Celebrating Lifestyle Staff and Their Service

Zoey Zhang has worked as a Lifestyle Assistant at Elizabeth Jenkins Place in Collaroy, New South Wales, since May 2023. “It is an enjoyable experience entertaining and bringing joy to the residents,” she says of her role and of support the Centre’s Lifestyle programs.

“It gives me the feeling of fulfillment in being able to provide quality activities which improve residents’ lives daily. I feel that I am doing a meaningful thing to improve the residents’ wellbeing, as well as promoting opportunities for the residents to engage and socialise with others.” 

To further support these programs and teams, The Salvation Army Aged Care’s Lifestyle Project was designed across 2024, with its objective to develop and deliver of a consistent Lifestyle Program across The Salvation Army Aged Care.  

With an official launch in March this year, training sessions and presentations have been held in a phased approach with Lifestyle teams across the country and feedback gathered via surveys sent to residents and representatives.

Carpenter Court, a residential aged care centre in Merewether, New South Wales, has their own Lifestyle Program supported by Lifestyle Assistant Sharon Kidd, who initially joined the Centre as a Care Service Employee in 2010. She has been part of the Lifestyle team for six years now.  

“I enjoy making the residents smile and enjoy the times we share together,” Sharon says. “We celebrate culture and diversity, which is very important to us all. I love listening to residents' stories and making them feel loved and respected.”  

Sharon also states that her role with The Salvation Army Aged Care has taught her that leadership is a critical component of delivering high quality care to older adults. “Leadership is the ability to guide and inspire others towards a shared goal,” she explains. “It’s about setting a direction, building trust and motivating people to work together effectively in an organisation for the best possible outcome."

Zoey agrees. To her, “leadership means being able to set a good example for others in the team,” she says. “Giving team members the confidence to carry out the tasks at hand. Being supportive, fair and respectful.” However, the most rewarding aspect of her work is, “the satisfaction of seeing the smiles on the residents' faces and laughter through the activities I conduct for them.”  

In terms of their advice to others considering working in a Lifestyle role, or who might be looking for inspiration? “Put your heart into what you are doing,” Zoey says. “Have empathy and understanding for those who you care for. Being passionate, patient and enthusiastic in your work. Commit to upgrading your skills and knowledge. Stay ahead of the curve and stay up to date with current and emerging industry developments.”

Sharon concludes: “I enjoy working for The Salvation Army Aged Care and I feel supported in my role and would encourage anyone thinking of being a part of the organisation to come along and join us.”  

The Lifestyle Project will conclude in September this year, once all Centre and Services teams have had the opportunity to review their current programs and make any improvements based on the feedback provided.