Memory Care Activities Assistant

Activities Assistant

Why The Kensington Reston? Because Our Promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own…and this extends to our team members too! Become part of a community that's driven by its unique core values: a Love for Seniors, Respect for Each Other, Passion for Excellence, and a Spirit to Serve.

Partner with us to find your path, grow your purpose, and expect the unexpected: deeper connections, better opportunities, and a stronger sense of belonging.

Schedule: Full-Time

Salary: $19-25/hr DOE

Summary

The Activities Assistant shall assist the Life Enrichment Manager with the development and delivery of a specialized memory care activities program designed to support residents living with dementia and cognitive impairment. The program focuses on enhancing each resident's physical, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, and psychosocial well-being through meaningful engagement, sensory experiences, therapeutic activities, and structured daily routines.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, developing, and implementing memory care activities specifically designed to enrich the lives of residents with cognitive impairment and varying levels of ability.
• Support the creation of monthly activity calendars that include cognitive engagement, sensory programming, music, movement, reminiscence, and social connection.
• Lead one-on-one and small group activities that encourage participation, purpose, and emotional well-being.
• Prepare rooms, supplies, and equipment before activities and assist with cleanup afterward.
• Encourage resident and family participation while providing reassurance, patience, and redirection when needed.
• Transport residents safely to and from activities as necessary.
• Assist with documentation including attendance records, activity participation notes, transportation logs, and resident preferences.
• Support community communications, bulletin boards, seasonal decorations, newsletters, and displays within the Memory Care neighborhood.
• Assist the Life Enrichment Manager in evaluating resident participation, engagement levels, and effectiveness of programs.
• Participate in required training and professional development related to dementia care and life enrichment programming.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage older adults with memory loss compassionately and patiently.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to remain calm, positive, flexible, and reassuring in changing situations.
• Basic computer proficiency including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 months–1 year of experience in activities, memory care, senior living, adult day care, or a related setting preferred.
• Experience working with older adults living with dementia strongly preferred.
• High school diploma required.
• Therapy or recreation-related education preferred.
• Ability to communicate clearly in English and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Must maintain a professional appearance in accordance with community standards.
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings.
• Must complete required health screenings, including TB clearance, prior to employment.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check in the state of employment.

Mental and Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to sit, bend, reach, and use hands for activity setup and engagement.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and push resident equipment as needed.
• May be required to assist residents during emergency situations or evacuations.
• Ability to remain calm, compassionate, and positive in stressful situations.