What does a Lifestyle Coordinator do in Aged Care?

As a lifestyle coordinator in aged care, your job is to bring joy, purpose and a sense of community to the lives of older people. You play a vital role in ensuring residents in aged care facilities have a fulfilling and enriching experience. This article explores the key responsibilities of lifestyle coordinators at Estia Health and other aged care facilities.

What is a lifestyle coordinator?

A lifestyle coordinator is the heart and soul of an aged care facility's social and leisure programs. As mentioned, they are responsible for creating a vibrant and engaging environment that caters to residents' individual needs, interests and abilities.

What does a lifestyle coordinator do?

The day-to-day responsibilities of a Lifestyle Coordinator can be broadly categorised into three main areas:

1. Program development and implementation
2. Resident engagement and support
3. Collaboration and teamwork
   
   

1. Program development and implementation

Lifestyle coordinators are masters of reading the room. They assess the residents' interests, backgrounds and physical capabilities to create a diverse program of activities that caters to a wide range of preferences.

Regular excursions, engaging visitors and stimulating activities become the building blocks, while special events for holidays and cultural celebrations add layers of festivity and connection. Through this thoughtful approach, they craft a vibrant program that caters to everyone.

2. Resident engagement and support

Building relationships with residents is a cornerstone of this role. Lifestyle coordinators actively engage with residents, encouraging participation in activities and providing individualised support.

This may involve adapting activities for those with physical or cognitive limitations, ensuring everyone feels included. They also act as a listening ear and confidante for residents, fostering a sense of belonging and wellbeing.

3. Collaboration and teamwork

Lifestyle coordinators collaborate closely with the nursing and care staff to ensure residents' physical and mental wellbeing is considered during activity planning. Additionally, they liaise with volunteers and external service and entertainment providers to bring a variety of experiences to the facility.

Impact of a lifestyle coordinator

The role of a lifestyle coordinator goes beyond keeping residents entertained. Here are some other ways a lifestyle coordinator has an impact on resident’s lives:

• Combating social isolation
• Maintaining cognitive function
• Promoting physical activity
• Enhancing overall quality of life

Their dedication to fostering social engagement, cognitive stimulation and physical activity has a profound impact on overall wellbeing, creating a ripple effect that benefits everyone involved.

How to become an aged care lifestyle coordinator

A career in aged care lifestyle coordination is a rewarding path that allows you to positively impact people's lives. Here are some qualifications of a lifestyle coordinator at Estia Health:

• a Certificate IV in Lifestyle and Leisure or a related field;
• strong communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with residents from diverse backgrounds;
• an ability to plan and organise engaging activities tailored to different needs; and
• patience, empathy and a genuine passion for working with older adults.

Estia Health fosters a vibrant workplace that celebrates diversity. We welcome everyone, regardless of age, cultural background, abilities, sexual orientation or gender identity.

View current opportunities available for Lifestyle Coordinator.

Lifestyle coordinators at Estia Health

At Estia Health, lifestyle coordinators play a huge part in day-to-day operations. They build a social calendar from 128 possible activities and experiences to align with the interests of the residents. They also find unique ways to engage each resident and make them feel considered.