A conversation over coffee. A game of Scrabble. A walk through the garden.
On their own, they might seem like small moments. But in aged care, they can make a meaningful difference to a person’s wellbeing, helping residents feel connected, valued and part of a community.
That’s the role of a Resident Companion.
Resident companions spend dedicated one-on-one time with residents, getting to know them beyond their care needs. Whether it’s encouraging someone to join an activity, sharing a conversation or simply being there to listen, the role is centred on building genuine relationships and helping residents stay connected to the things that matter most to them.
For Tyler, Resident Companion at Regis Camberwell in Victoria, it was a role he never expected to find.
After joining Regis as a Food Services Assistant, Tyler realised the moments he enjoyed most weren’t in the dining room, but the conversations he was having with residents. Six months later, he became a Resident Companion.
“You can make someone’s day just by spending time with them,” he said.
Why companionship matters
Social connection plays an important role in healthy ageing. While clinical care supports residents’ physical health, meaningful relationships and regular social interaction help support emotional wellbeing, confidence and a sense of belonging.
Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) report meaningful social connection can reduce loneliness and social isolation while improving quality of life for older people. Everyday interactions, shared experiences and opportunities to build relationships all contribute to person-centred care.
For Resident Companions, those everyday interactions are the role.
A morning coffee becomes a chance to check in. A walk around the garden becomes an opportunity to share stories. A game of Scrabble becomes time spent getting to know someone.
Getting to know the person
One of the biggest surprises for Tyler has been learning about the lives residents have led before moving into aged care.
“I was surprised by how many different stories residents have and how different their lives have been before coming to Regis,” he said.
“Even though they’re all living in the same place now, they’ve each had completely different experiences and journeys.”
Those conversations have changed the way he approaches his work.
For Tyler, getting to know residents is now about learning the little things, how they like their coffee, the activities they enjoy or simply when they feel like having a chat.
Those details help create days that feel familiar, personal and meaningful.
Connection is part of care
Companionship isn’t separate from care. It’s one of the ways residents maintain relationships, confidence and a sense of identity after moving into residential aged care.
For Tyler, it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
Taking the time to listen, build trust and share everyday moments has shown him that sometimes the simplest interactions can have the greatest impact.
