A Day in the life of an Aged Care Resident
“It’s not about the years in your life, but the life in your years.”
Step inside the daily rhythm of residential aged care and you’ll find something far richer than routine, a tapestry of connection, comfort, and quiet joy. While every resident’s journey is unique, here’s a glimpse into a typical day through the eyes of a resident, a warm-hearted 85-year-old who has called our community home for the past two years.
7:00 AM – A Gentle Start
The day begins softly. Sunlight filters through sheer curtains as Margaret is gently greeted by her morning care staff. With a warm smile and a familiar face, they assist her with dressing and any personal care needs, always with a focus on dignity, independence, and choice.
Her favourite music – a little Ella Fitzgerald – plays softly on her bedside speaker as she sips her first cup of tea. “It’s these little rituals,” Margaret says, “that make it feel like home.”
8:00 AM – Breakfast with Friends
Down in the dining room, breakfast is a social affair. Margaret enjoys eggs on toast and chats with her tablemates about last night’s episode of Gardening Australia. Staff move quietly among the residents, knowing preferences by heart and checking in with warm familiarity.
10:00 AM – Morning Activities Begin
The community bus arrives to take a group into town for morning tea at the local café. Margaret skips this trip today, opting instead to join the “Paint & Sip” group in the activity lounge, a weekly favourite.
Painting isn’t about perfection; it’s about expression, laughter, and memory. Today they’re working on abstract florals while sipping on herbal tea. A visiting art therapist floats between tables, encouraging creativity and conversation.
12:30 PM – Lunch and Laughter
Lunch brings a choice of roast chicken or vegetarian lasagne, served with fresh salad and Margaret’s favourite: lemon tart for dessert. Staff sit with residents and conversations flow, stories of grandchildren, the weather, old travel adventures.
One staff member pulls out a photo of her newborn baby. “Feels like we’re all part of each other’s lives,” Margaret says.
2:00 PM – Rest, Reflection, and a Cup of Tea
The early afternoon offers quiet time. Some residents nap, others read, knit, or listen to the radio. Margaret takes a walk in the garden courtyard, pausing by the rose bushes planted by residents years ago.
The sensory garden, with wind chimes and bird feeders, is her favourite spot. Here, time feels unhurried.
3:30 PM – Music, Memory & Movement
Today’s afternoon group activity is “Music & Memory”, a singalong of golden oldies accompanied by a visiting pianist. For others, there’s seated yoga in the sunroom. The variety ensures everyone finds their rhythm.
Margaret joins in on Que Sera, Sera with surprising gusto. “Music lifts the spirits. It’s like remembering who you’ve always been,” she says.
5:30 PM – Evening Winds Down
Dinner is lighter, soup and sandwiches, followed by evening news in the lounge or a movie screening. Tonight: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. There’s popcorn and quiet commentary among residents: “Oh I love her!” “That reminds me of our trip to India in the ’70s…”
8:00 PM – Home, Safe and Sound
Back in her room, Margaret gets into her nightgown and settles in with her journal. A care staff member checks in, offering a wheat bag and warm words before the lights go low.
Outside, crickets sing. Inside, there’s peace.
More Than Care, A Community
While routines provide rhythm, it’s the relationships that breathe life into each day. At its heart, aged care is not a place where life ends, but where it evolves, into something meaningful, supported, and still deeply personal.
From friendships to creative pursuits, gentle care to spontaneous laughter, Margaret’s story is just one of many.
Because here, every day matters.
Want to learn more about TriCare’s Aged Care Residence close-knit communities? Click here.
