What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Memory Care Unit position at Plainfield Health Care Center?
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Memory Care (SNF)
Position Summary
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Memory Care provides compassionate, person-centered care to residents with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other cognitive impairments in a skilled nursing facility. This role supports residents with daily living activities while promoting dignity, safety, and a structured, therapeutic environment.
Key Responsibilities
Resident Care
Position Summary
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Memory Care provides compassionate, person-centered care to residents with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other cognitive impairments in a skilled nursing facility. This role supports residents with daily living activities while promoting dignity, safety, and a structured, therapeutic environment.
Key Responsibilities
Resident Care
- Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and feeding
- Provide individualized care for residents with dementia, including cueing and redirection
- Monitor and document residents’ physical and behavioral changes
- Assist with mobility, transfers, and positioning to ensure safety and prevent injury
- Utilize dementia-specific communication techniques (validation, redirection, calm approach)
- Recognize and respond appropriately to behaviors such as agitation, wandering, or confusion
- Maintain a structured and supportive environment to reduce anxiety and confusion
- Participate in behavior care planning and interventions
- Ensure resident safety, including fall prevention and elopement awareness
- Maintain a clean, organized, and calming environment within the memory care unit
- Follow infection control protocols and facility policies
- Encourage participation in activities and social interaction
- Provide emotional support and companionship
- Assist with meal service and ensure adequate nutrition and hydration
- Support individualized routines to promote comfort and familiarity
- Communicate effectively with nurses, therapy staff, and interdisciplinary team
- Report changes in condition, behavior, or concerns promptly
- Document care provided accurately and timely
- Active CNA certification in the state
- High school diploma or equivalent (preferred)
- CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Prior experience in long-term care or memory care preferred
- Compassion and patience when working with cognitively impaired residents
- Strong observation and communication skills
- Ability to manage challenging behaviors calmly and professionally
- Team-oriented mindset with reliability and accountability
- Basic understanding of dementia care best practices
- Fast-paced SNF memory care environment
- Requires standing, walking, lifting, and assisting residents throughout shift
- Exposure to residents with varying levels of cognitive impairment and behaviors