Memory Care Activities Coordinator - Full Time

81 Oaks Senior Living; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

81 Oaks Senior Living is looking for a dedicated Memory Care Activities Coordinator in Sarasota, FL. This full-time role involves leading the Life Enrichment program tailored for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Responsibilities include developing a compliant activity calendar, leading therapeutic group activities, and maintaining family communication. Candidates should have experience in dementia care and leadership, along with CPR certification. A strong emphasis on creativity, empathy, and compliance is vital in this position.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a Memory Care or Alzheimer’s setting required.
• Strong knowledge of dementia-related behaviors and redirection strategies.
• CPR and First Aid certification required (or willingness to obtain).
• Ability to create structured, state-compliant activity calendars.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive Memory Care activity calendar.
• Lead group and individual activities promoting dignity and engagement.
• Communicate consistently with families to personalize programming.
• Recognize, redirect, and deescalate dementia-related behaviors.

Skills

Dementia behaviors and communication techniques

Activity programming

Leadership skills

Strong problem-solving skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) or similar certification

Job description

Overview

81 Oaks Memory Care Activities Coordinator – Full Time

81 Oaks Senior Living | Sarasota, FL

Department: Clinical – Memory Care

Schedule: Full-Time | Work Type: Onsite

About The Role

81 Oaks Senior Living is seeking a dedicated, experienced, and Alzheimer’s-and-dementia-focused Memory Care Activities Coordinator to lead and elevate the Life Enrichment program within our Memory Care neighborhood. This is a leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing a structured, dementia-informed activity program that supports the cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of residents at all stages of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The ideal candidate is more than an activity planner — they are an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program Specialist who understands behaviors, redirection techniques, regulatory expectations, family communication, and how to create meaningful engagement rooted in each resident’s personal life history and abilities.

Position Summary

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive Memory Care activity calendar that meets all applicable state guidelines and regulatory standards.
• Create programming tailored to varying stages of dementia.
• Lead group and individual activities that promote dignity, engagement, and quality of life.
• Communicate professionally and consistently with families to personalize programming based on each resident’s unique background and interests.
• Recognize, redirect, and deescalate dementia-related behaviors appropriately.
• Serve as a resource and coach to staff on dementia communication techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Dementia-Specific Programming & Leadership
• Design and implement a structured, therapeutic activities program specific to Memory Care.
• Create engaging activities that support cognitive stimulation, emotional wellbeing, sensory engagement, movement, and social connection.
• Develop programming for residents across all stages of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
• Maintain a monthly calendar aligned with state expectations and Life Enrichment standards.
• Ensure documentation and program delivery meet regulatory requirements.
• Resident-Centered Engagement
• Lead daily group and individual activities with enthusiasm and professionalism.
• Adapt activities based on residents’ physical abilities, cognitive levels, and emotional needs.
• Encourage participation while respecting resident autonomy and dignity.
• Use dementia-informed communication strategies to support engagement.
• Recognize and appropriately redirect escalating behaviors.
• Family Communication & Personalization
• Coordinate and complete personalized assessments with families to tailor programming.
• Maintain professional, timely communication with families regarding engagement and participation.
• Integrate residents’ unique life stories, interests, and past hobbies into programming.
• Staff Collaboration & Coaching
• Collaborate with the Director of Memory Care and Clinical team to support holistic resident care.
• Provide guidance to team members on dementia communication techniques and engagement strategies.
• Support a culture of dignity, patience, and understanding within the Memory Care neighborhood.
• Safety & Compliance
• Maintain CPR and First Aid certification.
• Monitor residents during activities to ensure safety and appropriate supervision.
• Assist residents physically during programming as needed.
• Observe and report changes in behavior, mood, or engagement patterns.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as an Activities Coordinator or similar leadership role in a Memory Care or Alzheimer’s setting required.
• Demonstrated experience working with residents across all stages of dementia.
• Strong knowledge of dementia behaviors, communication techniques, and redirection strategies.
• Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) or certification through the National Council of Dementia Practitioners preferred.
• Ability to create structured, state-compliant activity calendars.
• Proven ability to lead group programming confidently and effectively.
• Strong problem-solving skills to adapt activities to varying abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• CPR and First Aid certification required (or willingness to obtain).
• Physical stamina to assist residents during activities and remain actively engaged throughout the day.
• Demonstrated empathy, patience, and professionalism in managing dementia-related emotional and behavioral challenges.
• Ability to pass a drug and alcohol screening.
• Ability to pass a Level 2 background screening. Additional information available at: https://ahca.myflorida.com/healthqualityassurance/bureauofcentralservices/backgroundscreening

What We’re Looking For

• Understands that engagement in Memory Care is clinical — not just recreational.
• Brings creativity while maintaining structure and compliance.
• Builds trust with families and staff.
• Balances warmth with leadership presence.
• Sees behavior as communication and responds accordingly.
• Is passionate about tailoring and elevating Memory Care programming to its highest potential.

Job Type: Full-Time | Non-Exempt