Job Description
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.
Job Tags
Shift work,