Caregiver

Job Summary:

This is an essential position which directly impacts the quality of life of each resident. Responsibilities include but are not limited to delivering personal care to residents, serving meals and snacks, assisting with activities and housekeeping as assigned. Care Manager focuses on maintaining an environment for socialization and independence. All actions must display respect for residents, family members and staff.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $ 21.00 per hour based on skills and experience. This position is non-exempt and overtime eligible.

Responsibilities :

- Ensure that the attainment of Victory Housing Mission Statement takes precedence over all decisions and actions.

- Adhere to all Victory Housing policies and procedures, COMAR 10.07.14 regulations as well as County, State and Federal guidelines including by limited to DOH, CDC, CMS and OSHA.

- At all times, implement universal precautions and infectious disease control protocols. Wears assigned PPE appropriately per policy and as requested.

- Complete all assigned training including initial orientation, COMAR 10.07.14 requirements, monthly in-services, HIPAA, VHI required personal care and skills modules. Participates in required safety and disaster drills as assigned and mandated.

- Provide personal care needs, emotional support, and social stimulation to residents.

- Utilize Eldermark platform to adhere to assigned resident service delivery and daily tasks. Document completion of tasks utilizing assigned IPAD.

- Assist residents according to ISP and Care Tracker. All care is to be delivered unique to each resident, accounting for their preferences, abilities, and expectations. Services include but not limited to, the following:

- Shower/Bath as assigned

- Dress, or assist with dressing (or undressing), using clean clothing

- Brush hair; apply make- up

- Brush teeth; clean dentures

- Assist with shaving

- Assist with toileting and remind, as needed

- Assist Resident with making bed or make the bed for them, if necessary, daily

- Perform housekeeping tasks in the resident's suite as needed, i.e., emptying trash, cleaning toilet or sink, putting clothes away, etc. Be sure the room is tidy and the floors are clutter free.

- Toilet all residents as assigned and/or needed. Indicate in Eldermark the completion of each toileting task. Document any unusual behavior in the Progress Notes and notify the Health, Wellness RN/LPN/Coordinator.

- Serve meals in the dining room with the utmost attention to hospitality and customer service. If required, deliver meals on a well-appointed tray to resident in their suite.

Responsibilities in the dining room include:

- Wheelchairs are not permitted in dining room. Residents are to be walked to dining room table and assisted into their chair.

- Set tables according to posted diagram. Make sure all condiments, butter, creamers, jellies are on each table.

- Have beverage stand prepared and ready to pour

- Have tray stands strategically placed in the dining room and ready to serve from per Victory Housing policies and procedures

- Check to guarantee all residents are in dining room prior to starting meal service; locate and assist residents to dining room as necessary.

- Assist in serving meals according to serving pattern or assigned tables. Greet residents and request their choice and portion size for the meal.

- All meals are to be served at safe and allowable temperature, covered and in compliance with safe food handling practices.

- Be available to bring seconds if requested or to assist with individual needs such as cutting of meat.

- Offer beverage refills throughout each meal. Hydration is critical.

- Clear dishes as residents finish each course.

- Offer diabetic desserts if appropriate.

- Assist with clean-up after meals:

- Vacuum, sweep or mop the dining room based on floor type within 30 minutes of last resident in dining room

- Clean chairs after each seating

- Maintain and Restock Victory Drink, Snack and Laugh Station

- Check station every two (2) hours

- Clean/Sanitize as needed

- Bring dirty cups, glasses, and plates to the kitchen every two (2) hours

- Remove trash as needed

- Prepare coffee and tea so that it is always available for residents and guests.

- Always have available the assigned fresh snack.

- Always have clean glasses and plates available.

- Announce to residents and gather them for all activities. Create a fun and exciting environment fostering participation. Bring residents that need assistance to activities.

- Lead and participate in daily activities as assigned, encourage Residents to participate in activities.

- Answer help and call bells within 3 minutes maximum and take appropriate action.

- Assist in answering incoming telephone calls in a professional manner and write down a message with all important details (name, phone number and nature of inquiry).

- When applicable, place soiled clothing in laundry bag. Wash any clothing that needs immediate attention.

- Assist residents with physical support as needed. This may include assisting with ambulation, assisting from the floor after a fall, assisting from the bed or bath (or shower), assisting onto or off the toilet, assisting residents to evacuate during an emergency, etc. Note, wheelchairs are to be used on a limited basis as directed by PT/OT. Victory Housing embraces independence and dignity, not teaching dependence for convenience and time saving measures.

- Document legibly in English appropriate information in Communication Log. Read and certify by signing and dating, the Communication Log before each shift commences.

- Perform individualized one on one activities and services for Residents as assigned and as time allows such as reading, writing letters, etc.

- Teach and encourage self-care and independence whenever possible in coordination and direction by the Health, Wellness, Delegating RN/LPN/Coordinator.

- Provide encouragement for social interaction with other Residents, family members, or staff.

- Perform special duties as assigned such as cleaning laundry rooms, storage closets, etc.

- Ensure a safe environment by following safety procedures for:

- lifting and transferring

- smoking

- fire and disaster

- report of unsafe and/or unsanitary conditions

- completing accident reports when appropriate

- storage of chemicals

- following proper infection control techniques

- assisting housekeeping personnel as needed

- reporting any equipment malfunction to appropriate party.

- Maintain good public relations through positive and professional attitude at all times.

- Work closely with your co-workers to support the team. Maintain a happy and supportive atmosphere through music, smiles and a helping hand.

- Perform other tasks as assigned by supervisor.

- Attend monthly Staff Meetings and scheduled training sessions.

Job Qualifications:

One year of experience in caring for geriatric residents. Training and experience as a certified nurse aide preferred. Team player with good communication skills, caring attitude and genuine concern for seniors required. Must speak, read, and write in English. Must be current on all vaccinations including COVID- 19 and receive CDC recommended booster doses.