When I began writing my blog series on the SPIES model of wellbeing (Social, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Spiritual), I thought...

Spiritual wellbeing isn’t a one-size-fits-all. For some residents, it means practising their religion, joining a service, or connecting with a local faith leader. For others, it might be sitting by the window with a cup of tea, listening to birdsong, or sharing memories from their childhood.

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.

Struggling to switch off after a busy day at the care home? If you're an activity coordinator juggling residents’ needs with home life, finding a healthy work-life balance is essential. In this post, we explore six simple, real-life examples, from walking the dog to setting phone boundaries, that can help you mentally leave work at work, avoid burnout, and protect your wellbeing.

Reaching out to Lingfield Park Racecourse, Laurence was met with remarkable generosity. The racecourse, part of the Arena Racing Company group, offered ten complimentary tickets so Stephen could spend the day at the races with his family, friends, and fellow residents.

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

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

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...

The feelings of being valued, cared for, and included are powerful and lasting, even if the details fade.

The finished jam jar displays can then be placed in their rooms or communal spaces, adding a touch of beauty and colour to their environment

Laughter truly is the best medicine! It lifts spirits, reduces stress, and strengthens connections. Don’t forget to make time for joy!

David Satterthwaite of Wimbledon Common Care Home wins UN-Habitat 2024 Scroll of Honour for his groundbreaking urban development work.

Ann, 83, and Angela, 47, connect weekly across 3,500 miles, showing how virtual friendships can bring comfort and joy to care home residents