Activity Assistant for the Elderly (24.5 Hours)

INTRODUCTION:

This post is based within an iconic home for the elderly in central London, based within vast grounds and historic buildings. To support the Activities Team in the delivery of a daily social and activity programme for all residents as directed. This role also involves encouraging the care and nursing staff to participate in activity provision.

SALARY ETC:

24.5 hours and Salary: £26,000per year

Seven shifts of seven hours in a fortnight to include week days and weekends.

DUTIES TO INCLUDE:

To contribute to the planning, implementation and delivery of a social and activity programme for all residents, including short stay Pensioners, in conjunction with their wishes.

To assist in delivering a comprehensive range of activities to cover daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal opportunities.

To work a rolling rota, including weekends, to enable residents and flexible hours to enable pensioners to attend various evening events as required.

To support and facilitate residents to engage in activities and social events both in their own berths or communal environments, e.g. dining/lounge/activity areas and on outings are appropriate.

To work as part of the Activity Team and alongside other staff members and volunteers to deliver social group activities and events.

To facilitate the integration of provision of social and activity engagement into the daily lives of pensioners.

To assist the Activity Co-ordinator with regular risk assessments when planning new activities, delegating activities to volunteers, or when arranging outside entertainment or trips.

To maintain competence in delivering activities and to seek additional knowledge or support from other staff members, when required.

To stay on top of best practice in activity provision by using outside organisations and resources, such as NAPA and Age exchange, and discussing information and ideas amongst the Activity Team and volunteers.

To review the progress of any individual social or activity intervention plans regularly.

To undertake regular documentation of Pensioners engagement in an activity or event, and ensure records are updated in a concise, accurate and timely manner in line with departmental standards.

To support the Activity Co-ordinator in undertaking regular reviews of group and 1:1 activities, to ensure the services provided develop with the needs of the Infirmary and Pensioners.

To document when a pensioner has been invited to attend but has declined for whatever reason, to indicate inclusivity.

To report any issues or concerns to the line manager or Matron / Deputy Matron, as appropriate.

REQUIREMENTS:

Experience of activity provision to groups and individuals within a care home setting for the elderly

Experience of completing care plans and / or risk assessments

Ability to plan, implement and deliver a comprehensive range of activities to meet pensioner needs

Good written and verbal communication skills

Ability to maintain resident activity records and complete other required administrative tasks, as required

A friendly, open personality with the ability to engage and communicate with a diverse range of people

A flexible but organised approach to managing own workload

Ability to work independently to deliver activities, when required

Enjoys working as part of a team and can effectively promote a multi-disciplinary approach to pensioner support

Willing to maintain and develop skills, knowledge and experience