Self-Assessment for Activity Coordinators: How and why it matters

As an activity coordinator, your work can be deeply rewarding, but also incredibly busy and emotionally demanding.

Between planning meaningful sessions, adapting for differing needs, liaising with families, and keeping up with documentation, it's easy to get swept up in the day-to-day and forget to check in with yourself.

~ That’s where self-assessment comes in.

Why Self-Assessment is so valuable

Self-assessment is a powerful tool to help you:

• Reflect on what’s working and where you’re making the biggest impact.

• Identify areas for growth without waiting for someone else to point them out.

• Prevent burnout by noticing when things feel overwhelming before it’s too late.

• Celebrate your wins, however small they might seem.

• Stay aligned with the wellbeing outcomes you want to achieve for your residents and yourself.

This isn't about being critical. It’s about honest reflection so you can continue to grow and feel confident in your role.

How to do a simple self-assessment

You don’t need a formal system to get started. Here’s a quick guide to help you reflect:

1. Set aside 15 minutes once a month

Put a date in your calendar - perhaps at the end of each month or after your team meeting. Make it part of your routine.

2. Ask yourself key questions

You might find it helpful to journal your answers or jot them down in a notebook:

• H – Histories: Did I take the time to learn something new about a resident’s background this month?

• E – Experiences: Did I create opportunities for meaningful experiences, not just activities?

• L – Lifestyles: Am I considering residents’ past lifestyles in what I offer them now?

• P – Preferences: Am I listening to and acting on residents’ likes and dislikes?

• S – Strengths: Am I focusing on what residents can do rather than what they can’t?

These questions align with the HELPS system - a simple way to check that your activities are person-centred and enriching.

3. Reflect on your own wellbeing

Ask yourself:

• Am I enjoying my work?

• What’s been a highlight this month?

• What’s felt difficult? Why did this feel difficult?

• Have I taken time to rest and recharge?

4. Plan one small change

What’s one thing you could do differently next month?

It doesn’t have to be huge - maybe it’s trying a new activity, asking a quieter resident about their favourite music, or making time for a proper lunch break.

Use self-assessment to support your development

You can also use your reflections to:

• Prepare for supervision or appraisals.

• Provide evidence of your impact in the home.

• Identify training or support needs (e.g. dementia communication, group dynamics, sensory activities).

Over time, your notes can build into a useful record of your progress, ideas, and evolving practice.

Self-assessment is a kindness to yourself.

It’s a moment to pause, breathe, and remember the purpose behind what you do.

You’re not just putting on activities - you’re at the heart of truly holistic care.

Every moment you plan, every connection you nurture, supports the emotional, cognitive, physical, and social wellbeing of the people you care for.

Your work is not a nice-to-have, it’s essential to helping older people feel purpose, autonomy, and joy in daily life.

So, give yourself that space each month.

It’s not a luxury.

It’s a necessity.

Want a ready-to-use printable worksheet? Click here to download it from the Activity Coordinators Toolbox or get in touch to request a copy.