The Activities Coordinator: Connecting Research to Practice in Residential Care

How the Activities Coordinator supports residents’ quality of life through the four core areas of Murphy, O’Shea & Cooney (2007) and the six wellbeing domains identified by Kelley-Gillespie (2009).

Enhancing Quality of Life Through Evidence-Based Practice

The Activities Coordinator plays a central role in enhancing quality of life for residents in long-term care. Two key studies highlight the breadth of this impact. Murphy, O’Shea and Cooney (2007) identified four core areas influencing residents’ well-being in Irish long-stay settings: Personal Identity, Connectedness, Activities & Therapies, and the Care Environment & Ethos of Care. Complementing this, Kelley-Gillespie (2009) defined six interconnected domains of well-being: physical, psychological, cognitive, social, environmental, and spiritual. Together, these frameworks provide a clear structure for understanding how daily care practices support holistic well-being.

Linking the Two Frameworks in Daily Practice

In practice, the Activities Coordinator operates at the intersection of these models:
• Activities & Therapies sustain physical, cognitive, and psychological well-being through movement, stimulation, and meaningful engagement.
• Connectedness nurtures social and psychological domains by strengthening relationships and belonging.
• Personal Identity supports spiritual and psychological dimensions by recognising each resident’s life story, preferences, and sense of meaning.
• Care Environment & Ethos of Care influence the environmental domain, ensuring comfort, inclusion, and autonomy within daily life.

A Core Professional Role in Holistic Care

Through observation and creativity, Activities Coordinators translate these evidence-based domains into lived experience. Small, individualised actions—playing a favourite song, arranging seating for conversation, or displaying personal photographs—can support orientation, comfort, and connection. Understanding the overlap between these two research frameworks positions the Activities Coordinator as a core professional within residential care: enabling residents to live with purpose, dignity, and belonging.

To discuss your training needs please email Liz@essence52.com.

Until next time,

Liz

(Based on Murphy, O’Shea & Cooney, 2007; Kelley-Gillespie, 2009.)