Overview of Post
The Activities Assistant plays a central role in creating a person‑centred home environment for people living with dementia. Guided by the principles of the Butterfly Model of Care, this role focuses on building meaningful relationships, supporting emotional well‑being, and helping residents live in a home‑like atmosphere where daily life feels familiar, comforting, and full of purpose. The Activities Assistant will work in The Village Unit in Oakfield Nursing Home and will be on duty between the hours of 08.00 – 17.00 hrs.
Reporting to
The Activities Assistant will report to the Director of Nursing, and in their absence to the Assistant Director of Nursing.
Specific Duties
Supporting a meaningful home environment where the residents’ personal histories, identities and preferences are incorporated into the day‑to‑day life of the unit.
Supporting with daily household routines such as serving meals, tidying and decorating alongside and involving residents.
Serving breakfast, dinner and tea, which will be prepared in the main kitchen, brought to the unit by catering staff and placed in a hot hold.
Setting tables and clearing them after meals; placing dishes and cutlery in the dishwasher and storing them away when washed.
Serving snacks and drinks to residents throughout the day as required.
Supporting residents to participate in the activities of daily life (e.g. setting and clearing tables) to the extent that they are able and wish to do so, including baking, gardening, folding laundry, sweeping.
Supporting resident independence and choice, adapting to support each individual's resident ability and preferences.
Helping residents participate in familiar household tasks to maintain a sense of purpose and identity.
Engaging residents in conversation and encouraging conversations between them.
Entertaining residents using the TV and radio according to their wishes.
Developing a recreation programme, in conjunction with the Activities Team, including occupational activity which provides all residents with a sense of purpose and identity.
Creating opportunities for sensory engagement and reminiscence with support from the Activities Team.
Maintaining kitchenette stock.
Keeping the whole area tidy.
Prompting a warm and friendly atmosphere in the unit.
Qualifications & Skills
Qualification in Social Care or QQI Level 5 an advantage.
Experience in dementia care or household‑based support (preferred but not required).
Familiarity with the Butterfly Model of Care an advantage.
Warm, empathetic, and person‑centred approach to care.
Ability to build strong, meaningful relationships.
Willingness to engage in household tasks as part of daily care.
Creativity, flexibility, and comfort with a non‑institutional style of support.
Strong communication skills and emotional awareness.
SONAS or Imagination Gym Training is desirable but not essential; willingness to complete training is required.
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