Community Life Aide - PT ( Heartwood Lodge

Community Life Aide

The Heartwood Lodge in Spring Lake Michigan, is seeking a compassionate, creative, and highly motivated Community Life Aide to enhance the quality of life for our residents. This role focuses on planning and implementing engaging programs, activities, and events tailored to meet the unique needs of residents, including those living with dementia. At Heartwood Lodge we are committed to creating a nurturing, supportive environment where residents thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Development and Implementation:
  • Design, plan, and facilitate a variety of daily activities that promote physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being.
  • Develop specialized dementia care programs that cater to the unique needs of memory care residents.
  • Organize group and one-on-one activities that foster engagement, socialization, and a sense of purpose.
• Resident-Centered Care:
  • Collaborate with residents, families, and caregivers to identify individual preferences and interests.
  • Ensure activities are inclusive, meaningful, and adapted to residents' abilities and stages of dementia.
• Team
  
  Collaboration:
  • Partner with nursing and care staff to integrate enrichment activities into care plans.
  • Train and mentor staff and volunteers on best practices for engaging with residents, particularly those with dementia.
• Event Coordination:
  • Plan and coordinate special events, holiday celebrations, and outings to enrich the lives of residents.
  • Build relationships with local community organizations and entertainers to expand activity offerings.
• Documentation and Compliance:
  • Maintain accurate records of resident participation and program effectiveness.
  • Ensure activities meet state and federal regulatory requirements for assisted living and memory care.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in life enrichment, activity coordination, or recreation therapy, preferably in a senior living or dementia care setting.
• Knowledge of dementia care principles and strategies for meaningful engagement.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships with residents, families, and team members.
• Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt programs to meet diverse needs.
• Proficiency in basic technology tools for documentation and activity planning.
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Activity Director Certification (ADC), or equivalent credentials (preferred but not required).

Preferred Qualifications:

• QMCP (Qualified Memory Care Professional) designation
• CMCP (Certified Memory Care Professional) designation

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree in recreation therapy, gerontology, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience working with seniors, including direct experience with dementia programming.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.