Therapeutic Activity Assistant for Older Adults with Dementia inKingston inKingston PUBLISHED TUE 12 NOV 2024

Band 2 PERMANENT
DEMENTIA NHS

Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust rlaX3Xmj

Opportunity to make a significant positive impact on the lives of older adults with dementia, enhancing their quality of life through tailored activities.

Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team (MDT), allowing for diverse professional interactions and shared learning experiences.

Engagement in a creative and dynamic work environment, where innovative ideas for therapeutic activities can be explored and implemented.

Participation in a structured therapeutic activities program that supports the maintenance of function and supports person-centred care.

Chance to develop strong relationships with patients, their families, and colleagues, fostering a supportive community.

Hands-on experience in a healthcare setting, particularly with vulnerable populations, providing valuable skills for future career opportunities in healthcare.

The Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a dynamic and creative Therapeutic Activity Assistant to support the dementia and delirium team in Kingston. The role involves assisting the therapeutic activities coordinator in implementing a therapeutic activities program tailored for older adults with dementia and delirium across inpatient wards. Activities include group sessions focusing on reminiscence, arts and crafts, sensory stimulation, gentle exercises, and a lunch club, as well as one-on-one interactions with patients at their bedside.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills and prior experience working with individuals living with dementia in a healthcare setting. Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, the assistant will help deliver person-centered activities that aim to enhance patient experiences, maintain function, and mitigate delirium among the Trust’s most frail and vulnerable patients.

We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic and creative therapeutic activities assistant to join the dementia and delirium team. The post holder will support the therapeutic activities coordinator in running the therapeutic activities programme for patients with dementia and delirium across the in-patient wards

The therapeutic activities programme is made up of group sessions with patients, including reminiscence, arts and crafts, sensory and cognitive stimulation, gentle exercises and lunch club. There is also the opportunity to do one to one sessions with patients at the bedside, and support staff caring for patients with complex behavioural needs. The post holder will work as part of the MDT and liaise with dementia volunteers and carers to deliver person-centred, meaningful activities for patients with dementia and delirium.

The successful applicant will have excellent communication skills, experience of working with people living with dementia and the healthcare environment is essential.

The post holder will be responsible for assisting in the delivery of high-quality therapeutic activity programmes for the older adults with dementia.

The Therapeutic Activities Program (TAP) is an initiative to promote person-centred care and maintenance of function for elderly patients including those with dementia across the Trust.

The aim is to improve patient experience and to prevent and reduce delirium for some of our most frail and vulnerable patients.

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Please ensure that you have read the job description and person specification and that your supporting statement reflects these, as your application will be assessed and scored against these criteria.

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Useful skills for a Therapeutic Activity Assistant for Older Adults with Dementia: Click to view

Working as a Therapeutic Activity Assistant for older adults with dementia in the UK requires a combination of specific skills and competencies. Here are some essential skills and qualifications that are beneficial for this role:

1. Communication Skills

- Verbal Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with older adults, families, and healthcare staff.

- Non-Verbal Communication: Understanding and using body language and other non-verbal cues, especially when working with individuals with dementia who may have difficulty expressing themselves.

2. Empathy and Compassion

- A strong capacity for empathy to understand the feelings and experiences of older adults with dementia, fostering trust and rapport.

3. Patience and Flexibility

- The ability to remain patient and adaptable when working with individuals who may have rapidly changing needs or behaviors.

4. Organizational Skills

- Planning and organizing activities tailored to the interests and needs of individuals with dementia to enhance their well-being.

5. Knowledge of Dementia

- Understanding the different types of dementia, their symptoms, and the effects on individuals' functioning and behavior.

6. Creativity and Innovation

- Developing and implementing engaging and creative activities to stimulate cognitive function and promote social interaction.

7. Teamwork and Collaboration

- Working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with nurses, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals.

8. Basic First Aid and Health Knowledge

- Awareness of basic first aid and the health needs of older adults, including recognizing signs of distress or health complications.

9. Cultural Sensitivity

- Understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds and preferences of individuals in care settings.

10. Training and Qualifications

- Relevant training, such as Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care or specific qualifications in dementia care or therapeutic activities, can be advantageous.

- Continuous professional development through workshops or courses related to dementia care and therapeutic practices.

11. Record Keeping and Documentation

- Keeping accurate records of activities and individual progress, observing changes in behavior and mood.

12. Engagement with Family Members

- Skills in communicating with and involving family members in the care process and activities.

Additional Considerations:

- Experience in Care Settings: Previous experience working in a healthcare, social care, or community care background can be highly beneficial.

- Understanding of Safeguarding: Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse and neglect.

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Therapeutic Activity Assistant for Older Adults with Dementia inKingston inKingston PUBLISHED TUE 12 NOV 2024

Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust rlaX3Xmj

About us Please ensure that you have read the job description and person specification and that your supporting statement reflects these, as your application will be assessed and scored against these criteria.

About us
Please ensure that you have read the job description and person specification and that your supporting statement reflects these, as your application will be assessed and scored against these criteria.