Activity Assistant

Faircape Health; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 72,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above-market salaries

Quarterly bonuses

Long service leave

Discounted fibre packages

Modern healthcare environments

Multidisciplinary team

Stable organisation

Job summary

Faircape Health Institute is seeking an Activity Assistant to join our Occupational Therapy team at Tokai Estate, Cape Town. You will help deliver meaningful group and individual activities for residents, under the guidance of an Occupational Therapist.

This role focuses on enhancing resident wellbeing, engagement, and social interaction through structured activity programmes, themed events, and therapeutic interactions tailored to residents’ needs.

Qualifications

• Matric and dementia-related training is required.
• Experience with elderly care or dementia environments.
• Experience running group activities or resident engagement.
• Clear criminal and credit record; two written references from your most recent employer.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate daily group and individual activities as prescribed by the Occupational Therapist.
• Encourage resident participation, social interaction, and engagement.
• Assist with cognitive, sensory, creative, physical, and social stimulation interventions.
• Conduct one-on-one engagement sessions with residents who prefer individual interaction.
• Build positive therapeutic relationships with residents, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Assist with themed events, celebrations, outings, etc. and recreational activities.
• Support resident wellbeing through regular interaction and check-ins.
• Observe and report resident changes to the Occupational Therapist.
• Maintain attendance registers and ensure accurate documentation.
• Assist with activity preparation, setup, decor, and cleanup for events and functions.
• Monitor activity supplies and communicate operational concerns.
• Participate in OT department meetings and planning sessions.
• Contribute creative ideas to improve resident engagement and activity programmes.

Skills

Creative engagement

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Rapport with elderly

Admin & reporting

Procedural follow-through

Service-oriented

Education

Matric

Job description

At Faircape Health Institute, we are committed to creating meaningful, engaging, and supportive environments for our residents across our luxury healthcare centres and retirement villages. Through compassionate care and structured therapeutic programmes, we aim to promote quality of life, dignity, social connection, and resident wellbeing.

Our team is growing, and we are looking for a compassionate, energetic, and engaging Activity Assistant to join our Occupational Therapy team at Tokai Estate, located in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town.

The successful candidate will assist with facilitating meaningful group and individual activities for residents within our healthcare centre, under the guidance and supervision of the Occupational Therapist.

Role Overview

The role focuses on improving resident wellbeing, engagement, stimulation, and social interaction through structured activity programmes, one-on-one engagement, themed events, and therapeutic interventions tailored to residents' needs and abilities.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with the elderly, has a positive and caring nature, and is passionate about making a difference in residents' daily lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate daily group and individual activities as prescribed by the Occupational Therapist
• Encourage resident participation, social interaction, and engagement
• Assist with cognitive, sensory, creative, physical, and social stimulation interventions
• Conduct one-on-one engagement sessions with residents who prefer individual interaction
• Build positive therapeutic relationships with residents, families, and multidisciplinary teams
• Assist with themed events, celebrations, outings, scenic drives, pet therapy sessions, and recreational activities
• Support resident wellbeing through regular interaction and check-ins
• Observe and report resident changes or concerns to the Occupational Therapist
• Maintain attendance registers and ensure accurate documentation on Healthware
• Assist with activity preparation, set-up, décor, and clean-up for events and functions
• Monitor activity supplies and communicate operational or maintenance concerns
• Participate in OT department meetings, planning sessions, and operational discussions
• Contribute creative ideas to improve resident engagement and activity programmes

Qualifications

• Matric
• Introduction to Dementia training
• Additional training in any of the following would be advantageous:
• Dementia care
• Elderly care
• Therapeutic activities
• Occupational Therapy support
• Recreational therapy
• Manual handling techniques

Experience and Knowledge

• Proven expderience in a similar position
• Experience within elderly care, healthcare, or dementia environments
• Experience running group activities or resident engagement programmes

Skills and Attributes

• Creative and energetic approach to resident engagement
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Good interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Ability to build rapport with elderly residents
• Basic administration and reporting skills
• Ability to follow guidance and procedures effectively
• Professional, dependable, and service-driven

Why Join Us?

At Faircape, we value our employees and offer a supportive and rewarding working environment:

• Above-market related salaries
• Quarterly performance bonuses
• Long service leave rewards
• Discounted Faircom fibre packages
• Modern healthcare environments and facilities
• Opportunity to work within a compassionate multidisciplinary team
• Stable and growing organisation with nearly 40 years of operation

Specific Requirements

• Clear criminal and credit record
• Two written references from your most recent employer

If you are passionate about working with elderly residents and creating meaningful activities that positively impact their daily lives, we would love to hear from you.