Job Description
Resident care associates work for dedicated residential buildings and facilities, where their main job is to follow the resident assistance plan in providing services to residents. At times, they are required to assist in the development and implementation of each individual resident’s assistance plan. In some instances, a resident associate may also be hired in medical facilities where they are required to ensure the safety and wellbeing of each individual assigned to her or his care.
Depending on where they work, the job of a resident associate may vary, with a slight overlapping of duties in both roles. For either role, they need to be physically dexterous, compassionate and have a head for good customer services. In addition to this, they need to be able to establish and maintain constructive relationships with coworkers, residents, families and visitors.
Since mostly, resident care associates work in a medical capacity, they are required to possess great insight into handling unwell people or those with physical or emotional disabilities. Also, they are required to assist with the ongoing assessment of residents’ needs in order to promote their independence.
Requirements
A high school diploma or a GED is usually sufficient to work as a resident associate – if you have volunteered in a similar position or a residential facility before, you may be considered a good option to hire.
Resident Care Associate Duties and Responsibilities
• Converse with assigned residents to determine their physical and emotional state of being
• Provide them with assistance in handling their personal needs such as toileting and bathing
• Change beds, assist with showers and with dressing residents, while promoting their independence and ensuring maintenance of their integrity
• Monitor residents to ensure their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and ensure that any significant changes are communicated to the family
• Take and record vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse and temperature and communicate any hikes or spikes to family members or caregivers
• Assist in serving meals and other dining needs, including help with partaking their meals
• Deliver meal trays to and from the kitchen and ensure that residents’ rooms are kept clean and sanitized at all times
• Assist residents with mobility by providing them with physical support or by pushing their wheelchairs
• Encourage residents to take part in community activities and escort them to activities and games
• Provide companionship by actively listening to their concerns and ensuring that measures are taken in order to keep residents comfortable