Resident Care Attendant (PRN)

Basic Purpose

The Resident Care Attendants focus their efforts supporting the resident with day to day needs of daily life. RCAs perform personal and housekeeping tasks that the resident would do for themselves if they were fully able. RCA’s make rounds on a scheduled basis, help during meals, and escort residents to & from activities. Along with other team members, RCA’s encourage independence, support resident choice and preserve resident dignity through their professional manner and interactions.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADL’s) according to the resident’s service plan. ADL’s include bathing, toileting, daily hygiene, grooming, dressing & undressing, mobility and transport and nutritional needs. Also assist with instrumental activities of daily living (IADL’s).
• Promote social and emotional support as needed and according to the resident’s service plan. These actions include prompt response to calls for assistance, sensitivity to resident needs for privacy and socialization, encouragement and direct assistance to participate in activities, appointment reminders, awareness and sensitivity to resident limitations as well as assistance to overcome limitations.
• Interacts and communicates with resident and resident’s family in a manner that shows respect and promotes confidence in the co-workers, and the teams, ability to meet their expectations. Refers family to nurse or Assisted Living Director for service/care concerns.
• Informs supervisor about any resident’s needs, unusual events, suspicion of abuse, or condition/behavior changes promptly.
• Participates in the planning of resident service needs using the methods defined in the department. This includes providing current information of the resident service needs to nursing or other appropriate supervisor, attending planning meetings, using the person-centered service plan to insure promised service.
• Change bed linens weekly & more often as needed; make bed daily according to resident personal preference, assist with laundry according to schedule and protocol.
• Make rounds on all assigned residents when coming on duty within 30 minutes; go to resident room & offer assistance 3-4 times per shift even of no call has been received and including residents with sitters (approx every two hours).
• Clean resident refrigerator/freezer as needed.
• Wash, dry and store (or return to Lambeth House kitchen) resident dirty dishes, glassware, silverware.
• Monitor dining room at all meals:
• assists dietary staff to pass out menus and serve drinks.
• report changes in resident’s eating/drinking habits
• observe residents for choking/swallowing problems; provide emergency assistance; report to nurse.
• takes orders from residents who need room delivery. Deliver meal, complete charge slip, and pick up tray, etc (in a timely manner)
• Help with self-administration of medications as described in Policy & Procedures for medication assistance. Report any medicine issues to nurse.
• Notify nurse or AL Manager if resident needs assistance reordering medications.
• Fulfill requirements for documentation concerning medication assistance, baths, communication log and other forms as needed.
• Document identified resident problems/needs according to policy and procedure. (i.e., change of condition/abnormal behavior).
• Wear two-way radio & pager from beginning to end of shift. Answer all calls immediately. Place radio on charger when not in use.
• Answer resident calls promptly. If unable to respond within 5 minutes, ask for assistance from co-workers.
• Follow Infection Control guidelines including but not limited to Universal Precautions.
• Treat residents with dignity & respect; know & honor residents’ rights.
• Follow dress code including name tag every day.
• Take responsibility for cleanliness of work area; food & drink not allowed at work
• station.
• Use of cell phones not allowed while on duty.
• Follow policies communicated in employee handbook and at staff meetings.
• In addition to the required dementia training, must attend at least 12 hrs of in-service annually, including ADLs, IADLs.
• Demonstrate compassion, understanding and respect for seniors.
• Follow policies on confidentiality, protected health information.

Critical Success Factors:

• Exhibits a positive customer service attitude which includes respect, friendliness and willingness to assist others and consistent completion of job duties.
• Displays personal initiative to complete work without constant supervision, by reliable work attendance and, by taking responsibility to address work related problems with the proper individuals.
• Communication skills that include careful listening, sensitivity to the emotions attached to the message, thoughtful responses, timely and accurate reporting to appropriate people.
• Commitment to confidentiality that pertains to both resident and co-worker information. Relates personal information only to appropriate supervisory co-workers for action or attention.
• Demonstrates skills in judging the importance and urgency of events. Recognizes a resident related problem that is within the RCA’s scope to address and when assistance is needed.
• Approaches work with a flexible attitude. Can change course of activity with changing resident demands without experiencing undue stress or frustration.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read & write English.
• Current adult first aid certification and certification in cardiac pulmonary resuscitation within 90 days of employment as required by DH standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families & co-workers.
• An interest in working with older residents and possess understanding of special needs of frail elderly.
• Mental health that allows the individual to perform required duties.

Typical Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift/push/pull 35 pounds without assistance.
• Must be able to use timeclock correctly.
• Good physical health that allows the individual to perform required duties.