At The Kensington Reston, memory care is not just a department; it’s a calling.
Through our three distinct neighborhoods, The Kensington Club, Connections, and Haven, we provide specialized support for residents at different stages of cognitive decline, from early signs of memory loss to advanced dementia.
Each neighborhood offers tailored care, and each team member plays a vital role in delivering it with dignity and compassion.
If you’re exploring memory care jobs in senior living, this guide will walk you through the certifications required, day-to-day responsibilities, and the meaningful rewards of supporting residents in memory care at The Kensington Reston.
What Makes Our Memory Care Neighborhoods Unique?
At The Kensington Reston, our memory care model is designed around the progression of memory loss.
By creating three distinct, supportive environments—The Kensington Club, Connections, and Haven—we ensure that residents receive the right level of care in a setting that meets them where they are.
- 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 is designed for residents in the mid-stage of dementia. These residents may still enjoy socializing, participating in group activities, or expressing preferences, but they also need consistent cueing, structured routines, and a safe environment.
- Haven is a calm, nurturing space for those in the late stages of dementia. Here, sensory experiences, one-on-one interactions, and comfort-centered care take priority, often using soothing music, aromatherapy, and gentle touch to create moments of peace and connection.
In both neighborhoods, team members are trained to connect, reassure, and uplift.
Certifications & Qualifications: What You’ll Need to Begin
Depending on your desired role, here are some common qualifications and certifications for memory care positions:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Most direct caregiving roles require a CNA license, which includes training in ADLs (activities of daily living), vital signs, and basic resident care.
- Medication Aide (CMA) or Med Tech: These certifications allow you to assist with or administer medication in accordance with state guidelines.
- CPR & First Aid Certification: Required for all team members working in resident care roles to respond effectively in emergencies.
- Dementia Care Certification (optional but preferred): Specialized training in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias can enhance your effectiveness and confidence. We encourage and sponsor these programs.
If you’re just getting started, don’t worry, The Kensington Reston offers on-the-job training and support for certification. Your passion for helping others is the most important starting point.
A Day in the Life: Working in Connections Memory Care
In Connections, your day may include:
- Morning routines like assisting with dressing, hygiene, and breakfast
- Activity facilitation, from memory games to music therapy
- Personalized cueing to help residents navigate their day
- Support with medications, using compassionate communication
- Redirecting moments of confusion with empathy and patience
- Family communication, offering updates, and emotional support
Each interaction in Connections is a chance to provide reassurance, build trust, and encourage independence wherever possible. Residents often recognize faces, enjoy storytelling, and appreciate shared laughter, even on challenging days.
A Day in the Life: Working in Haven Memory Care
In Haven, caregiving becomes more sensory and one-on-one. Your role may include:
- Assistance with mobility, feeding, and toileting with extra gentleness
- Creating calm through music, touch, or aromatherapy
- Observing non-verbal cues that indicate discomfort or emotional need
- Comforting residents during moments of anxiety or disorientation
- Promoting dignity, even as independence declines
The work in Haven is intimate and deeply meaningful. Residents may not remember your name, but they feel your presence. They may not speak, but they respond to tone, rhythm, and love. Supporting them requires attentiveness, heart, and presence, but the rewards are profound.
Training and Support Every Step of the Way
Our team members are never alone in learning how to care for residents living with dementia.
At The Kensington Reston, we offer:
- Dementia care workshops taught by specialists
- Mentorship programs with experienced memory care team members
- Scenario-based training to build confidence in challenging moments
- PAC (Positive Approach to Care) techniques, developed by expert Teepa Snow
We also support team members in obtaining or renewing their certifications, offering financial sponsorships, study resources, and flexible scheduling during exam periods.
For additional dementia care resources, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Dementia Care Practice Recommendations provide an excellent overview of evidence-based strategies for caregiving professionals.
Why Team Members Choose Memory Care
While memory care can be emotionally complex, many caregivers find it to be the most rewarding work they’ve ever done.
Team members often say that their roles offer:
- A strong sense of purpose
- Deep relationships with residents and their families
- Moments of joy and connection, even amid decline
- A supportive team culture that values empathy and communication
These are not transactional jobs, they’re transformational experiences. Every day brings new moments of meaning, whether it’s a resident smiling at music they remember or relaxing at your comforting touch.
Advancement Opportunities
Memory care team members at The Kensington Reston are encouraged to grow.
With experience and additional training, you can pursue:
- Lead Care Partner or Engagement Leader roles
- Memory care coordinator or specialist positions
- Further certifications in dementia care or nursing
- Leadership roles in training, operations, or programming
We promote from within whenever possible and offer clearly defined career ladders to support your professional development.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
If you feel called to serve those living with memory loss and are looking for a workplace that will equip you, support you, and grow with you, The Kensington Reston may be your next home.
You don’t need to know everything today. You just need to show up with heart, reliability, and a willingness to learn. We’ll provide the training, mentorship, and encouragement to help you thrive.
Explore memory care careers in senior living at The Kensington Reston.