Daily living, activity and wellbeing

Doing things for someone can quickly feel like the kind option, but it can also take away skills and dignity. Where you can, support the person to do as much as they are able, in the way that works for them.

Breaking a task into steps, demonstrating the first step, or handing over one item at a time can keep a person involved. Dignity and reasonable risk go together: agree, as a team, where some risk is acceptable so that a person can keep doing things that matter to them.

• Break tasks into small, manageable steps.
• Demonstrate, then let the person continue.
• Offer just enough help and step back.
• Balance safety with independence through an individual risk discussion.

Activities feel meaningful when they connect with who the person is. A person who spent their life gardening may enjoy repotting plants. A person who loved cooking may enjoy stirring or setting the table. It does not have to be a scheduled group session.

• Music: favourite songs, singing, listening together.
• Gardening, nature and time with animals.
• Cooking, folding, sorting and tidying: familiar tasks with purpose.
• Walking, gentle movement and time outdoors.
• Art, craft, reminiscing and conversation.
• Spiritual and cultural practice that matters to the person.

Comfort and routine have a big effect on mood and behaviour. Notice how the person is sleeping, eating and drinking, moving, and managing toileting and oral care. Pain and discomfort are not always spoken about, so watch for changes in expression, posture and behaviour.

You do not diagnose or treat. You notice, support and report concerns following your workplace process.

• Sleep and rest patterns.
• Food and fluids, including preferences and any difficulty eating or swallowing.
• Oral health and toileting needs.
• Movement, comfort and possible pain.
• Report changes to the right person and record what you observed.