Be part of a teamwhere creating joy is the ultimate goal, where an award-winning reputation is more than a feather in the cap it is a privilege and responsibility to uphold.

Where appreciation for a job well done is truly recognized and rewarded.

Regardless of position, Garlands employees have the unique opportunity to connect with members, create joy and happiness, mentor positive energy, inspire others and, most of all, be inspired.

Director of Memory Enhancement:

The Director of Memory Enhancement is a motivated and innovative leader, who inspires team members to engage members with activities and socialization to achieve their highest level of functioning. The director must exercise open communication with staff and be able to deliver a high standard of member care. The key to success in this role is the ability to communicate well and build relationships with families to support them with the care of their family member.

Principle Accountabilities for Director of Memory Enhancement:

• Plan, organize and direct care of the ME neighborhood in accordance with the state regulations and The Garlands standards.
• Facilitate the creation of care plans and care plan conferences with family members.
• Communicates regularly with family members.
• Schedule “Family Support Meetings” to discuss member’s status and events or activities in the neighborhood.
• Partners with nursing and nutrition to coordinate the health care needs for each individual member of the Memory Enhancement.
• Ensure Members Rights and Preferences are met.
• Manages the care assessment process to deliver appropriate care and ensure appropriate staffing levels.
• Acts as the community liaison to promote the Memory Enhancement.

Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance:

• Provides Dementia training for direct care staff as well as other Garlands staff as necessary to meet all state requirements
• Reports issues and concerns to the Registered Nurse (DON) and Administrator
• Develops working knowledge of current laws and regulations, policies and procedures relating to member care to ensure compliance.
• Ensures that all required documentation is completed in a timely matter.

Staff Management for Director of Memory Enhancement:

• Assists in scheduling shifts for Memory Care staff members, completes performance appraisals/reviews in a timely matter.
• Establishes relationships with local support groups and the Alzheimer’s Association.
• Attends management meeting and training when required.
• Understands and manages the department’s budget to include labor and other expenses.
• Assess members by talking with families and members about normal daily life and past and present experiences.
• Plans and implements daily activities for the Memory home; providing each Member with personal attention promoting the Engage program which includes the seven dimensions of wellness
• Offers programs in multiple venues throughout the day
• Works with the nursing and Nutritional and Dining department as needed to plan events
• Plans special events for each season and holiday that engages members at the highest ability level.
• Responsible for planning activities for the home each day and looking ahead for the week and month.
• Establishing “best practice” by attending seminars and training on ability centered dementia care
• Assist nursing in writing service plan for member
• Ensure meals are running smoothly.
• Reports any possible cases of Member Abuse immediately to the Director of Nursing and the Administrator.
• Participates in facility education programs
• Attends staff meetings, in service classes and committee meetings as assigned.
• Assists with orientation of new members to facility.
• Investigates all door alarms immediately, affirming the cause of the alarm prior to clearing and resetting of the alarm.
• Performs all duties as assigned in an effective, cooperative, professional and timely manner.
• Comes to work as scheduled and consistently demonstrates dependability and punctuality and dresses in professional attire that represents the Garlands standard of excellence.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities for Director of Memory Enhancement

• Experience working in acute and/or long-term care environment preferred.
• Unit Director Certificate through approved organization preferred.
• LPN License by state of Illinois preferred.
• Activity Director Certificate through approved state program preferred.
• Must be comfortable in computer skills.
• Must have an adequate understanding of English and be able to speak and write it well.
• Must be able to work independently, as well as a team member, with a positive, pro-active attitude.
• Is flexible and adapts to change and new tasks.
• Attends staff meetings and educational programs.
• Must be familiar with the resident rights, the definition of Resident Abuse, and the reporting protocol of possible Resident Abuse.
• Must be a flexible, highly customer service and people oriented individual who demonstrates compassion, patience and understanding, and is willing to do whatever it takes to provide the highest level of service.
• Must be a team-oriented individual who enjoys working collaboratively with others, creating a positive and uplifting environment, and communicating very effectively at all levels.
• Must be able to respond quickly and appropriately to an emergency situation.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to manually lift and carry up to 50 lbs. frequently.
• Must be able to tolerate long periods of walking, bending and standing.