Life Enrichment Aide

SCOPE 

Reports to the Life Enrichment Director. Creates monthly calendars and implements recreation programs to meet the various physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual needs of residents and assists in monitoring their need. Ensure residents safety by following established policies and procedures. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Implements and evaluates both individual and group recreation program based on assess needs. Sets up and cleans the activity area as necessary and transports residents to and from programs. Monitors the behavior and condition of all residents during programs, reporting any significant changes to the Life Enrichment Director and nursing staff as appropriate.  

• Participates in care conferences and other committees as required to assist in assessing recreation needs of residents. Attends in-service education programs. 

• Participates in initial admission assessment of residents and in Interdisciplinary Care Conferences to determine activation needs. Maintains awareness of changes in the condition or behavior of residents in order to modify programs; notifies nursing staff of observed changes. Maintains records of initial assessments and programs for each resident and reviews and updates on a regular basis. 

• Prepare and submit the monthly program calendar at least two weeks prior to the end of each month, ensuring it reflects resident interests, needs, and seasonal or special events. 

• Participates in development and revision of programs under the guidance of the Life Enrichment Director. 

• Maintains program and resident records according to department policy. Communicates participation by residents to registered staff. 

• Adheres to established department policies and procedures regarding quality assurance, fire safety, environment and infection control. 

• Works cooperatively with other departments to meet resident needs. 

• Maintain record of attendance for activity programs on a daily basis. 

• Document in the resident’s progress notes, MDS, RAP, Care Plans within 7 days of the resident’s assessment being opened 

• Prepare, set-up, assist and finish projects as necessary for residents, i.e. crafts, baking, art, etc. 

• Decorate and set-up for special occasions.  

• Adhere to the program purchasing policy when planning or implementing programs. 

• Assist in dining rooms with residents who require 1-1 supervision with eating assistance. 

• Practice good body mechanics. Adheres to lifting policies and procedures.  

• Report incidents, accidents, hazardous situations or unsafe equipment promptly to department head or nurse in charge and assist in corrective action.  

• Attend all mandatory in-services, i.e. WHMIS, Infection Control, Fire, etc and follow the policies of the home.  

• Other duties as assigned.  

• Have a post-secondary diploma, degree, or certificate in recreation and leisure studies, therapeutic recreation, kinesiology, gerontology, or another related field from an Ontario post-secondary institution. 

• Ability to work safely, following established practices and procedures.  

• Ability to read and write English and to understand moderately complex verbal and written instructions in English.  

• Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with others on the care team. 

• Ability to include volunteers in programs and recognize the merit of their position. 

• To oversee the volunteers on their work unit as staff liaison. 

• Good physical and mental health. 

• Enthusiastic interaction with residents and family. 

• Demonstrates maturity and reliability.  

ON-CALL  

• To take on the job description of Life Enrichment aide they are replacing. 

• To work for F/T or P/T staff when they are ill, have lieu days, union days or vacation days.  

• To work the hours of activity aide they are replacing.