Full Time 7am-3pm Full Time 3pm-11pm Full Time 11pm-7am Part-Time 7am-3pm Part Time 3pm-11pm Part-Time 11pm-7am Position Summary The Personal Care Assistant (PCA) specializing in Memory & Behavioral Care provides compassionate, hands-on support to residents with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, and behavioral health needs. This role assists residents with daily activities, promotes emotional and physical well-being, and helps maintain a safe, structured, and comforting environment tailored to individuals experiencing memory loss or behavioral challenges. Key Responsibilities Resident Care & Daily Living Support • 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 recommended dementia-friendly dining techniques. Memory & Behavioral Care Responsibilities • 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. Observation & Documentation • 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. Engagement & Emotional Support • 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. Safety & Compliance • Ensure adherence to safety protocols, infection-control procedures, and memory-care security standards (e.g., wandering prevention). • 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. Team Collaboration • 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. Family Interaction • Interact compassionately with families, offering support and reassurance. • Communicate observations and updates to nursing staff for family follow-up as appropriate. Qualifications • High school diploma or equivalent required. • Certified Nursing Assistant (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). Physical & Environmental Requirements • Ability to stand, walk, and assist residents for long periods. • Ability to lift up to [X] lbs and provide physical support for mobility or behavioral safety. • Exposure to residents with cognitive impairment or behavioral challenges.