Memory Care Activity Aide

JOB SUMMARY

• The Memory Care Assistant Director assists the Memory Care Director in the initial and continual development and monitoring of the holistic, therapeutic, person-centered Memory Care Program on the Memory Care Unit. The Memory Care Assistant Director will achieve and maintain the highest quality of life for each resident with a diagnosis of a disease that causes dementia residing in or under the care of the facility. Additionally, the Memory Care Assistant Director will continuously develop and maintain the evidenced-based, therapeutic programs and activities that the memory care residents engage in daily.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent with three years of full-time experience in activities, OR;
• Associates degree or two-year degree in Recreational Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Education, Social Services or equivalent, with two years of full-time experience in activities OR;
• Preferred Bachelor’s degree or four-year degree in Recreational Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Education, Social Services or equivalent, with one year of full-time experience in activities.
• Have at least six months of experience working with persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
• Must have the sincere desire to work with the memory care population.
• Prefer to have completed the 36 Hour Activity Director Course certificate and a certified course in dementia care; if the candidate does not have a CTRS, OTR/L, LSW or LCSW, then the candidate must be able to complete the 36 Hour Basic Activity course (with requirements to be registered within 90 days of employment and completed by 180 days of employment).
• Have knowledge and confidence to effectively express the Memory Care Program to the community, other health care professionals, outside professional organizations, senior services, any other provider or professional in the community and potential families and residents.
• Possess knowledge, confidence, and the ability to apply that knowledge to deal effectively with this population.
• Have the willingness to learn how to effectively communicate this disease process to managers, direct care staff, families, etc.
• Possess the ability to guide and direct staff in therapeutic approaches effective with the dementia population on an ongoing basis.

• Have the ability to make independent decisions in the best interest of residents, staff, and families.
• Possess the qualities of empathy, compassion, understanding, enthusiasm, and humor in order to effectively interact with residents, families, and staff.
• Understand and be able to manage emotional needs of yourself and the staff.
• Have knowledge and the ability to develop and maintain effective memory care programming on the unit.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have the willingness to drive the Alden bus for outings, etc.; and
• Must be able to read, write and speak in English.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with the residents, family members, personnel, and support.
• Must be in good health.
• Must be able to relate and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people.
• Must be able to handle the emotional complexities of the disease process of dementia and end-of life experiences.
• May be required to lift equipment, supplies, and occasionally move furniture; and
• Is aware of being subjected to exposure of infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including exposure to HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis B virus.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Commit to continued growth as a knowledgeable and experienced co-leader in the area of Alzheimer’s dementia and other diseases that cause dementia.
• Participate in interviews, disciplinary actions, and performance appraisals as they relate to the memory care aides of the Memory Care Program.
• Coordinate and maintain Memory Care Aides schedules with a team approach and continuity of care; work to maintain a consistent schedule.
• Directly supervise all Memory Care Aides and volunteers on the unit.
• Commit to obtaining at least 12 hours of continual education annually for self and the Memory Care Aides. Assist the Memory Care Director in developing and conducting dementia care specific staff trainings, including the required 16 hours of orientation training and any other ongoing dementia care specific trainings for direct care staff; assist in conducting at least monthly in-service training throughout the year; and assist in maintaining initial 4- hour dementia care training with ALL facility staff.
• Assist and participate in the marketing initiatives for promotion of the Memory Care Program. Develop and maintain marketing collateral and communication with all appropriate area organizations, healthcare services, and other professionals.
• Oversee and conduct initial and all on-going comprehensive activity assessments and MDS/CAA assessments, including, but not limited to, the following areas: social, spiritual, level of functioning, communication, activity/leisure, amongst others. The information gathered will be used to create a holistic, therapeutic, person-centered memory care program.
• Assess, create, implement, and maintain any communication needs of residents, such as language services, communication boards, assistive devices, etc. Educate residents, family and staff utilizing these mechanisms to provide ample communication.
• Become knowledgeable of each individual resident’s background, life history, disease, medical and behavioral care needs, and preferences in detail to develop and ensure an appropriate person-centered plan of care.
• Continuously communicate with family members. Document all pertinent communications between family and staff.
• Develop and maintain a therapeutic, person-centered memory care activity program that constantly strives to enhance the quality of life of each resident, meets the Memory Care Program Mission and Philosophy, and upholds the Memory Care policies and procedures and all state and federal standards. Assess and monitor both group and 1:1 activity programming.
• Complete and monitor all required activity participation documentation.
• Assist in conducting the Family Orientation Program. Provide continuous training to families as needed. Encourage family involvement through volunteering and visitation.
• Manage monthly Family Council Meetings. Follow-up timely on any concerns brought forth.
• Provide emotional, caring support to residents, families, and the inter-disciplinary team.
• Provide a clean, safe, non-hazardous unit for the residents and staff; conduct ongoing environmental rounds to uphold a home-like and safe atmosphere.
• Assist in maintaining an individualized symptom management tracking system as needed per resident, including development and maintenance of individualized, non-pharmacological interventions implemented. Analyze data derived from this system to alter how to manage symptoms that will be best for resident care. Provide leadership through modeling and training on individualized symptom management.
• Provide psycho-social programming in conjunction with the Memory Care group and 1:1 programming, as assessed as appropriate for residents.
• Assist with aspects of the Psychotropic Medication Program as it relates to the population on the Memory Care Unit and the facility, if needed.
• Assist with involvement in Accidents and Incidents process, in conjunction with the inter-disciplinary team to determine root cause, create in-services, develop processes, and/or develop care plans that will decrease accident/incident occurrences.
• Conduct audits on aspects of the Memory Care Program/unit monthly to quarterly to maintain a successful and compliant program.
• Be a presence and leader on the floor. Lead by example.
• Participate in the complaint/inquiry process, as it relates to the facility.
• Complete all required documentation.
• Maintain all program policies and procedures and state and federal regulations.
• Provide feedback to the Memory Care Director for monitoring achievement of the facility and Memory Care Program goals through a team approach.
• Be flexible to meet the change in residents’ needs. We need to adapt to their needs rather than expecting them to adapt to our needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.