Memory Care Leader

LifeSpire of Virginia is seeking a Memory Care Leader to support our Newport News community, The Chesapeake.

Join us at The Chesapeake where we impact lives and build careers!

Can you see yourself working on a beautiful "cruise ship on land - a luxury retirement community"?

At The Chesapeake in Newport News, Virginia, residents receive gracious hospitality and exquisite service from a caring and committed team who know they make a difference in the work they perform. Our mission is to empower individuals with choices in purposeful living built on values of faith, servant leadership, stewardship, integrity, peace of mind, innovation and joy.

General Overview:

The Cornerstone Leader is responsible for the proper execution and monitoring of all components of the Cornerstone program. The Cornerstone program will ensure the general well-being of the memory care residents through the delivery of high-quality services that complies with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. This Leader will exhibit a passion for serving seniors while contributing to the positive, holistic environment in which our residents call home.

The Cornerstone Leader is responsible for the Cornerstone Memory Support Program which serves as the model of care utilized by LifeSpire Communities. The Leader will ensure residents are cared for holistically using self-directed living and that the resident experience is supported by the program's seven guiding principles: compassionate, trained team members; vibrancy; meaningful relationships; ability-focused; LifeStory; resident/family engagement; and comfortable, familiar home. The Leader will ensure a holistic approach is used by serving as a liaison between all care members - resident, family members, nurses, nursing assistants, therapists (all disciplines such as physical, occupational, and speech), physicians, mental health consultants, dietitians, and programming / activity assistants/coordinators - and others as needed by the resident.

The Cornerstone Leader is responsible for the delivery of services to the residents of the memory support neighborhood in conjunction with the Assisted Living Administrator and Nurse Supervisor.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the Mission, Values and Vision of LifeSpire of Virginia, The Chesapeake, and the Cornerstone Program. Primary liaison between residents, families, and team members.
• Implement and monitor each component of the Cornerstone Program based on the guiding principles listed above.
• Ensures completion of the LifeStory by family members - assists families with completion.
• Communicates and utilizes the information gathered in the LifeStory to develop a personalized approach to care and programming. Responsible for assisting the team to develop a plan of care which fully captures the individual needs of the residents.
• Actively involved in the hiring of team members who serve in the memory care neighborhood as directed by the AL Administrator.
• Provides initial training regarding Cornerstone to all new team members and provides/coordinates training of team members per the community training plan regarding the memory care neighborhood. Provide "on the spot" training to address issues that arise and require training and direction of team members.
• Works closely with all disciplines to ensure compliance with the program.
• Develops, or ensures development of, program offerings which meet the needs of residents, covering all stages of dementia/Alzheimers Disease. Work with MC Nurse Manager to plan, implement, coordinate, and evaluate a program of therapeutic recreational activities for the resident population, including weekends and evenings that is engaging and exciting for residents and families.
• Meets with the culinary team members/registered dietitian to review menu, times of meals provided, and other nutritional needs of residents to ensure personalization.
• Coordinates with outside organizations to develop partnerships that enhance resident experiences and programs.
• In conjunction with the AL Administrator, or designee, conducts pre-admission assessments.
• Assumes the lead in regards to move ins - assist family members prior to move in to determine plan for transition - present during time of move in - coordinates all aspects of the move in conjunction with the AL Administrator, designee - point person on move in day for the family and all departments. Follow up with family member post move in - i.e. call within 24 hours of move in with update.
• Coordinates level of care transfers as needed.
• In conjunction with Assisted Living Administrator to Develop and maintain ISPs, UAIs, Fall, and Risk assessments for all memory care residents, to include resident centered programming. Identify trends in resident care and develop plans for corrective action as needed.
• Lead monthly care meetings with families and interdisciplinary team. Responsible for follow up from issues discussed at the meetings and for communication with family the interventions and/or changes made as a result of the meeting.
• Participate in resident programming, ensuring all team members are engaged.
• Responsible for maintaining communication with family members.
• Attend care plan meetings when resident is in SNF to assist with transition back to the memory neighborhood.
• Responsible for regular, consistent environmental rounds (as determined by community) to ensure the neighborhood and resident apartment homes promote comfort, security, and safety - that living spaces are personalized and that the neighborhood features areas that are set up for engagement in the kitchen, garden, and other areas that encourage purposeful, meaningful moments for residents.
• Responsible for implementation of federal/state regulations through Department of Social Services and other governing agencies and community policies and procedures in the Cornerstone neighborhood.
• Responsible for development and/or revision of Cornerstone policies and procedures.
• Commit to maintaining professional competence through participation in continuing education.
• Follows all personnel policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook and subsequent publications and notices (including policies on breaks, meal periods, and PTO time).
• Maintains thorough job knowledge and understanding of:

• Job description
• Residents' rights
• Fire and disaster plan
• Problem solving procedures
• Community Policy and Procedure Manuals such as Administrative, Infection Control, Quality Assurance and Performance Improvide (QAPI), and Cornerstone Manuals.
• Standards for Assisted Living and Memory Support

• Maintain a calming space for residents who become overstimulated to ensure peaceful environment can be enjoyed by residents as well as visitors.
• Always maintains a professional appearance and attitude and is available to family members for questions, concerns, and comments.
• Coordinate Alzheimer walk and other social accountability related events
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Related degree or experience in the memory care field - Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, recreational therapy, occupational therapy, social work, behavioral health, Bachelor's Degree in related field
• 2 years experience providing services for residents with cognitive impairment and/or leading a memory care or assisted living neighborhood preferred
• Knowledge of the disease process, the changes associated with dementia illness, how they affect the residents' ability to function and the adaptive strategies that help maintain residents' abilities
• Possess strong leadership qualities - smile and show love
• Possess strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to problem solve and address challenging resident behaviors
• Ability to effectively supervise a diverse employee work group
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• High degree of interpersonal relations skills and capability of effectively relating to a variety of people and personalities. Ability to maintain a positive, constructive attitude among staff and between departments
• Certified Dementia Practitioner (Within 3 months of hire)