6 Things Every Lifestyle Coordinator Should Know

If you’re stepping into the rewarding role of a Lifestyle Coordinator in aged care, you’re not just planning activities — you’re improving lives. This quick-reference cheat sheet outlines five essential things every great lifestyle coordinator should have and do to deliver meaningful aged care activities, especially for residents living with dementia.

A cheat sheet for Aged Care Activities and Dementia Support

As a lifestyle coordinator, you’re tasked with crafting activities that spark engagement, foster connection and support cognitive well‑being. This cheat‑sheet distils proven techniques—from person‑centred planning to dementia‑focused adaptations—into concise, actionable tips. Use these strategies to elevate everyday programmes into meaningful experiences that brighten days and enrich lives in aged care settings:

1. Have a Person-Centred Approach

Each resident is unique, and their background, interests, and needs matter. A strong Lifestyle Coordinator:

• Takes time to learn residents’ life stories.
  
• Tailors activities to individual preferences and abilities.
  
• Ensures everyone feels included, respected, and understood.

This approach is especially important when supporting people living with dementia, as familiar activities can evoke memories and emotions that support emotional wellbeing.

2. Understand Dementia and Cognitive Challenges

It’s vital to be aware of how dementia affects communication, mood, and physical ability. A great Lifestyle Coordinator:

• Has basic dementia training or certification.
  
• Chooses activities that reduce frustration and foster calm.
  
• Uses sensory activities like music, touch, and aroma to engage residents gently and meaningfully.

Suggested resource: Dementia Australia Training Courses

3. Plan Aged Care Activities with Flexibility

Even the best plans can change. The mood in a care home can shift, especially among those living with dementia. Successful coordinators:

• Prepare adaptable schedules.
  
• Offer both group and one-on-one activities.
  
• Always have a calming backup option (e.g., puzzles, sorting tasks, or soft music).
  

4. Build a Toolkit of Aged Care Activities

Variety keeps engagement high. Essential tools in your kit might include:

• Reminiscence cards and memory boxes
  
• Sensory and tactile games
  
• Music players and sing-along playlists
  
• Craft supplies and painting materials
  
• Outdoor-friendly games for mobility support

Check out our full range of Aged Care Activity Products to build or expand your toolkit.

5. Collaborate and Communicate

A Lifestyle Coordinator works closely with families, nurses, personal carers, and volunteers. To ensure consistency and success:

• Share care notes and observations.
  
• Be open to feedback and adapt your approach.
  
• Celebrate small wins with your team and residents.

6. Dementia‑Focused Support Strategies

Simplify Instructions: Break tasks into 2–3 clear steps. Use visual cues—picture cards or demonstrations—to reinforce verbal directions.

Maintain Familiarity: Reuse the same materials and settings. Familiar objects (e.g. a well‑loved teacup or a favourite photo album) provide comfort and trigger positive memories.

Validation Technique: Acknowledge feelings rather than correcting reality. If a resident reminisces about “going to school,” respond with “That sounds like a wonderful memory—tell me more about your school days,” which builds trust and lowers anxiety.

Adaptive Activities: Offer “low challenge” and “high support” versions. For example, provide pre‑threaded large‑bead necklaces or colouring pages with bold outlines to accommodate reduced fine motor skills.

These dementia‑specific adjustments improve engagement, reduce agitation by up to 30%, and enhance emotional well‑being for residents at all stages of cognitive decline.

Bonus Tip: Keep learning! The most effective coordinators stay informed on aged care trends, dementia care best practices, and new ideas for meaningful engagement.

This cheat sheet is designed to support your journey and help you create lasting, joyful experiences for every resident. Want more inspiration? Explore our blog for more activity ideas for people living with dementia.