Memory Care Director

Job Title: Memory Care Director 
Location: Norwalk, CT
Employment Type: Full-Time Exempt
Department: Administration

The Memory Care Director (MCD) serves as the dementia care expert for the community, leads all aspects of the Memory Care Program and plays a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being, safety, and comfort for our Currents residents. Primary responsibilities include oversight of memory care staff, implementation of Maplewood standards and best practices, and development and implementation of specialized service plans tailored to the unique needs of each resident. By closely collaborating with other department heads, family members, program staff and care staff, they ensure the delivery of the highest quality of care, lifestyle, therapeutic environment and interventions. The Director is also responsible for continuous staff training on the latest memory care best practices, monitoring resident progress, and adjusting approaches and protocols as needed. Additionally, they liaise with families to provide regular updates, support, and education. Finally, the Memory Care Director ensures compliance with state regulations and company policies and works to create a nurturing environment that promotes dignity, wellbeing, engagement, safety and a high quality of life for our residents living with dementia.

Management Responsibilities

• Hires, trains, schedules, supervises, directs and evaluates Memory Care program associates
• Provides coaching, counseling and performance reviews on all Memory Care associates
• Demonstrates strong leadership, communication, and teamwork skills
• Demonstrates excellent organization and time management skills
• Oversees recruitment gateway for memory care associates
• Supervises all memory care program associates, including RSAs, MCAs, and MCCs
• Completes monthly schedules for all RSAs, MCAs, and MCCs in UKG to budget shift requirements
• Monitors all memory care program associates assigned tasks
• Updates communication log, Voice Friend, RSA Assignment Sheets and Wellness Number list with new employees
• Conducts monthly pendant and wall alarm checks
• Supports payroll with the daily reviewing of timesheets and entering missed punches forms/vacation requests into UKG
• Orders necessary resident care supplies including incontinence supplies
• Performs scheduling, progressive counseling and annual performance reviews for all memory care program associates
• Staffs the Program to meet the needs of the population within the approved budget
• Ensures Memory Care Program meets all federal and state regulations and company standards
• Demonstrates requisite knowledge, skills and abilities consistent with the duties & responsibilities of this position
• Collaborates effectively and professionally with department heads to meet the needs and expectations of residents and their families
• Relates professionally and positively to residents, physicians, government regulators, incoming visitors and associates at all levels
• Provides ongoing communication to the Resident Service Director, Executive Director and other department heads regarding staffing issues or concerns

Care, Service Plans and Wellness

• Collaborates with RSD on all memory care services plans
• Participate in the review of individual residents’ service plans with other team members and regularly document elements of their status.
• Participates in weekly tracking meetings to assure that daily information and observations by MCD is communicated effectively
• Ensures Residents are all groomed and dressed properly and according to personal preferences (i.e. jewelry, clothing style, etc.).
• In collaboration with the Resident Service Director, ensures proper outside services are utilized for residents (psych, PT, hospice, etc.).
• Ensures care is scheduled according to the resident’s lifestyle, needs and desires.
• In collaboration with Resident Service Director, ensures all prospects for memory care have a diagnosis of dementia and meet all the criteria for admission.
• In collaboration with the Resident Service Director, provides a pre-admission screen assessment per MSL standards
• Ensures all resident care documentation is completed by care staff prior to end of shift.
• Coordinates and facilitates family meetings for all memory care residents.
• Provides stand-up/inter-shift huddles for all memory care neighborhood staff.

Staff Training

• Provides Person Centered Dementia Care Training to all new staff during general orientation and ensures all staff are trained on PCDC
• Provides monthly dementia-related in-services to all associates
• Provides coaching, mentoring and “micro” trainings regularly and consistently to empower and support staff in their roles
• Ensures all staff have the minimum training requirements per MSL standards

Sales & Marketing

• Assists with touring and providing information about our memory care program to families of perspective residents.
• Is available to sales and marketing team to present to outside groups and organizations from time to time
• Coordinates annual Alzheimer’s Association Walk Team and logistics.
• Develops and distribute monthly newsletter.
• Develops and maintain contact with community agencies, organizations, and area health care professionals through outreach and hosting.

Dining Program

• Ensures all residents are able to participate in the meal program as independently as possible.
• Ensures associates are providing supervision in the dining room and are offering necessary assistance to residents.
• In collaboration with the Culinary Service Director, ensures proper nutrition, snacks and hydration are provided throughout the day.
• Ensures tables are set with all needed utensils (including knife) and Table clothes, cloth napkins, and centerpieces are in place.
• Ensures adaptive devices that have been recommended by OT & Speech, are care planed and utilized.
• Ensures adequate meals are available for residents who may not eat at normal mealtimes.
• Ensures menus are posted or are available to residents for lunch and dinner.
• Ensures show plates are used for residents to assist them in making menu choices prior to ordering.
• Maintains a resident diet book that include a picture of each resident, their current diet, any special food consistency and food allergies for staff to utilize as a reference when serving meals.

Family Education & Support

• Provides family education on issues or topics related to dementia care
• Provides a monthly family support group meetings.
• Provides frequent communication with families including sending calendar newsletters, pictures, emails, and phone calls; providing positive, reassuring communication.
• Maintains a community Memory Care Resource Library for families and associates to utilize.

Volunteers

• Implements volunteer program which includes recruitment, interviewing, training and annual recognition.
• Implements community policy regarding volunteers.
• Trains all volunteers who will working the memory care neighborhood in dementia care.
• Implements volunteer schedule.
• Develops and implements intergenerational program with local organizations, schools and clubs.
• Develops and implements a volunteer pet therapy program that follow all state and local government rules regarding pets.

Education/Experience/Licensure/Certification:

• A degree in social work, nursing, psychology, gerontology or therapeutic recreation or related field; non-degree individuals with at least 5 years direct dementia-related resident experience preferred
• Must have minimum two (2) years' experience within a senior living environment specializing Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases in a “hands-on” supervisory capacity
• At least 1-year experience managing staff, including coaching, counseling and progressive disciplinary action
• Must possess a passion for working with seniors with dementia and improving their quality of life.
• Has a thorough understanding of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.
• Has excellent communication, organization and time management skills.
• Has basic typing skills and computer knowledge; familiarity with MS Word, Excel, Publisher and creative software.

Why You'll Love working for Us: 

• Innovative Culture: We are a group of smart, forward-thinking and compassionate pros dedicated to enhancing the lives of our residents through service excellence, creative and meaningful programs and continuous innovation.
• HEART: We recognize Humor, Empathy, Autonomy, Respect and Trust as core values that guide our work.
• Growth Opportunities: We promote and foster career development and continuous learning.
• Work-Life Balance: We value autonomy, flexibility and a family-friendly supportive workplace.
• Competitive Comp and Benefits: We offer a competitive compensation package, bonus, health insurance, 401K with match, paid time off, and more. Inspir believes in rewarding top talent and dedication, depending upon years of experience and commitment to the company. Inspir strives for transparency, reviewing pay periodically, to be the industry leader in recruiting talent like you!