Aged care isn’t provided by one or two key people, it’s a whole team working together to make sure residents and clients get the care and support they need, every day. Some of these people you’ll see often, others are more behind the scenes, but they all play an important part in keeping things safe, comfortable and running smoothly.
So, who is actually in these teams? What do they do, and why does it matter?
In this series, we’ll introduce you to the different roles in aged care, explain what they’re responsible for, and show how they all work together to support you and your loved ones.
What is a Therapy Assistant?
Therapy Assistants are often a bit of a jack of all trades! Working closely with the Allied Health team, they support residents through specialised activities, therapy programs and meaningful interaction within the home.
A Therapy Assistant helps bring connection, movement and enjoyment into everyday life within a Residential Aged Care home.
Working closely with the Allied Health team, Therapy Assistants support residents to stay active, engaged and connected through group activities, outings and individual therapy programs tailored to their interests and goals.
Their role includes:
- Running group activities such as exercise sessions, quizzes, games and arts and crafts
- Supporting exercise and mobility programs, including SUNBEAM
- Helping residents with individual therapy programs developed by the Allied Health team
- Planning bus outings, special events and celebrations
- Encouraging residents to participate in activities they enjoy
- Supporting residents during mealtimes where assistance is needed
- Helping create opportunities for social connection, cultural and spiritual celebration
- Spending time with residents through conversation and companionship.
Therapy Assistants are often a familiar face throughout the home, helping residents feel included, supported and involved in daily life.
Why is a Therapy Assistant important?
Therapy Assistants get to know what’s important to each resident and support them to stay involved in the activities, hobbies and routines they enjoy.
They:
- Support residents to stay active, maintain mobility and independence
- Help create opportunities for social connection, enjoyment and routine
- Encourage residents to participate in their hobbies and activities that are meaningful to them
- Support individual therapy goals in partnership with the Allied Health team
- Create moments of joy, purpose and companionship throughout the day
- Help residents feel included, connected and valued.
- Every resident is different, so Therapy Assistants work to provide a variety of activities and support that reflect each person’s interests, preferences and abilities.
What does a typical day look like for a Therapy Assistant?
No two days are the same, but most involve a mix of activities, therapy support and plenty of interaction with residents. A typical day may include:
- Setting up and running morning and afternoon group activities
- Supporting residents to attend activities and helping them return comfortably afterwards
- Running group activities such as exercise groups, quizzes, arts and crafts, games and social groups
- Supporting residents during the lunch mealtime experience
- Delivering individual therapy programs developed by the Allied Health team
- Planning upcoming outings, events and celebrations
- Spending time chatting with residents and helping everyone feel included.
Therapy Assistants focus on supporting residents to maintain their skills, independence and confidence across many areas of daily life.
When are residents and families likely to see or hear from a Therapy Assistant?
When a resident first moves into the home, a member of the therapy team will usually meet with them and their family to learn more about their interests, routines and the activities they enjoy.
Residents and families may also interact with Therapy Assistants:
- During activities, exercise groups and social events
- During bus outings and special celebrations
- When supporting individual therapy programs
- During mealtimes and day-to-day interactions around the home
- When checking in with residents for a chat or encouraging people to join activities.
You’ll often see Therapy Assistants moving throughout the home inviting residents to join activities, checking in for a chat and helping everyone feel included.
We’re very fortunate to have Therapy Assistants who play such an important role in supporting residents’ wellbeing, independence and quality of life every day.
