Caregiver

Job Description

Job Description – Caregiver Reports Directly to: Assisted Living Director Description of Position The Caregiver is responsible for providing direct personal care and supervision to residents in accordance with individual care plans, facility policies, and licensing requirements. The Caregiver supports residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), promotes dignity and quality of life, and helps ensure a safe, clean, and supportive environment. Caregivers are essential to the physical and emotional well-being of each resident and contribute to the overall community culture. Qualifications for the Position The Caregiver shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age, have a criminal clearance prior to presence in the facility, and possess a high school diploma (or equivalent, such as a General Education Development certificate). The Caregiver will also have passed a physical and have a chest x-ray (or an intradermal test) performed by a physician within the prior six months of employment. The physician’s report shall indicate physical qualification to perform duties and no health conditions that would create a hazard to self, staff, or residents. The other requirements of the Caregiver are: 1. Experience working with elderly or disabled individuals preferred. 2. Understanding of aging, dementia, and caregiving practices. 3. Ability to follow care plans, respond to emergencies, and assist with resident needs compassionately and professionally. 4. Physical strength and stamina to assist with transfers, mobility, and resident care. 5. Ability to work well under supervision and as part of a care team. 6. Good character and a continuing reputation for personal integrity and compassion. Basic First Aid certification is required. CPR training and certification is strongly preferred. The individual must be physically able to perform tasks such as lifting, bending, pushing wheelchairs, and assisting with resident hygiene. Mental health and emotional resilience are essential. The individual must be able to communicate effectively with residents, families, and staff, and be able to document and report resident changes. The Caregiver shall have a criminal record clearance prior to presence in the facility. The Caregiver will have a TB test clearance within 7 days of employment and the health screening completed within 7 days of employment. Responsibilities • Assist residents with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility. • Support residents with incontinence care, personal hygiene, and oral care. • Provide assistance with meals, including feeding and encouragement as needed. • Monitor and report changes in residents' physical or mental condition to the Executive Director or designee. • Record documentation in accordance with facility procedures and care plans. • Help maintain a clean and comfortable living environment by assisting with laundry, linens, and basic housekeeping tasks. • Assist with transferring residents safely using proper body mechanics and equipment. • Respond promptly to call lights and resident needs. • Escort residents to meals, activities, and appointments as needed. • Participate in the development and review of resident care plans. • Provide companionship, reassurance, and emotional support to residents. • Maintain resident dignity, privacy, and respect at all times. • Attend in-service training, team meetings, and required continuing education. • Follow universal precautions, infection control guidelines, and facility safety policies. • Perform other duties as assigned by the Assisted Living Director or supervisor. Responsibilities and Job Duties of Overnight Med Techs Note: This is an awake position. • Assist with nighttime activities of daily living, including assisting residents with taking their centrally stored medications, if any are taken at night. Following facility protocol, licensing regulation and guidelines for both resident and employee safety. • Follow safety guidelines, including proper lifting techniques and universal precautions when providing care to residents. • Follow the nighttime schedule of duties and any individual resident care plans for nighttime needs of the residents. • Function as a team, assisting coworkers during shift changes as needed. • Monitor resident activity, food intake, functional status, and psychosocial status (if residents are up at night), taking action to promote well-being. • Report status changes immediately to the supervisor. • Act immediately on resident crises, following protocol and first aid training. • Ask for assistance and report to the Executive Director if assigned duties cannot be completed. • Any other assignments made by the direct supervisor or Executive Director. • Help prep breakfast meals for residents. • Promote open communication between health care professionals, families, residents, and staff. • Provide observation and supervision of residents and report unusual incidents to administration. 6:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. Staff Duties (Caregivers and Med Techs) • Verify resident status changes with previous shifts and read documentation. • Check schedule for resident physician or other appointments. • Perform designated resident baths. • Assist with resident grooming not completed by the night shift including: Bathing (on designated days) Incontinent care, Clothing selection, Dressing, Oral care, Shaving, Make-up, Hair care . • Help with breakfast and cleanup. • Make beds. • Perform assigned housekeeping duties. • Pass A.M. snacks. • Assist residents to activities. • Help with lunch, assisting residents to the dining room and cleanup. • Assist with self-administration of medications. • Pass afternoon snacks. • Document status changes/incidents per protocol. • Report off to the next shift. 2:30 P.M. - 11:00 P.M. Staff Duties (Caregivers and Med Techs) • Verify resident status changes with previous shifts and check documentation. • Perform assigned housekeeping duties. • Assist with self-administration of medications. • Assist residents to the dining room at 4:45 P.M. • Help with preparing, serving, and cleaning up dinner. • Assist residents to P.M. activities. • Assist residents with evening care: o a. Oral care o b. Dentures in labeled cup o c. Assist into night clothes o d. Toileting o e. Remove soiled clothing and put in hamper o f. Incontinent care o g. Remove assistive devices (hearing aids, etc.) o h. Ensure pathway is clear to bathroom o i. Ensure room is at a comfortable temperature o j. Provide extra blankets, etc. o k. Perform safety check • Check lighting. • Ensure outside doors are secured (from outside only). • Document status changes/incidents per protocol. • Report off to the next shift. 11:00 P.M. - 7:00 A.M. Staff Duties (Caregivers and Med Techs) • Verify resident status changes with previous shifts and read documentation. • Perform assigned housekeeping duties. • Assist with designated early morning baths. • Assist with grooming as needed: Resident A.M. grooming (assist only as required) o Bathing (on designated days) o Incontinent care o Clothing selection o Dressing o Oral care o Shaving o Make-up o Hair care • Bring residents to the dining room as needed for breakfast. • Assist with self-administration of medications. • Respond to residents needing help during the night. • Help residents in the morning when they are ready to get up and start the day. • Other duties as assigned. This overnight shift is an awake position. MINIMIUM QUALIFICATIONS Experience: Experience working in a long term care environment or equivalent preferred. Mathematical Skills: Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations. Reasoning Skills: Demonstrates an awareness and concern for resident safety at all times. Ability to make independent decisions and works without supervision. Knows and understands facility fire plan, disaster plan and safety procedures. Oral/Written Communication Skills: Ability to follow written and oral directions. Ability to follow written and oral directions. Ability to interact tactfully with residents and family members staff and general public. Ability to read, write and speak English. Equipment Used : Standard office equipment (computer, fax, phone, etc.). Physical Effort: Must be mobile. Other physical requirements as specified for department/function. Overall good health is required to fulfill the demands of the position. Personal Characteristics: Makes resident satisfaction a high priority. Maintains a positive attitude in all situations. Displays sincere compassion towards older adults. Demonstrates genuine concern for the physical and emotional needs of older people and their families. Working Conditions: Well-lighted, air-conditioned health care environment