Everything You Need to Know About a Job in Memory Care

Jun 21, 2024 | The Copeland Experience

Are you looking for meaningful long-term employment with plenty of room for growth? Applying for memory care jobs could be the right choice for you. Employees in this growing field spend their days supporting seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. There are many types of memory care jobs, whether you are interested in food service and housekeeping or direct patient care. This guide will help you learn more about working in memory care, what Copeland Oaks jobs are like, and more.

Copeland Oaks Jobs at Every Stage of Memory Care

There are job opportunities offered in each stage of memory care, all tailored to meet each resident’s individualized needs. From early stage memory care, where residents have a bit more independence, to advanced memory care, where residents are in a secured environment with higher support needs – there are many memory care jobs waiting for you!

Early Stage Memory Care

Residents living in our Assisted Living apartments are in the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Our assisted living memory care services are catered to each resident’s individual needs, allowing couples who require different levels of assistance to continue living together. Here, your role would be to help create an environment that is both safe and supportive for our residents. Your goal would be to focus on familiarity, routine, and structure – which all contribute to a positive environment for older adults beginning to suffer memory loss.

Advanced Memory Care

Residents who are in the later stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s, receive full-time care at the Crandall Medical Center, located on Copeland Oak’s campus. Memory Lane at Crandall Medical Center is a 24-bed, secured unit dedicated to the care of people with memory impairment. In these memory care jobs, you would be trained to simplify and enhance activities of daily living, provide consistent daily care, preserve personal dignity and a sense of well-being, and more.

Hospitality, Food Services, and More

Not sure if you want to work directly with patients? You can still support the memory care community at Copeland Oaks through other job opportunities. Our beautiful facility provides numerous amenities, meaning we hire cooks, lifeguards, groundskeepers, mechanics, and more! See a full list of our job opportunities today.

Memory Care Job Functions & Responsibilities

When working with memory care patients, each day might look different. It is vital that you can pivot based on a resident’s specific needs. Below are five general job responsibilities for those caring for the memory care community:

  1. Prevent Wandering. Residents with memory impairment often wander and get lost, so our staff helps ensure they move around our facilities safely.
  2. Maintain a routine. Our staff assists residents in their day-to-day activities, helping them maintain a comfortable daily routine.
  3. Manage behavioral symptoms. Memory care staff must manage characteristic dementia behaviors such as agitation and aggression. They are trained in tactics to help the dementia-affected person return to a calm state and continue with their day.
  4. Keep residents safe. People with dementia might unknowingly put themselves in danger, so memory care workers should always be ready to prevent falling, eloping, or the ingestion of harmful objects.
  5. Attend regular training. It is vital for memory care caregivers to stay up to date on dementia-related news and training. Workers receive training at least every two years.

Training & Certifications Needed for Memory Care Jobs

The staff at Copeland Oaks who are focused on memory care are Certified Dementia Care Practitioners (CDPs). This certification means that they have obtained comprehensive knowledge in the area of dementia care and met the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) requirements for CDP certification. Beyond achieving certification, CDPs commit to ongoing professional development and recertification every two years. This is just one way that staff working in memory care at our skilled nursing facility ensure the best, up-to-date care is given to our residents.

Benefits of Memory Care Jobs

If you’re looking for a stable job where you will get to make a difference in the lives of many – then working in a memory care skilled nursing facility is for you. Join us below as we consider the many benefits of this career field.

Rapid Industry Growth

Memory care is one of the fastest-growing healthcare fields in our country. By 2034, over 77 million Americans will be 65 or older. As generations age, the demand for skilled employees to fill senior living jobs grows exponentially. When you take memory care or assisted living jobs, you can rest assured that you have a fruitful career ahead of you.

Make a Lasting Impact

The support you provide to residents with memory impairment impacts not only themselves, but their families too – potentially for generations to come. When you care for residents with dignity and respect, you are helping them find comfort in a vulnerable stage of life. Their loved ones can rest and focus on their relationship with the resident, rather than feel burdened by their daily care needs.

Flexible Work Schedules

Because memory care skilled nursing facilities are open 24/7, you can have a more flexible schedule. Whether you can work days, nights, or afternoons – there are plenty of ways to make memory care jobs work for you.

Copeland Oaks Job Opportunities in Memory Care

Ready to start a rewarding career in memory care? There are many Copeland Oaks jobs waiting for you. Apply for a job today or contact us to learn more!