Memory Care PCA: Gentle Dementia Support & Daily Living

Preventive Measures; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Preventive Measures seeks a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) for Bethlehem, PA, to support residents with dementia and memory-related needs. The role focuses on daily living activities, compassionate engagement, and creating a safe, structured environment tailored to memory loss and behavioral challenges.

Responsibilities include ADLs, memory care strategies, and collaboration with nursing staff. CNA/PCA certification preferred; strong observation and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• CNA or PCA certification preferred (varies by state/facility).
• Experience in memory care, dementia care, behavioral health, or assisted living strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of dementia behaviors, communication techniques, and redirection strategies.
• Ability to remain patient, calm, and supportive in challenging situations.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and observation skills.
• Ability to use electronic documentation systems (EMR/EHR).

Responsibilities

• Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and mobility.
• Provide gentle cueing, redirection, and hands-on guidance to help residents complete tasks.
• Support residents with transfers, fall prevention, and safe ambulation.
• Ensure residents’ rooms and living spaces are clean, organized, and free from safety hazards.
• Assist with meal service, hydration, and nutritional support, following dementia-friendly dining techniques.
• Use dementia-specific communication strategies, including validation, redirection, and calm, supportive approaches.
• Recognize and report behavioral changes such as agitation, wandering, pacing, sundowning, or withdrawal.
• Follow individualized behavior-support plans and implement non-pharmacological interventions.
• Help create a predictable routine that reduces confusion and promotes emotional stability.
• Use trauma-informed and de-escalation techniques to reduce stress or potential triggers.
• Observe residents for changes in mood, health, behavior, or cognition and report promptly to nursing staff.
• Document care, behaviors, and resident interactions as required by facility policy.
• Assist with incident reporting and follow-up communication.
• Provide companionship, meaningful engagement, sensory activities, and social interaction.
• Encourage participation in activities that support cognitive function and emotional well-being.
• Assist residents during group programs and behavior-safe activity environments.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols, infection-control procedures, and memory-care security standards.
• Maintain resident confidentiality and uphold HIPAA guidelines.
• Participate in emergency drills and respond appropriately in urgent situations.
• Support safe behavior environments by preventing overstimulation, maintaining routine, and monitoring triggers.
• Work closely with nurses, med-techs, activity staff, and leadership to deliver coordinated care.
• Participate in shift change reports, team huddles, and in-service training sessions.
• Share observations and suggestions to improve resident care and safety.
• Interact compassionately with families, offering support and reassurance.
• Communicate observations and updates to nursing staff for family follow-up as appropriate.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Observation skills

Empathy

Memory care knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CNA or PCA certification (state varies)

Tools

EMR/EHR

Job description

Preventive Measures seeks a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) for Bethlehem, PA, to support residents with dementia and memory-related needs. The role focuses on daily living activities, compassionate engagement, and creating a safe, structured environment tailored to memory loss and behavioral challenges.

Responsibilities include ADLs, memory care strategies, and collaboration with nursing staff. CNA/PCA certification preferred; strong observation and communication skills are essential.