Memory Care Coordinator (RN/LPN) Registered Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Memory Care Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and supporting the facility’s Memory Care Program for residents with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other cognitive impairments. This role blends clinical oversight, staff education, resident assessment, and program development to ensure safe, compassionate, person-centered, and effective care.

The Memory Care Coordinator works collaboratively with nursing staff, therapy services, activities personnel, physicians, residents, and families to promote quality of life, preserve resident dignity, and support positive clinical outcomes. This position serves as a resource and advocate for dementia care best practices throughout the facility.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK: Works in both office and in-unit setting, often with residents, staff and visitors (0800 – 1630 or 0900 – 1730 per facility requirements) May work evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet resident’s needs.

(Hours may vary. Shawnee Gardens reserves the rights to adjust schedule, including weekends and holidays, as necessary to support facility operations and resident care) Potential position types include (at the company’s discretion):

• Full Time (a full-time employee is typically scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week in a regular work assignment.)

• Part Time (a part-time employee is typically scheduled to work at least 15 hours per week in a regular work assignment, but less than 30 hours)

• Per Diem (a per diem employee does not have a regular schedule or regular work assignment).

RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Resident Assessment and Care Planning:

• Assess residents’ cognitive, physical, psychosocial, and behavioral needs.

• Participate in development, implementation, and review of individualized care plans.

• Monitor resident progress and recommend care plan revisions as appropriate.

• Assist in identifying behavioral triggers and implementing non-pharmacological interventions.

• Attend and actively participate in resident care conferences and/or family meetings as needed.

• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive resident care.

• Participate in the facility’s on-call rotation schedule with the nursing leadership team.

Clinical Oversight and Memory Care Coordination:

• Support the delivery of evidence-based dementia and Alzheimer’s care practices.

• Monitor the effectiveness of memory care interventions and resident outcomes.

• Promote resident-centered approaches that maintain dignity, independence, and quality of life.

• Assist nursing staff with behavior management strategies and dementia-related challenges.

• Serve as a resource for memory care best practices throughout the facility.

Program Development and Resident Engagement:

• Coordinate memory care programming and meaningful engagement activities designed for residents with cognitive impairments.

• Collaborate with Activities and Therapy Departments to develop individualized and group programs.

• Encourage participation in activities that promote socialization, cognitive stimulation, and emotional well-being.

• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend enhancements to meet resident needs.

• Serve as a resource for families regarding memory care services and dementia-related concerns.

• Provide education and support to family members regarding disease progression and care approaches.

• Foster positive relationships between residents, families, and care teams.

Provision of Direct Patient Care:

• Administers medications and performs treatments per physician orders;

• Communicates pertinent data to RN and/or physician;

• Documents accurately and thoroughly;

• Consults and seek guidance from the RN as necessary;

• At the direction of the RN, participate in Utilization Management or Interdisciplinary Care Management Meeting to facilitate appropriate discharge planning:

o   5.1 Communicates team’s recommendations for discharge to the attending physician, patient and family;

o   5.2 Prepares patient/family for discharge including patient and family education;

Monitors patient care provided by unlicensed staff:

• Assigns duties as specified by State Nurse Practice Act, Genesis policy, and staff training;

• Communicates patient information with unlicensed staff during and between shifts;

• Monitors, evaluates and follows-up on assigned responsibilities of unlicensed staff;

• Ensures that assigned tasks are performed in accordance with policies and procedures;

• Uses Point Click Care (PCC) according to the Business Processes;

• Performs drug count when beginning and ending shift and whenever necessary;

• Assists physician in rounds and examination of patients, as needed;

• Participates in shift-to-shift communication between incoming and outgoing nursing staff;

• Collaborates and coordinates with other departments to provide timely effective care consistent with individual’s needs, choices and preferences;

• Contributes to an environment that is respectful, team-oriented, and responsive to the concerns of staff, patients and families;

• Enhance nursing practice by attending all mandated in-service programs;

• Assists with the orientation of newly hired nursing staff;

• Promotes a culture of safety to ensure a healthy practice and living environment;

• Maintains confidentiality and protects sensitive Protected Health Information (PHI) at all times;

• Stays and works beyond scheduled shift if needed to meet state staffing requirements and/or needs of patients;

• Performs other duties as requested.

SPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL/VOCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduate of an approved school for practical or vocational nursing is required.

• Must be currently licensed by the State Board of Nursing.

• Minimum one to three years of experience in long-term care, skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, or related healthcare setting.

• Experience working with residents diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias preferred.

• Current CPR certification is required.

• Dementia Care Certification preferred or willingness to obtain.

• This position requires that the employee is able to read, write, speak and understand the spoken English language to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our patients and visitors at the work site when responding to their medical and physical needs.

• Must provide verification of TST (tuberculin skin test) as required by state law and in accordance with Company policy. TSTs will be administered at the work site if required.