Memory Care Activity Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Memory Care Activity Assistant supports the Activity Director in planning and providing meaningful, engaging, and safe activities for residents living with dementia and other cognitive impairments. The Activity Assistant helps create a positive environment that promotes socialization, cognitive stimulation, physical movement, emotional well-being, and quality of life while respecting each resident’s individual abilities, interests, preferences, and care needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, organizing, and facilitating daily and group activities for memory care residents.

• Provide activities that promote cognitive stimulation, social interaction, creativity, movement, and emotional well-being.

• Adapt activities to accommodate residents with varying cognitive, physical, and functional abilities.

• Encourage resident participation while respecting each resident’s choices and right to decline participation.

• Assist residents with transportation to and from activities as needed.

• Provide one-on-one activities for residents who may not participate in group programs.

• Use reminiscence, music, arts and crafts, games, exercise, sensory activities, and other therapeutic recreational programs appropriate for the population.

• Maintain a calm, supportive, and structured environment.

• Monitor residents during activities and report changes in behavior, mood, or condition to the appropriate supervisor or nursing staff.

• Assist with planning birthday celebrations, holidays, special events, and resident-centered programs.

• Help maintain activity supplies, equipment, calendars, bulletin boards, and activity areas.

• Set up and clean up before and after activities.

• Encourage family involvement and support resident-centered activities when appropriate.

• Document resident participation and activity responses as required by facility policy.

• Communicate resident preferences, interests, and activity needs to the Activity Director and care team.

• Follow all infection prevention, safety, emergency, and facility policies.

• Maintain resident dignity, privacy, confidentiality, and personal rights at all times.

• Assist with other duties as assigned by the Activity Director or Administrator.

Memory Care Responsibilities

• Demonstrate patience, compassion, and understanding when working with residents experiencing memory loss or behavioral changes.

• Use redirection and reassurance when residents become confused, anxious, or agitated.

• Avoid confrontation and respond to residents in a respectful, supportive manner.

• Recognize individual triggers, preferences, and abilities when selecting activities.

• Support a consistent daily routine that helps residents feel secure and engaged.

• Report significant behavioral or mood changes to nursing staff promptly.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with older adults, dementia/memory care residents, recreation, activities, or healthcare preferred.

• Previous experience in a long-term care or skilled nursing facility is a plus.

• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, and coworkers.

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

• Ability to demonstrate patience, empathy, and professionalism.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and move throughout the facility.

• Ability to assist with activity setup and transport equipment and supplies.

• Ability to assist residents with activities in accordance with facility policy and within the employee’s training and scope of responsibility.

• Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment as required for the position.

Work Environment

• Primarily works in a memory care/long-term care setting.

• May be exposed to residents experiencing confusion, wandering, agitation, or other dementia-related behaviors.

• Must maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment for residents and staff.

• May be required to work weekends, holidays, and special events based on the facility’s activity schedule.

Compliance and Confidentiality

• Maintain resident confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and facility policy.

• Follow all applicable federal, state, local, and facility requirements.

• Complete required orientation, in-service education, and competency training.

• Follow infection prevention and control procedures.

• Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or unsafe conditions immediately according to facility policy and applicable requirements.

Performance Expectations

The Memory Care Activity Assistant is expected to demonstrate:

• Dependability and punctuality

• Professional conduct

• Compassion and respect for residents

• Effective communication

• Teamwork

• Creativity and initiative

• Accurate documentation

• Commitment to resident-centered care and quality of life

Acknowledgment:
This job description describes the general duties and responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties may be modified as needed to meet the operational and resident-care needs of the facility.