Emotional wellbeing isn’t about eliminating the lows, it’s about recognising where someone is in that moment, and offering the right kind of support.

"The richest, most surprising stories from care home residents often appear in those quiet, in-between moments - waiting for the kettle to boil, walking to the dining room, or peeling veg for shepherd’s pie. These golden snippets of lived experience can transform your activity planning, turning everyday conversations into meaningful, mind-stimulating sessions that celebrate residents as experts in their own stories."

As an Activity Coordinator, you're in a brilliant position to support physical wellbeing without needing a physio’s degree or a gym in the lounge. In fact, many of the best ways to help residents move more don’t look like exercise at all. Let’s explore why physical wellbeing matters and how you can help support it through meaningful, joyful activity.

Discover how to support social wellbeing in care homes with meaningful, everyday activities. This post explores small group ideas, purposeful connections, and practical tools for activity coordinators using the SPIES wellbeing model.

Let’s be honest: flying by the seat of your pants every day is exhausting. Planning ahead, using monthly themes, flexible activity templates, and person-centred tools (like those in the Activity Coordinators Toolbox™), helps you feel more organised and in control. That doesn’t mean you lose spontaneity, it means you’ve got the groundwork in place, so when inspiration strikes, you’re ready.

The language we use in care isn’t just admin. It shapes how people feel. If something looks vague, clinical, or confusing on a planner, residents may skip it - or worse, feel that it’s something being done to them rather than with them.

Caroline Benham, sweltering in the heat, hands on her head - still smiling though! When temperatures rise, keeping residents safe, cool,...

Caroline J Benham - Founder, Bright Copper Kettles CIC If you’re new to the role of Activity Coordinator, or even just new to this  care...

How clear, accessible notes can help you switch off and avoid burnout. “I was sitting on the beach with my children when the phone rang…”...

...in the middle of a group activity, you may find yourself in a situation where a resident becomes unresponsive.

Being an activity coordinator in a care home is one of the most rewarding jobs out there. You bring joy, connection, and purpose to...

St David’s Day (1st March) is a wonderful opportunity to bring a touch of Welsh culture into your care home. Whether your residents have...

Fostering a warm, inclusive atmosphere for both residents and staff is essential. A happy, engaged team creates a vibrant care home...

As an activity coordinator, you see firsthand how much residents thrive when engaged in meaningful activities. But ensuring everyone gets...

D o you ever feel stuck when planning activities or struggle to find inspiration? A dream board could be the perfect solution. Dream...

Joan celebrating 100 years (centre), Steve Bull (left), Phil Parkes (back), Steve Daley (right). On Wednesday 22nd January, Joan Davies,...

A journal is a powerful tool to capture these moments and align them with the HELPS framework

When residents are engaged, happy, and participating in activities that bring them joy, the opinions of others tend to fall into place.

Anti-Bullying Week 2024: Choose Respect Monday 11th - Friday 15th November 2024 Working as a care home activity coordinator is rewarding...

At Aran Court Care Home, Breast Cancer Awareness Month turned into a day of pink-themed fundraising, creativity, and community spirit.