Landing a role as a Well-being & Activities Assistant at Avery Healthcare is both rewarding and vital. This role involves supporting the physical, emotional, and social well-being of residents in care homes, organising engaging activities, and ensuring high standards of care. As a Well-being & Activities Assistant, you can expect a salary ranging from £18,000 to £22,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Your role contributes directly to residents’ happiness, physical health, and mental stimulation, making you a key member of the care team. If you’re preparing for your Avery Healthcare interview, understanding potential questions and answers is crucial to demonstrate your suitability, empathy, and practical knowledge.
In this blog, we’ll explore 25 common interview questions for a Well-being & Activities Assistant, complete with detailed answers. These will include opening questions, competency questions, STAR-based answers, and closing questions, alongside actionable interview coaching tips to boost your confidence.
1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
This classic opener is your opportunity to present your background. Focus on your experience in care, passion for well-being, and relevant qualifications.
Answer:
“I have over three years’ experience supporting older adults in residential care, specialising in organising activities that promote mental and physical well-being. I’m passionate about helping residents stay engaged and ensuring they feel valued every day. My previous role involved running weekly group activities, one-to-one support, and coordinating events to enhance social interaction.”
2. Why do you want to work for Avery Healthcare?
Demonstrate knowledge of the company, values, and commitment to resident care.
Answer:
“I admire Avery Healthcare’s dedication to person-centred care. I want to work in a role where I can make a tangible difference in residents’ lives, organising activities that improve well-being and create a sense of community.”
3. How would you describe a Well-being & Activities Assistant’s role?
Show awareness of the job responsibilities.
Answer:
“The role involves organising and leading activities, assisting residents with social interaction, supporting physical and emotional health, and working collaboratively with care staff to ensure personalised care.”
4. Can you give an example of when you had to motivate someone who was reluctant to participate in an activity?
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for competency questions.
Answer:
Situation: A resident was hesitant to join our weekly exercise class.
Task: Encourage participation while respecting their boundaries.
Action: I engaged them one-to-one, highlighting the social benefits and adjusting exercises to their comfort level.
Result: They gradually joined the class and began attending regularly, expressing enjoyment and improved mood.
5. How do you handle residents with dementia during activities?
Show empathy, patience, and practical strategies.
Answer:
“I focus on familiar activities, simplify instructions, and use visual cues. Patience and understanding are key, allowing residents to participate at their own pace while ensuring they feel safe and included.”
6. Describe a time when you had to work as part of a team.
Another competency question suitable for the STAR method.
Answer:
Situation: We were planning a themed activity week.
Task: Ensure smooth collaboration with care staff.
Action: I communicated effectively, delegated tasks, and coordinated schedules.
Result: The week ran seamlessly, residents enjoyed the activities, and staff feedback was positive.
7. What types of activities do you think are beneficial for elderly residents?
Demonstrate knowledge of well-being principles.
Answer:
“Activities should promote physical movement, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement. Examples include gentle exercise classes, arts and crafts, music therapy, memory games, and reminiscence activities.”
8. How do you plan activities to meet diverse needs?
Show organisational skills and resident-focused planning.
Answer:
“I assess residents’ abilities, interests, and health conditions. I then create a balanced activity schedule incorporating both group and individual options, ensuring everyone can participate meaningfully.”
9. How would you deal with a resident showing signs of distress during an activity?
Answer:
“I would calmly approach them, listen to their concerns, and either adapt the activity or provide reassurance. It’s essential to maintain a supportive and safe environment while ensuring their dignity is respected.”
10. How do you encourage residents to stay physically active?
Answer:
“By introducing fun, low-impact exercises, using music or props, and celebrating achievements. Positive reinforcement and creating a social atmosphere help motivate participation.”
11. Can you explain a time when you had to deal with a difficult colleague?
Answer:
Situation: A colleague and I disagreed on activity planning.
Task: Maintain professionalism and collaborative workflow.
Action: I discussed the issue calmly, sought compromise, and focused on residents’ needs.
Result: We implemented a successful activity schedule that satisfied both of us and improved teamwork.
12. How do you ensure activities are inclusive?
Answer:
“I consider residents’ abilities, sensory impairments, and personal interests. Activities are adapted to ensure everyone can participate comfortably, fostering a sense of belonging.”
