Activities Assistant

Activities Coordinator – Memory CarePosition: Activities Coordinator – Memory CareDepartment: Resident Services / ActivitiesReports To: Executive DirectorEmployment Type: Full-TimeCommunity: Wholehearted Senior LivingPosition SummaryThe Activities Coordinator is responsible for planning, organizing, and leading meaningful daily activities and engagement opportunities for residents living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other cognitive impairments.This position plays an important role in supporting residents’ quality of life by providing structured, purposeful, and enjoyable activities that promote socialization, cognitive stimulation, physical movement, emotional well-being, independence, and connection.The Activities Coordinator is expected to understand that residents in Memory Care may have different cognitive and physical abilities and must adapt activities accordingly. Programs should focus not only on entertainment, but also on maintaining abilities, encouraging participation, reducing isolation, and creating positive daily routines for residents.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesActivity Planning and ProgrammingDevelop and maintain a monthly activities calendar specifically designed for Memory Care residents.Plan and conduct daily individual and group activities based on residents’ interests, abilities, life histories, and levels of cognitive function.Provide a variety of programming, including cognitive, physical, social, sensory, spiritual, recreational, and creative activities.Incorporate music, arts and crafts, games, exercise, reminiscence activities, sensory stimulation, gardening, cooking activities, movies, celebrations, and other appropriate programs.Create activities for residents at different stages of dementia, including residents who may not be able to participate in traditional group activities.Provide one-on-one engagement for residents who are unable or unwilling to participate in group programs.Maintain a structured daily routine while remaining flexible based on residents’ needs and behaviors.Resident EngagementActively encourage residents to participate in activities without forcing participation.Spend time engaging residents throughout the day, including outside of scheduled activities.Learn residents’ personal histories, previous occupations, hobbies, interests, preferences, and routines to create meaningful experiences.Modify activities based on residents’ physical limitations, cognitive abilities, mood, and level of participation.Recognize changes in resident behavior or condition and communicate concerns to appropriate management or clinical staff.Promote dignity, independence, choice, and respect during all resident interactions.Use appropriate dementia communication and redirection techniques when residents experience confusion, anxiety, agitation, or other behaviors.Memory Care ProgrammingDevelop dementia-friendly activities that support residents at different stages of cognitive decline.Incorporate reminiscence and life-story-based programming whenever appropriate.Provide sensory activities for residents with advanced dementia.Use music, familiar objects, photographs, movement, and other techniques to encourage memory and emotional connection.Create opportunities for residents to participate in purposeful activities such as folding towels, gardening, setting tables, sorting items, decorating, or other familiar tasks.Assist in creating an environment that is engaging, calm, safe, and appropriate for individuals living with dementia.Events and Family EngagementCoordinate holiday celebrations, birthdays, special events, themed activities, and community events.Encourage family participation in appropriate resident activities and events.Assist with family-focused programs and Memory Care educational or support events when requested.Coordinate with hospice providers, home health agencies, volunteers, churches, schools, entertainers, and other community partners who may provide appropriate resident programming.Help create opportunities that strengthen connections between residents, families, staff, and the surrounding community.QualificationsHigh school diploma or GED required.Previous experience working with seniors strongly preferred.Experience working with individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia strongly preferred.Previous experience in activities, recreation, caregiving, senior living, assisted living, Memory Care, healthcare, or a related field preferred.Must demonstrate patience, compassion, creativity, initiative, and strong communication skills.Ability to communicate effectively with residents who may have limited verbal communication or cognitive impairment.Ability to organize multiple activities, events, and responsibilities.Comfortable leading both small and large group activities.Must be dependable, punctual, professional, and able to work independently.Must be comfortable working in a Memory Care environment and responding appropriately to dementia-related behaviors.Must be able to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.Physical RequirementsThe employee must be able to:Stand and walk for extended periods.Bend, reach, push, pull, and perform other physical movements necessary to conduct activities.Assist with moving activity equipment, tables, chairs, and supplies.Assist residents with mobility within the scope of training and community policy.Perform duties throughout different areas of the community, including indoor and outdoor activity spaces.Schedule ExpectationsThe Activities Coordinator must be flexible based on resident programming and community needs. The position may require occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, family events, or special community events.Performance ExpectationsThe Activities Coordinator is expected to maintain an active and engaging environment throughout the community. Successful performance includes consistent programming, resident participation, creativity, organization, positive interaction with residents, effective communication with staff and families, and the ability to adapt programming to the changing needs of Memory Care residents.The goal of this position is to create meaningful moments throughout each resident’s day and ensure that activities contribute to their emotional, cognitive, physical, social, and overall quality of life. #J-18808-Ljbffr Paycom - ATS