Activities Assistant - Full Time

Magnolia Gardens Senior Living; Cottage Grove (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Magnolia Gardens Senior Living in Cottage Grove, OR is seeking a Life Enrichment Coordinator to implement engaging activities that support memory care residents’ social, cognitive, and physical well-being. You will personalize programs to each resident’s history and abilities.

You’ll train staff, document participation, and coordinate with families while ensuring safe, welcoming spaces. Strong dementia knowledge, communication, and compassionate care are essential.

Qualifications

• Must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent college degree in a relevant field such as therapeutic recreation, social work, or gerontology preferred.
• Previous experience in healthcare, recreational, or hospitality settings, particularly with elderly memory care residents.
• Understand dementia progression to tailor activities that are beneficial.
• Strong communication with residents, staff, and families; patient and compassionate.

Responsibilities

• Implement memory-stimulating activities including music therapy, reminiscence, sensory activities, and crafts.
• Develop individualized engagement plans based on resident interests and cognitive level.
• Organize small, calming events suitable for memory care residents.
• Collaborate with staff to address behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
• Provide training and ongoing support to staff and volunteers on engagement strategies for memory care residents.
• Maintain open communication with families and provide progress updates and education on dementia care.
• Keep detailed records of participation and progress; adapt programs based on outcomes and feedback.
• Ensure activity spaces are safe, welcoming, and accessible for residents with cognitive impairments.

Skills

Memory care experience

Communication skills

Record keeping

Empathy and patience

Program development

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation / social work / gerontology

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Cottage Grove, OR 97424Position Type: Full TimeJob Shift: Day

POSITION SUMMARY

The Life Enrichment Coordinator is responsible for implementing a variety of activities and programs that enhance the social, mental, and physical well-being of Memory Care residents.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Include but are not limited to the following:

• Implement therapeutic activities specifically aimed at stimulating memory, improving cognitive function, and maintaining physical abilities. Activities may include music therapy, reminiscence sessions, sensory stimulation, and simple crafts.
• Develop individualized engagement plans based on each resident’s interests, history, and cognitive level to foster meaningful participation and personal connection.
• Organize small scale, calming events and gathering suitable for memory care residents, focusing on creating a sense of routine and familiarity which is comforting for those with memory impairments.
• Work closely with other staff to understand and incorporate strategies that address behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, enhancing resident participation and well-being.
• Provide training and ongoing support to staff and volunteers on effective communication techniques and engagement strategies for interacting with memory care residents.
• Maintain open lines of communication with families, providing updates on their loved one's participation progress, and offering support and education on dementia care.
• Keep detailed records of each resident's participation and progress in activities adapting programs based on observed outcomes and feedback from care teams.
• Ensure the activity spaces are safe, welcoming, and appropriately designed to meet the needs of residents with cognitive impairments, reducing potential stressors and enhancing comfort.

Supervisory Responsibility: No.

QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

• Must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent college degree in a relevant field such as therapeutic recreation, social work, or gerontology preferred.
• Previous experience in a similar role within health care, recreational, or hospitality setting, particularly working with elderly populations in a memory care setting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Understand the progression and effects of dementia and related disorders to tailor suitable and beneficial activities.
• Ability to develop and implement a variety of recreational and therapeutic programs aimed at improving residents' quality of life.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively with residents, staff, and family members. Empathy and patience are crucial in handling residents with memory impairments.
• Implement creative activities that engage multiple senses and cater to different interests and abilities among residents.
• Manage multiple tasks, keep detailed records of resident participation, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Quickly adapt and find solutions when challenges arise, particularly related to resident engagement or program effectiveness.
• Recognize and incorporate the diverse cultural backgrounds of residents into the activity programming to enhance inclusivity.
• Demonstrate compassion and understanding, creating a warm and supportive environment for residents.