Memory Care Assistant Per Diem

Reports To: Lifestyle Director

Summary: The Memory Care Assistant is responsible for assisting the Memory Care Director & Coordinator with implementation of all programs and ensuring that it is therapeutic to the residents and maximizes their quality of life.

Essential Functions:

Customer Service Responsibilities

• Demonstrate requisite knowledge, skills and abilities consistent with the duties & responsibilities of this position.
• Provide outstanding customer service to all residents, family members, responsible persons, and visitors of residents in the community.
• Personable, reliable and a great communicator and team player.
• Able to relate professionally and positively to residents, incoming visitors and associates at all levels.
• Provide ongoing communication to the Memory Care Director regarding resident issues or concerns.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Memory Care Director.
• Attend Monthly All Associate meetings.

Care, Service Plans and Wellness

• Assist with ensuring, residents are all groomed and dressed properly and according to personal preferences (i.e.: jewelry, clothing style, etc.).

Therapeutic Recreation Program

• Lead activities appropriate for all levels of memory-impaired residents.
• Post monthly program calendars in designated locational as designed.
• Assist with resident special events at the community as needed.
• Assist with the completion of Staying Connected Form/Personal History Form for all residents in our memory care program.
• Assist with the coordination of WISH Program/Parallel activities with Resident Service Care team.
• Maintain all program supplies for recreation programs.

Dining Program

• Assist RSA's in setting up dining room tables with all needed utensils (including knives) and table clothes, cloth napkins, and centerpieces are in place.
• Provide assistance to residents in the dining room in an adult and dignified manner.
• Utilize show plates for residents to assist them in making menu choices prior to ordering.
• Utilize diet book as a reference when serving meals.
• Wear the DOH recommended grey barrio jackets during meals.

Compliance & Safety

• Follows emergency procedures.
• Understands and implements all safety practices and procedures.
• Will carry a walkie talkie with them at all times to assist with communication to all associates.
• Provide the MCD information about resident behaviors to assist with behavioral brainstorming meeting when requested.
• Utilize behavior logs for residents who have a history of aggression or agitation.

Communication

• Creative, energetic, enthusiastic, patient, flexible, encouraging, and team-oriented.
• Possess a sincere passion for working with our senior population.
• Displays patience, tact, enthusiasm and a cheerful disposition.
• Create a positive atmosphere with an engaging variety of activities.
• Promote Maplewood in a positive manner and effectively communicate the organizations values to residents, visitors, co-workers and the community.

Education/Experience/Licensure/Certification:

• An associate degree from an accredited college or university or satisfactory completion of two years of college, with major work in social work, nursing, psychology, gerontology or therapeutic recreation or related field, or two years of full-time experience in the recreation field with an adult population may be considered.
• Must possess a passion for working with seniors and improving their quality of life.
• Has a basic understanding of Alzheimer's and other dementia-related diseases is essential.
• Excellent communication, organization and time management skills.
• Basic typing skills and computer knowledge; familiarity with MS Word, Excel, Publisher and creative software.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be capable of using up to 50 pounds occasionally while lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, climb stairs and/or stepladders, push wheelchairs, stand, stoop, kneel, bend, or crouch, reach with hands arms, balance, lift and perform medium to the maximum transfer assists with residents.

Miscellaneous:

• Required to work weekends and holidays, as assigned.
• May be required to work on shifts other than the one for which hired.
• Subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc. including HIV, AIDS and Hepatitis B & C viruses.
• Could be subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents due to mental status.
• Background, criminal and drug test required.
• Could be asked to submit to random drug test during employment.