Activities Assistant

Date posted: 16 September 2026Pay: £12.71 per hourJob Description:We are nit offering Sponsorship or VisaLocation: Elmcroft Care HomeHours: 18 hours per weekWeekend Working: Every other weekendRole: Activities AssistantReports to: Activities LeadExperience: Previous experience working with older people and people living with dementia is essential.About the RoleWe are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and creative Activities Assistant to join our friendly team at Elmcroft Care Home.The Activities Assistant will work under the direction and guidance of the Activities Lead, supporting the planning and delivery of a varied programme of meaningful activities for our residents.The successful candidate will have a genuine passion for working with older people and people living with dementia and will be committed to providing person-centred activities that promote residents wellbeing, independence, social interaction and quality of life.Key ResponsibilitiesWork closely with and under the direction of the Activities Lead to deliver the homes activities programme.Support the Activities Lead with planning, preparing and delivering daily activities.Follow the activities programme and guidance provided by the Activities Lead.Suggest new activity ideas and share residents interests and preferences with the Activities Lead.Encourage residents to participate in activities while respecting their individual choices and wishes.Provide activities suitable for people living with dementia and varying levels of ability.Get to know residents as individuals, including their life histories, hobbies, interests and previous occupations.Encourage social interaction and help residents build friendships and positive relationships.Support activities such as music, singing, arts and crafts, games, quizzes, gentle exercise, gardening, baking, reminiscence and themed events.Support outings, entertainment and community activities as required.Provide one-to-one activities and companionship for residents who prefer quieter activities or who may not wish to attend group sessions.Adapt activities so that residents with physical, sensory or cognitive difficulties can participate.Encourage residents who may be reluctant to leave their rooms and offer suitable engagement within their rooms.Help create a welcoming, positive and stimulating atmosphere within the home.Support the Activities Lead with special events, celebrations, relatives events and community activities.Work alongside care staff and other members of the team to ensure activities complement residents individual care and support needs.Observe and report residents responses, preferences, mood or any changes in behaviour to the Activities Lead or appropriate senior member of staff.Complete activity records and documentation as required by the Activities Lead.Maintain confidentiality and follow all relevant care home policies and procedures.Promote dignity, choice, independence, equality and respect at all times.Attend meetings, training and supervision as required.Carry out any other reasonable activities-related duties as directed by the Activities Lead or management.Working with DementiaThe successful applicant must have previous experience working with people living with dementia and understand the importance of:Patience and reassurance.Person-centred communication.Reminiscence and meaningful engagement.Recognising individual preferences and triggers.Supporting residents without putting pressure on them.Adapting activities to suit different abilities.Promoting independence and choice.Recognising changes in mood, behaviour or wellbeing and reporting concerns appropriately.Essential RequirementsPrevious experience working with older people.Previous experience working with people living with dementia.A genuine interest in supporting older people and improving their quality of life.Caring, patient, compassionate and understanding nature.Good communication and listening skills.Creative and enthusiastic approach to activities.Ability to work effectively under the direction of the Activities Lead.Ability to work as part of a wider care team.Reliable, flexible and committed to working every other weekend.Ability to support residents with different abilities and levels of independence.Understanding of person-centred care, dignity, choice and respect.The Person We Are Looking ForWe are looking for someone who is kind, caring, patient, enthusiastic and creative.Someone who understands that activities are not simply about keeping residents busy, but about creating purpose, enjoyment, memories, friendships and meaningful moments.You should be happy to get involved - whether that means singing along to a favourite song, joining in with a game, helping with an art project, dancing with residents, supporting an outing or simply sitting and having a meaningful conversation with someone.You will work closely with the Activities Lead, supporting their plans while also bringing your own ideas, personality, and enthusiasm to the role.Most importantly, you should have a genuine desire to make a positive difference to the lives of our residents.Hours18 hours per weekThe successful candidate will be required to work every other weekend, alongside their agreed weekday hours.Reporting StructureThe Activities Assistant will:Report directly to and work under the direction and guidance of the Activities Lead.The Activities Lead will provide guidance regarding the activities programme, residents individual interests and needs, activity planning, documentation and day-to-day activities responsibilities.The Activities Assistant will also work collaboratively with the care team, management, residents and their families to promote meaningful engagement and wellbeing.What We OfferA friendly and supportive working environment.The opportunity to make a genuine difference to residents lives.A varied and rewarding role.Support and guidance from the Activities Lead.Opportunities to develop dementia-care and activity skills.The opportunity to become part of a team that values person-centred care and meaningful engagement.If you are passionate about working with older people, have experience supporting people living with dementia, enjoy being creative and want to make every day meaningful for our residents, we would love to hear from you.Benefits:Company pensionFree parkingOn-site parkingWork authorisation:United Kingdom (required)Location:Maldon CM9 8JX (required)Work Location: In person,Activities Assistant | Elmcroft Care Home Abbey Healthcare Maldon CM9 8JX | £12.71 per hour