Care Companion - Casual

About Optima Living
Founded in 2007 by two friends inspired by their families’ dementia journeys, Optima Living was created to provide a more home-like experience in seniors housing and care. What began as a personal mission has grown into one of Western Canada’s leading senior living and continuing care providers.

Today, Optima Living offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living, Long-Term Care, Brain Health, and Memory Care across Alberta and British Columbia. Our innovative approach includes Spark, Your Wellness, Your Way; our proprietary brain health and care model. As the only Top 10 Canadian senior living and care provider focused exclusively on Western Canada, we proudly serve more than 6,000 residents.

Guided by our North Star, Let us welcome you home™, we are committed to People, Place, and Community. With a resident-first philosophy and a focus on innovation, we are redefining aging with purpose creating communities where seniors live with dignity, connection, and joy.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Care, working under the leadership of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse, the Care Companion assists residents with all activities of daily living that include the physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and cultural needs and interests of the residents.
All duties and responsibilities are carried out in alignment with Optima Living’s mission, vision, and values, promoting person-centered care by respecting the uniqueness, dignity, and self-determination of residents to promote maximum personal and functional independence. These duties are performed within the framework of established organizational policies and procedures, industry best practices, while adhering to applicable regulations and standards.
Responsibilities
• Builds trusting and supportive relationships with residents through regular interaction, conversation and engagement offering companionship and encouragement.
• Supports the care team in providing care and services to meet residents’ physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
• Maintains awareness of residents' abilities, health, diet, interests, and special care requirements.
• Assists with move ins, move outs, palliative care, end of life and care after death by ensuring that comfort and dignity are maintained.
• Supports the development of resident personal care or service plans.
• Performs resident care, documents observations and interventions accurately, and reports changes to the Director of Care or designate.
• Responds promptly to call bells and resident requests.
• Participates in care conferences as needed.
• Replenishes supplies in resident rooms, care areas and medication rooms.
• Assists with resident laundry and light housekeeping as needed.
• Ensures proper care and labeling of resident clothing and personal belongings and communicates resident needs to families.
• Provides medication assistance to the residents as delegated in accordance with their personal service plan and medication policies as applicable.
• Assists residents with activities of daily living including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility support.
• Assists residents with mobility, transfers, and repositioning in accordance with care or service plans, ensuring safe use of equipment and promptly reporting unsafe conditions.
• In collaboration with the Recreation Manager, assists residents with participation in preferred social and recreational activities and provides one-on-one recreation as needed.
• Ensures residents receive proper nutrition and hydration in accordance with the dietary plan, documenting and reporting changes to the Registered Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse or Dietitian.
• Assists with dining duties, including setting and clearing tables.
• Assists residents with mobility to and from the dining area and provides support during meals.
• Promptly reports unsafe conditions, incidents, or concerns to supervisor, General Manager or Health & Safety Committee.
• Identifies maintenance issues and reports them following established maintenance procedures.
• Responds promptly during emergency codes in alignment with organizational standards and protocols.
• Contributes to quality improvement initiatives by sharing ideas and providing feedback.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
• Ensures adherence to infection control policies and procedures through regular audits, observations, and investigations.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of resident medical and personal information in accordance with privacy legislation.
• Completes orientation upon hire and annual mandatory education as assigned.
• Supports new team members through their orientation process.
• Participates in team meetings and stays informed on relevant internal communications.
• Performs other duties as required to support operational needs.
Qualifications & Experience
• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent education is required.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience in a residential care setting
• Completion of the Medication Assistant policy review and education annually if applicable
• Food Safe certification is an asset.
• CPR and First Aid certification is an asset.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Communicates in an approachable and respectful manner with the temperament to deal tactfully and cooperatively in all interactions.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to present professional documents with clarity.
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively organize, prioritize and problem solve.
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.
• Ability to manage and resolve difficult and challenging situations effectively and respectfully.
• Physical and mental ability to carry out the duties of the position including adherence to provincial health legislation.
• Ability to safely operate equipment according to established protocols.
• Computer literacy skills required.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts.
Conditions of Employment
• Clear Police Information Check
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check
• Successful completion of all mandatory Provincial Health Requirements
• Active CPR and First Aid Certification