Senior Care Assistant

Job Description

Job Role Overview
A Senior Care Assistant working in a dementia care unit provides high-quality, person-centred support to residents living with dementia, while leading and supporting a team of care staff. The role combines hands-on care, leadership, communication, and safeguarding responsibilities to ensure residents’ wellbeing, dignity, and safety.

Key Responsibilities
1. Resident Care & Support
Deliver person-centred care that reflects each resident’s life history, preferences, abilities, and dementia stage.
Support residents with daily living activities (personal care, mobility, hygiene, nutrition).
Use dementia-appropriate communication techniques to reduce distress and promote engagement.
Promote independence and emotional wellbeing through meaningful activities and interaction.
Monitor and record changes in residents’ physical, cognitive, and emotional health.
2. Leadership & Team Support
Supervise, mentor, and support Care Assistants during shifts.
Allocate tasks, ensure care plans are followed, and maintain high care standards.
Provide guidance on dementia best-practice approaches (validation, de-escalation, re-orientation, etc.).
Lead by example in professionalism, compassion, and safeguarding.
3. Care Planning & Documentation
Accurately document care delivered, incidents, and changes in condition.
Assist with developing and updating individualised care plans.
Ensure compliance with CQC regulations and care home policies.
4. Medication Responsibilities
Administer, record, and audit medications safely in line with MAR charts and training.
Report medication errors, adverse reactions, or concerns immediately.
5. Safeguarding & Health and Safety
Act promptly on safeguarding concerns and follow reporting procedures.
Maintain infection control, risk assessments, and safe working practices.
Support residents experiencing behaviours that may challenge, using de-escalation strategies.
6. Family & Professional Liaison
Communicate effectively and compassionately with families regarding residents’ wellbeing.
Assist with reviews, multidisciplinary meetings, and professionals (GPs, nurses, therapists).