How Care and Wellbeing Go Hand in Hand

This means not only providing excellent day-to-day care, but also creating moments of joy, connection, and purpose.

But here’s what makes Malin Court special: our wellbeing leads are also carers. They see both sides of care – the practical, hands-on support and the uplifting experiences that make each day meaningful.

We spoke to our wellbeing leads, Chloe and Morag, and Jim who works as both a carer and driver for the home, to hear about their dual roles and what it’s really like balancing these responsibilities.

“Working as both a Care Assistant and wellbeing lead allows me to support residents in different but equally important ways. Whether it’s physical care or leading an activity, both are about giving residents the best quality of life.”

Chloe, Wellbeing Lead

Behind the Scenes: What the Wellbeing Role Involves

At a glance, the wellbeing role might seem like “just leading activities”, but in reality, it involves planning, adapting, and tailoring each activity to suit every resident’s needs and preferences. It’s thoughtful, detailed work.

Chloe explains: “As wellbeing lead, I’m responsible for planning, organising and delivering all activities within the home, including two weekly bus outings. I coordinate 14 group activities a week and make sure residents who prefer one-to-one time get meaningful engagement. I also arrange regular visits from our local Primary School, Church, and entertainment. Every activity is tailored to the needs and interests of our residents.”

 

Morag admits that the work surprised her:  “Before taking on the wellbeing role, I thought it would be easier – but there’s a lot more to it than I realised. It’s about planning varied activities, organising trips that suit each resident’s mobility and abilities, and even managing the administration. It’s challenging but so rewarding.”

Carer Experience Brings an Advantage

One of the strengths of the Malin Court approach is that our wellbeing leads already know the residents from their work as carers.

Morag explains: “Being a carer as well as wellbeing lead is an advantage. We already know residents’ mobility, their likes, their favourite music and films, and have a relationship with them before planning activities. That makes it much easier to create things they will enjoy and feel confident taking part in.”

Chloe agrees: “Because I know the residents so well from my carer role, I can design activities that reflect who they are. It’s so rewarding to see them smiling, engaged, and enjoying something meaningful to them.”

Balancing Both Roles

Switching between the roles can be a challenge. Chloe explains: “One of the biggest challenges is mentally switching between the two roles. On wellbeing days I still help with care when needed, from personal care in the mornings to dining assistance at lunch. On care days, I often find myself thinking about upcoming activities. It takes flexibility and strong time management.”

But both she and Morag agree that seeing residents benefit from both types of support makes it worth it.

The Difference It Makes — With Help from the Bus

Part of Malin Court’s activity programme includes regular bus outings, thanks to Jim, who is both a carer and the home’s driver.

Jim says: “I really enjoy the interaction with Chloe and Morag, and I feel the residents are getting more out of the visits with the bus. I still like working on the care side, but building a bond of trust with residents on the bus is special. They’re happier, they look forward to outings, and it makes a real difference.”

Working Together for the Residents

The wellbeing role isn’t separate from care – it’s just another way of delivering it. Every activity, every trip, and every shared moment of joy contributes to residents’ overall wellbeing.

Morag, Chloe and Jim bring a unique continuity for our residents. The same friendly face who helps with breakfast might later be leading a craft session or accompanying them on a trip, and residents benefit from that familiarity. When carers and wellbeing leads work together, activities become much more than just “something to fill the time” – they become shared moments that make everyone feel part of the Malin Court family. Whilst job-sharing remains a unique element of care, here at Malin Court we’ve seen first-hand the positive impact to residents when their care staff gets involved in their activities as well, further enhancing the feeling of familiarity and family.

Chloe sums it up:

“Working as both a Care Assistant and wellbeing lead allows me to support residents in different but equally important ways. Whether it’s physical care or leading an activity, both are about giving residents the best quality of life.”

At Malin Court, every role matters. By working together – carers, wellbeing leads, drivers, and the whole team – we create a home where care and joy truly go hand in hand.

Visit Malin Court Care Home Page for more information on Malin Court and their services.