What are the responsibilities and job description for the Memory Care Activities Coordinator - Full Time position at 81 Oaks Senior Living?
81 Oaks Memory Care Activities Coordinator – Full Time
81 Oaks Senior Living | Sarasota, FL
Department: Clinical - Memory Care
Schedule: Full-Time
Work Type: Onsite
About The Role
81 Oaks Senior Living is seeking a dedicated, experienced, and Alzheimer’s-and-dementia-focused Memory Care Activities Coordinator to lead and elevate the Life Enrichment program within our Memory Care neighborhood.
This is a leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing a structured, dementia-informed activity program that supports the cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of residents at all stages of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
The ideal candidate is more than an activity planner — they are an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program Specialist who understands behaviors, redirection techniques, regulatory expectations, family communication, and how to create meaningful engagement rooted in each resident’s personal life history and abilities.
Position Summary
Full-Time | Non-Exempt
81 Oaks Senior Living | Sarasota, FL
Department: Clinical - Memory Care
Schedule: Full-Time
Work Type: Onsite
About The Role
81 Oaks Senior Living is seeking a dedicated, experienced, and Alzheimer’s-and-dementia-focused Memory Care Activities Coordinator to lead and elevate the Life Enrichment program within our Memory Care neighborhood.
This is a leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing a structured, dementia-informed activity program that supports the cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of residents at all stages of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
The ideal candidate is more than an activity planner — they are an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program Specialist who understands behaviors, redirection techniques, regulatory expectations, family communication, and how to create meaningful engagement rooted in each resident’s personal life history and abilities.
Position Summary
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive Memory Care activity calendar that meets all applicable state guidelines and regulatory standards.
- Create programming tailored to varying stages of dementia.
- Lead group and individual activities that promote dignity, engagement, and quality of life.
- Communicate professionally and consistently with families to personalize programming based on each resident’s unique background and interests.
- Recognize, redirect, and deescalate dementiarelated behaviors appropriately.
- Serve as a resource and coach to staff on dementia communication techniques.
- DementiaSpecific Programming & Leadership
- Design and implement a structured, therapeutic activities program specific to Memory Care.
- Create engaging activities that support cognitive stimulation, emotional wellbeing, sensory engagement, movement, and social connection.
- Develop programming for residents across all stages of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
- Maintain a monthly calendar aligned with state expectations and Life Enrichment standards.
- Ensure documentation and program delivery meet regulatory requirements.
- ResidentCentered Engagement
- Lead daily group and individual activities with enthusiasm and professionalism.
- Adapt activities based on residents’ physical abilities, cognitive levels, and emotional needs.
- Encourage participation while respecting resident autonomy and dignity.
- Use dementiainformed communication strategies to support engagement.
- Recognize and appropriately redirect escalating behaviors.
- Family Communication & Personalization
- Coordinate and complete personalized assessments with families to tailor programming.
- Maintain professional, timely communication with families regarding engagement and participation.
- Integrate residents’ unique life stories, interests, and past hobbies into programming.
- Staff Collaboration & Coaching
- Collaborate with the Director of Memory Care and Clinical team to support holistic resident care.
- Provide guidance to team members on dementia communication techniques and engagement strategies.
- Support a culture of dignity, patience, and understanding within the Memory Care neighborhood.
- Safety & Compliance
- Maintain CPR and First Aid certification.
- Monitor residents during activities to ensure safety and appropriate supervision.
- Assist residents physically during programming as needed.
- Observe and report changes in behavior, mood, or engagement patterns.
- Previous experience as an Activities Coordinator or similar leadership role in a Memory Care or Alzheimer’s setting required.
- Demonstrated experience working with residents across all stages of dementia.
- Strong knowledge of dementia behaviors, communication techniques, and redirection strategies.
- Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) or certification through the National Council of Dementia Practitioners preferred.
- Ability to create structured, statecompliant activity calendars.
- Proven ability to lead group programming confidently and effectively.
- Strong problemsolving skills to adapt activities to varying abilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- CPR and First Aid certification required (or willingness to obtain).
- Physical stamina to assist residents during activities and remain actively engaged throughout the day.
- Demonstrated empathy, patience, and professionalism in managing dementiarelated emotional and behavioral challenges.
- Ability to pass a drug and alcohol screening.
- Ability to pass a Level 2 background screening additional information available at: https://ahca.myflorida.com/healthqualityassurance/bureauofcentralservices/backgroundscreening
- Understands that engagement in Memory Care is clinical — not just recreational.
- Brings creativity while maintaining structure and compliance.
- Builds trust with families and staff.
- Balances warmth with leadership presence.
- Sees behavior as communication and responds accordingly.
- Is passionate about tailoring and elevating Memory Care programming to its highest potential.
Full-Time | Non-Exempt