Dementia Care Assistant

The Dementia Care Assistant supports people living with dementia to enjoy a safe, welcoming and stimulating day centre experience, while helping carers to feel reassured, informed and supported.

Age UK Tunbridge Wells aims to provide high quality, person-centred care that helps clients feel safe, respected and at home, and gives carers confidence that their loved ones are receiving attentive and professional support.

Working as part of a small dedicated team, the postholder will help deliver activities, personal support, safe routines and responsive care for up to 20 clients, using judgement, empathy and awareness of individual care plans.

Key Responsibilities

Individually and as part of the team, the postholder will be expected to take responsibility for the following areas:

Quality Service and Activities

• Help create a warm, person-centred ethos and welcoming atmosphere.
• Contribute to a varied pool of resources and stimulating activities that can be adapted to clients’ needs and abilities.
• Facilitate and take part in daily activities with clients, whether individually, in small groups or as part of the wider group, depending on the activity and individual preferences.
• Seek client feedback during and after sessions to help develop a service that meets clients’ needs and interests.
• Participate in staff debriefings and meetings by sharing ideas, raising concerns appropriately and remaining open to suggestions from colleagues.

Client Support, Personal Care and Safety

• Encourage social interaction while respecting individual preferences, choices and independence.
• Support clients to participate in their own care and maintain independence wherever possible.
• Provide emotional and practical support when required, seeking support from colleagues where appropriate.
• Work with colleagues to adapt activities throughout the day according to clients’ needs, abilities and personal preferences.
• Share any identified changes in clients’ needs or abilities with line managers.
• Work with line managers to ensure service users’ personal care plans are accurately maintained and regularly reviewed using the Access care planning app.
• Respect service users’ individual rights at all times, including privacy, choice and participation in decision-making.

Working with Carers

• Communicate regularly with carers, pass on messages and report or discuss concerns as appropriate.
• Offer reassurance and support to carers, referring to line managers or signposting to advocacy and advice where needed.
• Request carer feedback on the quality of provision and on potential service developments.

Daily Operations and Environment

• Welcome clients on arrival at the Day Centre and escort them to and from vehicles with appropriate regard to mobility needs.
• Ensure clients’ coats, bags and possessions are stored safely.
• Offer tea, coffee and cold drinks to support clients’ hydration throughout the day.
• Assist with setting up and clearing away activities.
• Help maintain a calm Day Centre environment that is free from unnecessary noise, interruption and anxiety for clients.
• Support the delivery of activities in line with clients’ assessments and personal support plans.
• Accompany clients to the toilet in line with their assessments and personal care plans.
• Support client safety when entering and leaving the Day Centre, including appropriate use of door access security codes.
• Maintain clean surface areas and floors in line with the Health and Safety Policy, helping ensure the Day Centre remains tidy and safe.
• Lay tables for meals and assist with serving and clearing food in line with food hygiene procedures, ensuring clients who need support to eat are appropriately supervised.
• Ensure toilets are kept clean throughout the day.
• Assist clients with medication in accordance with the Medication Policy.

Other Duties

• Represent and promote the values and services of Age UK Tunbridge Wells and encourage positive attitudes towards mental health.
• Observe all agreed Age UK policies, procedures and good practice guidelines, including maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Help maintain a safe, clean environment that complies with relevant policies.
• Engage positively with regular supervision, discuss training needs with the Dementia Support Manager and attend agreed training.
• Assist with administrative tasks needed for the smooth running of the service.
• Respond to general enquiries about the centre and its services, referring to line managers where necessary.
• Work flexibly and undertake other duties commensurate with the role.

Person Specification

A positive, adaptable and person-centred approach is essential to this role, alongside the ability to respond sensitively to changing client needs.

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• An understanding of and empathy with older people, including people living with dementia.
• An ability to listen sensitively and adapt communication to meet individual needs.
• An ability to build positive relationships with clients, carers, families and colleagues.
• An adaptable and resourceful approach, with the ability to find creative and practical solutions.
• A willingness to try new ideas and remain positive and enthusiastic in changing situations.
• An NVQ Level 2 or above in Health and Social Care, or equivalent.
• Experience of working with people living with dementia.
• Some knowledge of IT and care planning systems.
• A full, clean driving licence and use of own car, where this is required for the role.