In praise of the Activity Coordinator

Celebrating the unsung heroes of care home life!

When the day feels long, when the weather is grey, or when a resident just needs a moment of joy… let’s see what the Activity Coordinator has planned.

This enables every staff member to step in with a smile and something uplifting up their sleeve.

I'm often asked "What is an activity coordinator?"

Well, they are a mixed bag. Here are a few of my thoughts about the role.

Activity Coordinators are Wellbeing Champions.

In a role that often goes unseen, activity coordinators are quietly championing the emotional and mental wellbeing of every resident they support.

They're not just planning activities - they're crafting moments of meaning, comfort and joy.

Whether it's finding a way to lift someone's mood with music, creating a quiet space for reflection, or bringing a room to life with laughter and movement, they hold the pulse of the home's emotional climate.

Activity Coordinators are Social Connectors.

At the heart of every thriving care home community is someone quietly weaving relationships together - and that someone is often the activity coordinator. They notice who might enjoy sitting beside whom at lunch, who shares a love of gardening, or who lights up when talking about old films.

They help residents find common ground, spark conversations, and nurture friendships that can ease the sting of loneliness. They bridge generations during intergenerational visits, welcome new residents with warmth, and help family members feel included.

In a world where connection is everything, activity coordinators are the ones gently building the social fabric of the home, one meaningful interaction at a time.

When someone is withdrawn, restless, or low, they gently step in with compassion and care.

They are the heartbeat of person-centred care, keeping residents connected - not just to each other, but to themselves.

Activity Coordinators are Event Planners.

From birthday surprises to last minute themed tea parties, seasonal celebrations, and full-scale summer fetes, activity coordinators wear the hat of event planner with style and stamina.

They juggle diaries, liaise with entertainers, decorate rooms, and make sure everyone - from residents and staff to visiting families - feels part of something special.

They think on their feet when the weather changes or a resident needs a quiet alternative, always with a smile and a clipboard not far from hand.

Behind every bunting-draped room or laughter-filled gathering is an activity coordinator who’s poured time, thought, and their heart and soul into making the day memorable.

Activity Coordinators are Detectives.

Every resident has a story, a spark, a hidden treasure of interests and activity coordinators are the gentle detectives who uncover them. They pick up on the smallest clues: a smile at the mention of a song, a glimmer in the eye when a particular scent floats past, or a passing comment about something long forgotten. They piece together lives from scraps of conversation, family memories, and gut instinct, crafting activities that speak directly to the heart of each individual.

It’s in this quiet sleuthing that they transform care into something truly personal and profoundly powerful.

Activity Coordinators personalise activities to meet physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs. They create opportunities for purpose, presence, and play - often on a tight budget, limited time, and endless creativity.

In every laughter-filled lounge, in every thoughtful one-to-one, in every carefully planned calendar, there’s an Activity Coordinator making magic.

If you’re lucky enough to work alongside one, take a moment today to say "thank you". And if you are one - know that what you do matters more than words can say.

Today, we celebrate you.