Dementia Care Practitioner
Accountable to
Registered provider
Purpose
To provide care and therapeutic support to persons who have dementia
Pay
Employed practitioner: To be discussed at Interview
Key Responsibilities
- To implement the therapeutic support plan set out by the registered provider, i.e. to ensure that a client is actively engaged in pursuits of his/her choice for the duration of any session
- To carry out a risk assessment in relation to any activity considered to have potential to expose a client to risk
- To monitor and record a client’s mental/emotional state during activity sessions and report any changes or matters of concern to the registered provider
- To monitor and record a client’s engagement in the activities set out in the support plan, and to advise the registered provider of any need for change or for re-assessment or review
- To liaise with the client’s family as necessary in respect of his/her condition and activities
- To attend and contribute to any review arranged for the client and client’s family
- To maintain a safe living/working environment in the client’s home, whilst out in the community and in the activity centre, according to health and safety regulations
- To attend and contribute to meetings for personal supervision and staff networking
- To maintain a portfolio of evidence for continuing professional development
- To attend all mandatory training events provided
Person Specification
Excellence in the care and support of the person with dementia is primarily about the ability to make and sustain positive relationships. We believe that whilst formal qualifications in relation to care and dementia are helpful, they are by no means essential to achieving this end. Interpersonal skills are. This is our priority.
Essential Skills:
- Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively, particularly with those who have communication difficulties
- Ability to articulate information clearly in written and spoken English
- Ability to work independently, and to plan and organize own workload
- Ability to work as a team player
- Ability to make full use of local resources in devising activity programs
- Ability to recognize and articulate own strengths and weaknesses and to act accordingly
- Physical stamina to engage in active pursuits
- Car owner/driver
Essential Personal Attributes:
- Sense of humour
- Compassion for those with special needs who are vulnerable
- Confidence in making relationships
- Confidence in decision-making
- Good listening skills
Essential Experience:
- Experience of working with people who have dementia
- Experience of working with older people
Desirable Skills:
- Qualification in care and/or dementia
- Ability to organise, implement and evaluate therapeutic activity groups
Desirable Experience:
- Experience of working in a care setting
- Experience of managing people