Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

Position Summary

The Personal Care Assistant (PCA) specializing in Memory & Behavioral Care provides compassionate, hands-on support to residents with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, and behavioral health needs. This role assists residents with daily activities, promotes emotional and physical well-being, and helps maintain a safe, structured, and comforting environment tailored to individuals experiencing memory loss or behavioral challenges.

Key Responsibilities

Resident Care & Daily Living Support

• Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and mobility.

• Provide gentle cueing, redirection, and hands-on guidance to help residents complete tasks.

• Support residents with transfers, fall prevention, and safe ambulation.

• Ensure residents’ rooms and living spaces are clean, organized, and free from safety hazards.

• Assist with meal service, hydration, and nutritional support, following recommended dementia-friendly dining techniques.

Memory & Behavioral Care Responsibilities

• Use dementia-specific communication strategies, including validation, redirection, and calm, supportive approaches.

• Recognize and report behavioral changes such as agitation, wandering, pacing, sundowning, or withdrawal.

• Follow individualized behavior-support plans and implement non-pharmacological interventions.

• Help create a predictable routine that reduces confusion and promotes emotional stability.

• Use trauma-informed and de-escalation techniques to reduce stress or potential triggers.

Observation & Documentation

• Observe residents for changes in mood, health, behavior, or cognition and report promptly to nursing staff.

• Document care, behaviors, and resident interactions as required by facility policy.

• Assist with incident reporting and follow-up communication.

Engagement & Emotional Support

• Provide companionship, meaningful engagement, sensory activities, and social interaction.

• Encourage participation in activities that support cognitive function and emotional well-being.

• Assist residents during group programs and behavior-safe activity environments.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to safety protocols, infection-control procedures, and memory-care security standards (e.g., wandering prevention).

• Maintain resident confidentiality and uphold HIPAA guidelines.

• Participate in emergency drills and respond appropriately in urgent situations.

• Support safe behavior environments by preventing overstimulation, maintaining routine, and monitoring triggers.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with nurses, med-techs, activity staff, and leadership to deliver coordinated care.

• Participate in shift change reports, team huddles, and in-service training sessions.

• Share observations and suggestions to improve resident care and safety.

Family Interaction

• Interact compassionately with families, offering support and reassurance.

• Communicate observations and updates to nursing staff for family follow-up as appropriate.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or PCA certification preferred (varies by state/facility).

• Experience in memory care, dementia care, behavioral health, or assisted living strongly preferred.

• Knowledge of dementia behaviors, communication techniques, and redirection strategies.

• Ability to remain patient, calm, and supportive in challenging situations.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and observation skills.

• Ability to use electronic documentation systems (EMR/EHR).

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and assist residents for long periods.

• Ability to lift up to [X] lbs and provide physical support for mobility or behavioral safety.

• Exposure to residents with cognitive impairment or behavioral challenges.