Activities Assistant

The Lakes Senior Living; Banning (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lakes Senior Living is seeking an Activities Assistant to support the Life Enrichment Department in planning, preparing, and facilitating meaningful activities for residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care.

You will work closely with the Life Enrichment Director and care staff to tailor programs to individual interests, abilities, and care needs, promoting well-being and a homelike environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with seniors, assisted living, memory care, or dementia preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and conducting daily activities for residents.
• Encourage participation and respect residents' preferences.
• Build relationships and provide one-on-one engagement.
• Lead activities such as arts and crafts, music, games, and reminiscence.
• Maintain safety and report concerns.
• Prepare activity spaces and materials.
• Document participation as required.

Skills

Seniors care

Communication

Teamwork

Patience

Compassion

Interpersonal skills

Job description

The Activities Assistant supports the Life Enrichment Department in planning, preparing, and facilitating meaningful activities and programs for residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care. The Activities Assistant is responsible for creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment that promotes residents' physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.

The Activities Assistant will work closely with the Life Enrichment Director and care staff to ensure activities are appropriate for residents' individual interests, abilities, cognitive levels, and care needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Resident Engagement:

• Assist with planning and conducting daily activities and programs for Assisted Living and Memory Care residents.
• Encourage residents to participate in activities while respecting each resident's preferences and right to decline.
• Develop positive relationships with residents and learn their individual interests, hobbies, backgrounds, and preferences.
• Provide one-on-one engagement for residents who are unable or unwilling to participate in group activities.
• Encourage socialization and meaningful interaction among residents.
• Assist residents with transitioning safely to and from activity areas.
• Provide appropriate encouragement and redirection to residents experiencing confusion, anxiety, or behavioral changes.

Memory Care Responsibilities:

• Provide activities appropriate for residents living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
• Use simple instructions, repetition, visual cues, music, reminiscence, and sensory activities as appropriate.
• Maintain a calm, patient, and supportive approach when interacting with residents experiencing cognitive impairment.
• Recognize changes in a resident's mood, behavior, participation, or condition and report concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
• Avoid arguing or attempting to reason with residents who are experiencing confusion or disorientation.
• Promote dignity, independence, choice, and resident-centered care at all times.

Activity Preparation and Facilitation:

• Assist with preparing activity supplies, rooms, equipment, and materials before scheduled programs.
• Lead or assist with activities such as:
  • Arts and crafts.
  • Music and singing.
  • Exercise and stretching.
  • Games and trivia.
  • Bingo.
  • Reminiscence activities.
  • Reading.
  • Movies.
  • Gardening.
  • Cooking and baking activities.
  • Holiday and seasonal programs.
  • Religious/spiritual programs as scheduled.
  • Outdoor activities.
  • Social events and celebrations.
• Assist with resident birthday celebrations and special events.
• Assist with decorating common areas for holidays, special events, and resident programs.
• Maintain activity supplies and notify the Life Enrichment Director when supplies need to be replaced.

Resident Safety:

• Maintain awareness of residents' mobility, cognitive, and supervision needs during activities.
• Follow all community safety procedures and resident care plans.
• Ensure activity areas are clean, organized, and free of hazards.
• Do not leave residents unattended when supervision is required.
• Report accidents, injuries, behavioral concerns, or changes in resident condition immediately to the appropriate supervisor.
• Follow infection-control and sanitation procedures when conducting activities involving food, shared equipment, or supplies.
• Follow emergency procedures and community policies at all times.

Documentation:

• Assist with maintaining accurate activity attendance and participation records.
• Document resident participation and engagement as required by community policy.
• Report significant changes in resident behavior, participation, mood, or condition to the Life Enrichment Director or appropriate care staff.
• Assist with maintaining required activity calendars, schedules, and documentation.

Teamwork and Communication:

• Work cooperatively with Caregiving, MedTech, Wellness, Dining, Housekeeping, Maintenance, and other departments.
• Communicate respectfully and professionally with residents, families, visitors, and coworkers.
• Attend required staff meetings, in-services, and training.
• Follow the direction of the Life Enrichment Director and community leadership.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident information.
• Demonstrate professionalism and a positive attitude while representing the community.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience working with seniors, Assisted Living, Memory Care, or individuals with dementia preferred.
• Previous activities, recreation, caregiving, or customer-service experience preferred.
• Experience with Alzheimer's disease and dementia is strongly preferred.
• Must demonstrate patience, compassion, dependability, and a genuine interest in working with older adults.
• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must be able to safely assist residents with participation in activities within the scope of the position and community policy.
• Must meet all applicable employment and community requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The Activities Assistant must be able to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Bend, stoop, reach, and move throughout the community.
• Lift and carry activity supplies and equipment as required.
• Assist with setting up and cleaning activity areas.
• Assist residents with safe participation in activities within the scope of the position.
• Respond appropriately to resident needs and emergency situations.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

The Activities Assistant is expected to:

• Treat every resident with dignity, respect, kindness, and compassion.
• Protect resident privacy and confidentiality.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Arrive on time and be prepared to perform assigned duties.
• Complete assigned shifts and responsibilities reliably.
• Follow all community policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Maintain a positive and supportive attitude.
• Promote a homelike environment where residents feel valued, included, and respected.