After you decide to receive your CNA certification, deciding where you want to work can be difficult. If you are considering working in a long-term care facility, you have a few options. Here is some information that can make your decision to work in memory care or assisted living easier.Â
What Is a CNA?
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an entry-level position in the nursing field that is crucial to the healthcare profession. CNAs provide basic care to patients and assist with daily activities that some patients are unable to do on their own. They often work under the supervision of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). CNAs often work with older patients in long-term care facilities.Â
Memory Care
Memory care is designed to create a structured space where patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia can safely function. Healthcare professionals that work in memory care have the skills and training to deal with particular situations that can occur with patients with dementia.Â
Memory care facilities require many precautions. Dementia patients tend to roam, so there are often locked doors. Some patients wear bracelets that allow the facility to track their location if they wander off.Â
A CNA who assists memory care patients will help with basic living activities that the patients are unable to do on their own, such as bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, and more. CNAs also assist in any memory-enhancing activities. Patients in memory care have structured activities, structured meals, and often need round-the-clock attention.
Assisted Living
Assisted living patients are somewhat more independent than those who need memory care. CNAs assist patients with basic care needs such as dressing, bathing, and using the bathroom. Because assisted living patients are more independent than memory care patients, assisted living isn’t as structured as memory care. There are still planned activities for residents in assisted living, but they tend to be less controlled.Â
Which Job Is Best for You
When deciding between memory care and assisted living, it helps to assess your personal preferences. If providing constant, structured care interests you, then you should look into memory care training. If you don’t think you are ready to take on the extra tasks of memory care at this time, then it’s best to choose to work in assisted living.
Getting the training needed for memory care can also help further your career. Any type of training can be a stepping stone to moving up in your nursing career, so if you are looking to move up in the future, it could be in your best interest to pursue a job in memory care.
CNA Jobs Near Me
Whether you decide to pursue a job in assisted living or memory care, CynaMed can help you find the right job to fit your schedule. CynaMed is a healthcare staffing firm located in Pittsburgh, PA, and we can help find the right part-time or full-time job for you. For more information on CNA jobs, visit our website or call us at (412)325-3420. Visit our job board to see all of our CNA listings today.
