Memory Care Activities Assistant

Assisted Living Memory Care Activities Assistant

Location: Calvin Community – Des Moines, Iowa
Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; one weekend per month required

Position Summary:

Calvin Community, a not-for-profit senior living community located in the heart of Des Moines' Beaverdale neighborhood, is seeking a compassionate, creative, and energetic Memory Care Activities Assistant to join our Assisted Living Memory Care team. Our mission is to serve older adults in a caring faith-based community that supports their physical, social, spiritual, and psychological well-being.

The Memory Care Activities Assistant plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for residents living with Alzheimer's disease, Dementia, and other cognitive impairments. This position helps create meaningful daily experiences that promote engagement, preserve dignity, encourage social interaction, and support residents' emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Activity Director to plan and implement specialized memory care programming.
• Lead group and one-on-one activities designed to stimulate cognitive function, encourage socialization, and promote resident well-being.
• Adapt activities to meet the individual abilities, interests, and needs of residents with memory loss.
• Build meaningful relationships with residents through daily engagement and person-centered interactions.
• Assist with themed events, sensory activities, life-enrichment programs, and community celebrations.
• Create and display seasonal, holiday, and themed decorations within the Memory Care community as directed.
• Maintain accurate daily documentation of resident participation and activity attendance.
• Communicate effectively with nursing staff and other team members to ensure residents receive individualized support and encouragement.
• Foster a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment that promotes resident dignity and quality of life.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Preferred degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, Gerontology, Human Services, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of six (6) months of experience working with older adults.
• Experience in memory care, dementia care, assisted living, long-term care, or related settings is preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Understanding of dementia and person-centered care principles.
• Experience working with an elderly population, particularly individuals with memory loss.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Experience using iPads and tablets.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Dependable with the ability to maintain a regular work schedule.
• Demonstrates patience, compassion, creativity, enthusiasm, and a cheerful disposition when interacting with residents, families, and coworkers.
• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and supportive in a dynamic care environment.

Benefits:

• Competitive pay.
• Discounted employee meals.
• Professional growth and advancement opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including vacation and sick pay.

About Calvin Community:

Calvin Community proudly provides high-quality, compassionate services in independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, long-term care, and memory support. We are dedicated to helping residents experience health, security, happiness, and a strong sense of community while honoring each person's unique life story and abilities.

Since 1965, Calvin Community’s success can be attributed to its mission: to provide, on a non-profit basis, services to older adults in a caring, Christian community designed to meet their physical, social spiritual and psychological needs and contribute to their health, security and happiness.