace and interests. “It’s about doing what they want to do, not what we want them to do,” she said.
This mindset carries through everything she does, from themed events and outings to the small details that make a difference. “It’s the little things,” she said. “If someone needs something, I’ll try and find it.”
Over time, Susie has developed strong connections not only with residents, but with their families, many of whom stay in touch long after their loved one has left the home.
In one instance, a resident’s daughter returned as a volunteer after her mother passed away. “She said she wanted to come back and support everyone she got to know,” Susie said. This sense of connection is what defines her work. “We’re just one big family here,” she said.
It’s a role that asks a lot, emotionally and physically, but one that continues to give back in equal measure. “I go home exhausted,” she said. “But it’s a good exhaustion.”
Every Regis home has a lifestyle team who support residents to live well day to day. They plan and deliver activities that reflect each person’s interests, culture, abilities and life story. Working closely with residents, families and other team members they promote choice, independence and wellbeing, while helping residents stay engaged and connected to what matters to them.
