Caregiver

Dementia Care Provider

Provides dementia care including adapted ADL's, meaningful engagement and communication to residents following a person centered individual service plan. Treats residents with respect and dignity, recognizes individual needs, and encourages independence. Fosters a purposeful and engaging culture throughout the community.

Essential Functions

1. Assists residents and provides input in regards to the care plan and daily living activities. This includes bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring and getting to and from programs and meals according to the individual service plan and individualized interventions. Partners and encourages residents to be as independent as possible encouraging them to do as much of their own care as possible.
2. Participates in team behavioral expression meetings or discussions with community leadership.
3. Knows the residents Life Story, preferences, historical routines and interests.
4. Serves meals to residents in the dining room. May assist in preparing meals following preplanned dementia friendly menus. Encourages residents with prompting and cueing skills to eat a proper diet and take adequate fluids while respecting the resident's right to free choice. Records and reports changes in resident's eating habits to the supervisor.
5. Initiates and/or leads minimally one Daily Path engagement program provided for residents as described in the resident's Life Story, Solace program or calendar. Encourages residents to socialize and participate in planned, spontaneous, individual or small group person centered programs and to support friendships between residents.
6. Maintains residents' records daily, in a timely manner, and in accordance with company policy and procedures. This includes documentation related to medication distribution as applicable, engagement interests, incidents and observations, reporting any changes in resident's physical condition and/or behavior, visitors, etc. Observes and reports the health and emotional condition of each resident and promptly reports all changes to the supervisor.
7. Only if permitted by state specific regulations, may assist residents with medication as defined in medication procedure. Follows physician orders and state laws to administer medications to residents who cannot self-administer their medications. Exhibits understanding of and follows medication policies and procedures. Refer to state specific regulations regarding medication assistance.
8. Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly environment for the residents. Performs general housekeeping, following cleaning schedules for resident laundry, bedrooms, dining area, living space, bathrooms, kitchen, etc.
9. Follows proper procedures in emergency situations and responds promptly and positively to resident requests for assistance, including emergency pull cords, telephone calls, and requests from family and friends.
10. Monitors the location of each resident and notifies the supervisor immediately if unable to locate a resident.
11. Encourages teamwork through cooperative interactions with co-workers.

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. An associate should perform all duties as assigned by his/her supervisor.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and three to six months related experience preferred and/or training in direct service with older adults living with dementia, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Refer to specific state regulations for qualifications required to assist with medications and direct care duties. Knowledge of dementia, particularly of the Alzheimer's type.

Certifications, Licenses, and other Special Requirements

In accordance with state law, may need to possess current state certification and follow regulations to maintain current certification.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Standing
• Walking
• Sitting
• Use hands and fingers to handle or feel
• Reach with hands and arms
• Climb or balance
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Talk or hear
• Taste or smell
• Ability to lift: Up to 50 pounds
• Vision
• Requires interaction with co-workers, residents or vendors
• Occasional weekend, evening or night work if needed to ensure shift coverage
• On-Call on an as needed basis
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases and infections
• Potential injury from transferring, repositioning, or lifting residents
• Exposure to latex
• Possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens
• Possible exposure to various drugs, chemical, infections, or biological hazards
• Subject to injury from falls, burns, odors, or cuts from equipment
• Requires Travel: occasionally

Management/Decision Making

Makes standard and routine decisions based on detailed guidelines with limited independent judgment. Problems are generally solved with clear, detailed guidelines or by reporting them to a supervisor.

Knowledge and Skills

Has a basic level of a skill and can follow written or verbal instructions. Has basic technical skills to complete a few repetitive and well-defined duties. Has a basic knowledge of the organization in order to answer basic questions. Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to communicate effectively in English with residents, family members and other associates of the company. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form. Uses good judgment in emergency situations, and seeks assistance when needed.

Brookdale is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.