13. What would you do if a resident refused to take part in activities repeatedly?
Answer:
“I would explore reasons behind their reluctance, offer alternative activities, and respect their choice while gently encouraging social engagement. Persistence with patience often helps.”
14. Describe a situation where you improved a resident’s day through an activity.
Answer:
Situation: A resident felt isolated and unmotivated.
Task: Encourage social interaction.
Action: I introduced them to a small craft group, paired with friendly residents.
Result: They became more engaged, built friendships, and looked forward to sessions weekly.
15. How do you keep up with best practices in care and activities?
Answer:
“I attend training, read care journals, and participate in workshops. Continuous professional development ensures I can offer creative, evidence-based activities to residents.”
16. What skills make you a good Well-being & Activities Assistant?
Answer:
“Empathy, patience, creativity, communication, and organisational skills are essential. The ability to adapt activities to residents’ needs and foster a positive atmosphere is crucial.”
17. Tell me about a time you had to prioritise tasks under pressure.
Answer:
Situation: Multiple residents required one-to-one support while an activity session was scheduled.
Task: Ensure all needs were met safely.
Action: I delegated simple tasks, reorganised the schedule, and focused on residents needing extra support.
Result: All residents received attention, and the activity ran smoothly.
18. How do you track residents’ progress in activities?
Answer:
“I keep records of attendance, participation levels, and feedback. Regular reviews help me adapt future activities to residents’ changing needs.”
19. How do you handle feedback from residents or families?
Answer:
“I listen attentively, acknowledge concerns, and implement improvements where possible. Feedback is invaluable for maintaining high standards of care.”
20. What would you do if a resident became aggressive during an activity?
Answer:
“I would remain calm, ensure safety for all, and remove potential triggers. After de-escalation, I would review the activity plan and consult colleagues or supervisors for strategies.”
21. How do you maintain motivation in repetitive activities?
Answer:
“I vary formats, introduce themed weeks, and involve residents in planning. Keeping activities dynamic helps sustain interest.”
22. Can you give an example of a successful activity you organised?
Answer:
Situation: Organising a reminiscence day.
Task: Engage residents with memories from their youth.
Action: Collected old photographs, music, and memorabilia.
Result: Residents were highly engaged, sharing stories and forming connections, leaving staff pleased with outcomes.
23. Why is teamwork important in this role?
Answer:
“Activities rely on collaboration with care staff. Effective communication ensures residents’ needs are met and activities run safely and enjoyably.”
24. Do you have experience supporting residents with specific health conditions?
Answer:
“Yes, I have worked with residents with dementia, mobility limitations, and mental health challenges, adapting activities to be safe, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone.”
25. Do you have any questions for us?
Use this opportunity to show engagement and interest.
Answer Examples:
“What are the most successful activities you’ve seen implemented here?”
“How does Avery Healthcare support professional development for Well-being & Activities Assistants?”
Interview Coaching Tips and Encouragement
Approaching your Avery Healthcare interview with confidence is crucial. Use the STAR method for competency questions, always express empathy, and demonstrate your organisational and creative skills. Remember: interviewers are not just looking for technical knowledge—they want a friendly, patient, and enthusiastic individual who can positively impact residents’ lives.
Do’s:
Prepare examples using STAR.
Dress smartly and maintain good eye contact.
Show enthusiasm for the role.
Research Avery Healthcare values and culture.
Practice common questions with an interview coach or through interview coaching online.
Don’ts:
Speak negatively about previous employers.
Overlook residents’ needs in your answers.
Be unprepared or vague in responses.
Forget to ask thoughtful questions at the end.
Remember, successful job interview preparation is about practice, confidence, and clarity. Consider booking professional interview training sessions to refine your responses and delivery. A qualified interview coach can guide you, simulate interviews, and provide personalised feedback, ensuring you leave a strong impression.
To take your preparation further, you can access professional interview coaching services, schedule interview coaching online, and receive tailored guidance to secure your Well-being & Activities Assistant role at Avery Healthcare.
Book a one-on-one session with a professional interview coach today at Interview Training and give yourself the best chance at success!
