Memory Care Activities Assistant

Merrill Gardens; Gilroy, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Flexible spending accounts

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid time off (7 holidays, 11 vacation

Free daily meal

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Disability insurance

Pet insurance

Advance Pay

Job summary

Merrill Gardens at Gilroy is seeking a compassionate Inspire Connections Program Assistant to support seniors with dementia in a Montessori-inspired Memory Care community. You will help create meaningful, person-centered activities and coordinate transportation and events to enrich residents’ daily lives.

The role focuses on dignity, independence, and engagement, with opportunities for growth. A driver’s license and prior elder care experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience in programs and/or senior services preferred.
• Experience with seniors and/or dementia is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Developing the Garden House Program calendar.
• Building calendars with purposeful activities that support resident dignity, preference, and choice with staff engagement.
• Using resident life story information to tailor programming to preferences and interests.
• Cooperating with Program Director or Guest Services Manager to schedule community bus service.
• Decorating the community for holidays and events in line with standards.
• Scheduling and researching entertainment within budget.
• Maintaining relationships with local community resources for resident activities.
• Coordinating and ensuring shadow boxes are completed per standards.
• Performing other duties as needed.

Education

High school diploma/GED

Job description

Senior Living Inspire Connections Program Assistant (Memory Care)

Are you passionate about working with seniors? Are you dedicated to supporting seniors on their wellness journey to ensure they are provided with an atmosphere that values individualism and dignity? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you! Merrill Gardens at Gilroy is a Montessori-Inspired Memory Care Community supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We’re seeking compassionate Inspire Connections Program Assistant to provide respectful, personalized care that promotes dignity and independence through meaningful, hands-on engagement.

If you are a compassionate, caring, responsible, and honest individual who genuinely loves working with the senior population, we would love the opportunity to speak with you!

Family means everything to us. From the communities we create to the connections we make with residents, everything we do is rooted in our history as a fifth-generation family business.

We build on that family with the people we hire and the teams they form. As a family company, we can do things differently and for the past 30 years our long-term commitment to team members has been unsurpassed.

We offer our full-time employees:

• Highly competitive pay and comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance).
• Company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid time off - 7 holidays, and 11 vacation days.
• Free daily meal every shift.
• 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting!
• Tuition reimbursement for career growth.
• Company-paid short & long-term disability insurance.
• Pet insurance and team member discounts.
• Advance Pay benefit - access wages before payday.
• A stable, growing company with opportunities for advancement!

We offer our part-time employees:

• Free daily meal every shift.
• 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting!
• Company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement for career growth.
• Pet insurance and team member discounts.
• Advance Pay benefit - access wages before payday.
• A stable, growing company with opportunities for advancement!

Our Inspire Connection Program Assistants are responsible for:

• Developing the Garden House Program calendar
• Building calendars with purposeful and meaningful activities that support resident dignity, preference, and choice with opportunities for staff to engage and participate in activities.
• Utilizing information in the resident’s life story document to develop programming that meets the general preferences and interests of those residing in the Garden House community.
• Partnering with Program Director or Guest Services Manager to create schedules for community bus service including, but not limited to, local shopping, medical visits, scenic and destination trips.
• Decorating the community for holidays and theme events in a tasteful and appropriate manner, consistent with company standards.
• Researching, interviewing, and scheduling entertainment for events while remaining within budgetary guidelines.
• Maintaining a relationship with outside sources as resources for resident activities i.e., local senior centers, religious groups, libraries, hospitals, high schools and local merchants.
• Coordinating and ensuring shadow boxes are completion in accordance with Garden House Team Manual standards.
• Performs other duties as needed and/or assigned.

If you are someone with:

• High school diploma/GED or equivalent. (Must be at least 18 years of age.)
• Prior experience in programs and/or senior services preferred
• Experience with seniors and/or seniors with dementia – a plus
• Possesses valid driver’s license with ability to be approved as a driver of company vehicles.

Actual pay rate within stated pay range is determined based on relevant factors in compliance with state and local wage laws. This range reflects what we reasonably expect to pay upon hire.

Physical Requirements:

This role involves frequent standing, walking, lifting (up to 75 lbs), and assisting with resident care. Regular bending, reaching, and physical movement are required throughout the workday. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Our mission is to provide an inspiring environment for our residents, families, and team members where every life is defined by the possibilities.

Merrill Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer