Working in memory care is more than a job, it’s a calling. For those drawn to making a difference in the lives of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, Kensington Park Senior Living offers a unique opportunity through its three specialized memory care neighborhoods: The Kensington Club, Connections, and Haven.
Whether you’re just beginning your journey in senior care or looking to take the next step in your caregiving career, Kensington Park Senior Living provides the structure, training, and support to thrive.
If you’ve been searching for memory care jobs in senior living that combine purpose with professional growth, this article walks you through how to get started and what to expect.
What Are Connections & Haven?
Our memory care program at Kensington Park Senior Living is divided into three intimate, thoughtfully designed neighborhoods, each tailored to the distinct stages of cognitive decline.
- The Kensington Club is our unique early-stage memory care program for new and current assisted living residents experiencing mild changes in cognition. It features a strong relationship-based focus, peer support, sensory movement, and family participation.
- Connections serves residents in the early to middle stages of memory loss. The focus is on engagement, routine, and gentle reminders, allowing residents to retain as much independence as possible while offering support through progressive changes.
- Haven is designed for individuals in more advanced stages of dementia, providing increased clinical oversight, sensory-based activities, and compassionate communication techniques to ensure safety and comfort.
Both neighborhoods emphasize relationship-based care and uphold Our Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Certifications & Qualifications to Begin
You don’t need to have years of experience to begin your career in memory care, but having the right certifications and mindset is essential.
Here are the basic requirements for memory care positions at Kensington Park Senior Living:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification or equivalent caregiving experience
- Medication Technician (Med Tech) certification for certain roles
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Dementia care training (provided through onboarding if not already completed)
- A compassionate, patient-centered approach
- Strong communication and observation skills
Kensington Park Senior Living also provides training specific to memory care techniques, including insights from the Positive Approach to Care® (PAC) model, which helps caregivers respond to behavioral changes with empathy and skill.
To support long-term career development, we offer opportunities for ongoing certifications and continuing education.
A Day in the Life: Working in Connections
In Connections, caregivers help residents navigate their day with dignity and purpose. The tone is upbeat, structured, and interactive.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Assisting with dressing, grooming, and personal care
- Escorting residents to and from activities and meals
- Leading or supporting cognitive engagement activities such as music, puzzles, or art
- Providing gentle reminders for appointments and daily tasks
- Using redirection and positive reinforcement to encourage participation
- Collaborating with nurses and families to adapt care plans
Residents in Connections often enjoy a high level of socialization, and caregivers are encouraged to join in daily enrichment programming. This neighborhood requires adaptability, patience, and a proactive approach to managing early memory changes.
A Day in the Life: Working in Haven
Haven is a serene and highly supportive environment where caregivers provide specialized care for residents in the later stages of memory loss. The focus here is comfort, safety, and emotional presence.
Daily responsibilities include:
- Delivering full assistance with personal care needs
- Using touch, tone, and sensory cues to connect with residents
- Supporting feeding, mobility, and hydration with a gentle hand
- Participating in therapeutic programs like aromatherapy, massage, or soft music sessions
- Assisting with medical needs in collaboration with the on-site clinical team
- Documenting changes in mood, behavior, or health
Caregivers in Haven often form deep, meaningful bonds with residents and their families. Every small moment of connection, from a smile, a hand squeeze, or a shared memory, has a profound impact.
The Rewards of Working in Memory Care
Memory care can be challenging, but for the right person, it is also incredibly fulfilling. Here’s what sets this work apart:
- Emotional connection: You’re not just assisting with daily tasks, you’re preserving dignity and making residents feel valued every day.
- Family trust: You become an extended family member, offering reassurance, insight, and compassion to loved ones navigating a difficult journey.
- Team camaraderie: Memory care neighborhoods run on collaboration. The bond among caregivers is built through shared experiences and mutual support.
- Professional pride: Specialized memory care requires expertise, attentiveness, and heart. It’s a field where your skills and empathy are recognized and celebrated.
Kensington Park Senior Living’s team culture emphasizes self-care, too. Through programs focused on caregiver well-being, including access to mental health support, flexible schedules, and wellness resources, you’ll be empowered to do your best work while also taking care of yourself.
Supporting Residents, Supporting You
To deliver this high level of care, Kensington Park Senior Living ensures team members receive ongoing training in dementia communication strategies, such as the Teepa Snow Hand-Under-Hand® technique, and tools to better understand behavioral expressions.
Additionally, Kensington Park Senior Living offers career pathways that allow caregivers to grow into leadership roles within the Connections and Haven neighborhoods or explore clinical, enrichment, or wellness coordinator roles.
What Families and Caregivers Look for
Families choose Kensington Park Senior Living because they trust our team members to deliver not only expert care but loving attention. When you work in Connections or Haven, you become a source of comfort and stability for both residents and their families.
Working in memory care means offering consistency and familiarity, which can be life-changing for someone with cognitive loss.
You’ll be trained to handle challenging moments with calm, and celebrate even the smallest victories, like a resident remembering a song lyric or smiling during lunch.
Join Our Memory Care Team
Whether you’re newly certified or ready to take your career to the next level, we welcome compassionate, driven individuals to join our memory care neighborhoods at Kensington Park Senior Living.
As part of our team, you’ll receive:
- Specialized dementia care training
- 24/7 clinical support
- Peer mentorship
- Opportunities for advancement
- Comprehensive benefits and well-being programs
We know that memory care isn’t for everyone, but for those who feel called to this work, it’s a path filled with purpose, growth, and love.Ready to join a community where your compassion and skills make a lasting difference?
Explore open memory care positions at Kensington Park Senior Living and begin your journey today.