The Lifestyle Project Launches

Lifestyle activities form a key part of residential aged care and respite care service provision at The Salvation Army Aged Care (“TSAAC”), with each of its Centres and Services providing unique Lifestyle programs facilitated by on-site Lifestyle teams.  

To develop these programs, TSAAC’s Lifestyle Project was designed across 2024, with its objective to support the delivery of a consistent Lifestyle Program across TSAAC’s Centres and Services according to best practice.  

In turn, the Lifestyle Project will aim to meet the needs of each unique resident and client, with its outcome to elicit joy and satisfaction as it is rolled out in a phased approach in 2025 and in conjunction with the new Aged Care Act commencing on 1 July this year. 

During the Lifestyle Project’s design phase in 2024, Macquarie Lodge Aged Care Centre (“Macquarie Lodge”) and its Lifestyle team was selected as the Project’s exemplar test site and engaged to provide their expertise and feedback as part of the development of the Lifestyle Project.  

“I am extremely proud of Macquarie Lodge for being chosen as an exemplar site,” says Neetika. “Knowing our insight and contribution could shape the future of Lifestyle programs across The Salvation Army’s Aged Care Centres and ultimately further improve resident quality of life brings me so much joy.” 

When considering the strengths of their Lifestyle Program, Macquarie Lodge Lifestyle Coordinator, Neetika, states that she is guided by the following principles: program development and implementation; resident-centred care; promoting social connections; monitoring and documentation; event coordination; compliance and safety; and advocacy and innovation. 

A key factor of the Macquarie Lodge team’s consistent success is also their commitment to continuous improvement. “The biggest strength of our Lifestyle Program is regular case conferences with families for feedback and improvement,” says Neetika. “Regular surveys, emailing families to loop them in whilst designing and planning activities for their loved ones – these all display a commitment to continuous improvement and a sense of belonging.” 

As an exemplar site, Neetika notes that the Macquarie Lodge Lifestyle team was able to bring to the Lifestyle Project management sessions practical implementation experience, including, “hands-on experience in implementing diverse lifestyle activities, knowing what works in real-world settings, including logistical considerations like time, staffing and resources.”  

Further, the team at Macquarie Lodge have a robust approach to surveys and observational notetaking to inform data driven output and actions, as well as including resident and community feedback in the development of their Lifestyle programs. “We have experience in building strong connections with families and local communities, such as sharing success stories and strategies for family days, inter-generational programs, or community partnerships,” Neetika explains.  

Casting her mind to the year ahead and the official roll out of TSAAC’s Lifestyle Project, Neetika expresses her excitement for what is to come. “With the launch of the Lifestyle Project, there are likely several exciting aspects to look forward to,” she states, noting innovation, enhanced collaboration across teams and setting a benchmark of excellence as some of the benefits. “Seeing how the project will enhance our resident’s quality of life and bring joy to them on daily basis is deeply rewarding.”