Memory Care Specialist
Job Description
Function: Memory Care Specialist supports older adults living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. The Memory Care Specialist provides person-centered support to the residents with cognitive impairments, ensuring safety, dignity, emotional well-being, and engagement.
Responsible for implementing Memory Care Programming in group and individual settings.
Provides educational topics and conferences to the front-line staff as well as the outside communities and families.
Qualifications:
- Education - High school diploma or equivalent, PCA, CNA, or HHA preferred
- Certifications -Dementia specific certifications (e.g., Alzheimer's Association CARES, Teepa Snow PAC, or CDP) required.
- Experience - Prior experience in memory care, personal care, assisted living, skilled nursing, or behavioral health settings.
- Skills - Strong communication, patience, crisis de escalation, activity facilitation, and documentation skills
Core Competencies:
- Empathy - Ability to connect with residents experiencing confusion, anxiety, or memory loss.
- Person Centered Care - Commitment to honoring each resident's history, preferences, and identity.
- Problem Solving - Ability to respond calmly and creatively to behavioral challenges.
- Cultural Sensitivity - Respect for diverse backgrounds and communication styles.
Key Responsibilities
- Resident Support - Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility while maintaining dignity and independence.
- Cognitive Engagement - Lead memory enhancing programs such as reminiscence therapy, sensory stimulation, music therapy, and structured social activities.
- Behavioral Observation - Monitor changes in mood, behavior, and cognitive function; document observations and report concerns to nursing or clinical leadership.
- Care Planning - Participate in developing and updating individualized care plans tailored to each resident's cognitive abilities, history, and preferences. Attends care plan meetings
- Assessments- Participates in securing the DME and Preparation of the Support Plan (RASP). Conducts resident chart audits
- Safety Management - Maintain a secure environment, implement fall prevention strategies, and follow protocols for wandering, elopement, and emergency response.
- Family Communication - Provide updates to families, offer emotional support, and collaborate on care decisions.
- Team Collaboration - Work closely with nurses, therapists, social workers, and administrators to ensure holistic care.
- Staff Evaluations-Prepares and provides staff evaluations yearly
- Documentation - Maintain accurate records of care activities, behavioral notes, and incident reports in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Programming-Developing and Implementing Person-Centered Programs using Evidence Based Practice for the St. Barnabas Memory Care Communities and Outreach to enrich and enhance quality of life. Maintains yearly training requirements.
- Participate in On-Call Schedule. Other duties as assigned.
Work Environment:
- Specialized SDCU/MC, Personal Care Setting, Skilled Nursing Setting, and community programs.
- Requires physical stamina, emotional resilience, and adherence to infection control and safety protocols.
EOE