When people think about aged care, they often picture nurses, carers and allied health professionals. But another role plays an equally important part in supporting residents’ wellbeing every day: the Lifestyle Coordinator.
Far more than organising activities, Lifestyle Coordinators help shape daily life in an aged care home. They spend time getting to know each resident as an individual, learning about their interests, routines, goals and life experiences before creating opportunities that reflect what matters most to them.
That could mean helping someone reconnect with a lifelong hobby, organising an outing to a favourite place, supporting a resident to achieve a personal goal or simply creating opportunities to build new friendships.
For Lidia, Lifestyle Coordinator at Regis Magnolia in Queensland, the role begins with getting to know the person.
“We’re here to help residents live, not just fill their day,” she said.
No two residents are the same, which means no two lifestyle programs should be either.
Through Resident Engagement Forums, one-on-one conversations and everyday interactions, Lifestyle Coordinators work alongside residents to design experiences that feel personal, purposeful and meaningful.
For one resident, that meant turning a long-held dream into reality. Knowing how much it meant to them, Lidia and the lifestyle team provided encouragement and support throughout a visit to the Q1 SkyPoint, helping the resident overcome a lifelong fear of heights and celebrate a remarkable personal achievement.
“Life doesn’t stop when someone moves into aged care,” Lidia said. “For many, it’s the beginning of something new.”
Why meaningful engagement matters
Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) found meaningful lifestyle activities are those that reflect an individual’s interests, identity and preferences. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, activities should be tailored to each person and support emotional wellbeing, cognitive function, physical health and quality of life.
ARIIA’s evidence also shows that meaningful social activities help reduce loneliness and social isolation while supporting healthy ageing, particularly when they are centred on the individual rather than the activity itself.
That’s why lifestyle programs at Regis begin with a conversation.
“Meaningful activities start with our residents’ life experiences,” Lidia said. “I always ask if they have any goals they’d like to achieve and work with them to make those goals a reality.”
More than an activities calendar
Every day looks different for a Lifestyle Coordinator. It may involve planning events, organising community outings, supporting volunteers, facilitating exercise programs or spending time one-on-one with a resident.
Whatever the activity, the goal remains the same: helping residents continue living lives that feel familiar and their own.
“The best part of my day is seeing someone smile,” Lidia said. “When I leave work knowing I’ve made a resident feel happy, it absolutely makes my day.”
At Regis, Lifestyle Coordinators are an important part of the multidisciplinary team, helping create Homes where residents continue to pursue their interests and enjoy the things that matter most to them.
