Activities Assistant - Full Time

Insight Living; Cottage Grove (OR); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Living in Cottage Grove, Oregon, is seeking a Life Enrichment Coordinator to implement activities that enhance the social, mental, and physical well-being of Memory Care residents. You will tailor programs to individual histories and cognitive levels, organize calming events, and work with staff to address dementia-related needs.

You will also train staff and volunteers, maintain resident participation records, and communicate progress with families.

Qualifications

• Must understand dementia progression and tailor activities accordingly.
• Ability to develop and implement recreational/therapeutic programs to improve quality of life.
• Strong communication with residents, staff, and families; empathy and patience required.
• Design and adapt activities engaging multiple senses for diverse residents.

Responsibilities

• Implement therapeutic activities to stimulate memory and maintain physical abilities.
• Develop individualized engagement plans based on residents' 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 to staff and volunteers on engagement strategies and communication.
• Keep families updated on participation progress and provide dementia care education.
• Maintain records of participation and adapt programs based on outcomes and feedback.
• Ensure activity spaces are safe, welcoming and designed for cognitive needs.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Creativity

Multisensory activities

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Relevant degree preferred

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.