The following content is part of the Perham Health Day in the Life Series, a writing collection explaining the daily experience of the many different careers at Perham Health. These posts from our team members highlight the aspects of specific positions and share what it’s like to work within our organization, focusing on the impact these jobs make in the health and wellness of those in our care.

Our team is the foundation for our success. Katie Izarraraz shares a day in the life of a Resident Assistant at Northwinds Memory Care Assisted Living.

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I’m a resident assistant (RA) at Northwinds Memory Care Assisted Living on the Perham Living campus. Northwinds provides a safe home for 12 residents living with memory issues such as Alzheimer’s. Resident assistants are an important part of the residents’ care team at Northwinds. They provide residents with physical care and emotional support and truly make a difference in the lives of our residents and their families. Our elderly need kind-hearted people to brighten their day.

What does a Resident Assistant do?

As an RA, I spend time on the emotional needs of the residents. I play games with them, listen to music, engage them in conversations and do activities with them. I work evenings so a typical night also includes helping residents’ with their personal care such as bathing, brushing teeth, helping with their medications and getting ready for bed.  It’s similar to a nursing assistant, but a bit different. I don’t do any lifting or moving of patients, I administer medications and I have specific training on dementia and how to care for individuals living with it.

While the residents have memory issues, they are unique individuals in need of caring people to give them time, attention, and preserve their dignity.

I’ve worked here for two and a half years now and I love it. I’ll admit I was nervous when I first started because I never worked in healthcare, and I had a lot of questions about what it’s like to work with people with memory loss. But my cousin worked here and thought I would really like it. I shouldn’t have worried. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they are still their own person and most have a good sense of humor.

The Impact of a Resident Assistant

I’ve always felt a calling to help people, but I wasn’t sure what kind of job would help me find my purpose. I figured this would be a really good way to start.

A lot of my job is getting to know the residents. I spend my nights learning their life stories; learning about their childhood or what they did for a living.

I really find joy in helping eldelry people who are struggling with a really hard disease. They feel alone and don’t know what is going on. Sometimes the disease can make them feel agitated, and it’s very fulfilling when I can ease their fears.

When you spend a lot of time with the residents, you find out what calms them down. Some residents really respond to humor so we make them laugh. Others enjoy listening to music or being read to. Something as simple as providing a snack, taking them on a walk or listening to them works too. We always treat them with respect and let them know that they are heard.

I have so many favorite stories of the residents. There is one sweet gentleman who grabs my hand and walks with me. He has a soft spot in my heart. Another resident is always quick to help people. She calls everyone honey and walks the other residents down the hall holding their hand. And another lady is always singing and dancing.

How to Become a Resident Assistant

I got all the training I needed to do my job from Perham Health. I learned right at Northwinds and didn’t have to go away to school.

There was a blend of online courses and on-the-job training. In between online courses, I would shadow someone on the floor so they could show me the day-to-day routines and the different approaches you can use for the residents. The on-the-job training was really helpful.

Something we tell everyone when they start is that you’ll find your routine once you’re on the floor. You’ll find out what works as you get to know the residents. The biggest thing is that you have to get to know them on a personal level. You have to sit and talk with them and ask them about their life and what they like to do.

I couldn’t be happier than where I am at. I found my calling. As a RA, I get to spend all day with them and I don’t have the medical responsibilities of a nurse. I get to do the little things like doing their hair, painting their nails or just sitting in their room, talking with them.

Advice from Katie

My advice to anyone considering this job, would be to do it. If you’re looking for a career where you get to help people, this job is a perfect starting point. It’s a really rewarding job.

The staff here is really great. It’s not as intense as some other places and there are two RAs on every shift so you’re not alone. Everyone’s really willing to help everyone. And I really, really love my managers. They’re more than willing to help out and they care about me on a personal level. That’s one of the things that stuck out to me.

And if you have a loved one who has dementia, I would encourage you to consider Northwinds. Everyone that works here really cares about our residents. As a staff, we talk about how much they mean to us. It feels really good working with people that care deeply about each person individually.

After all, a lot of our lives are spent working. Why not work in a place where everyone feels like family.

Katie Izarraraz, Resident Assistant
Northwinds Memory Care Assisted Living

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People join Perham Health for the opportunities and stay because of the culture. Kickstarting your career with us means you’re joining a team of healthcare professionals dedicated to your success.

If you’re searching for a lasting career where you can make a difference in the health and wellness of others, explore the opportunities with Perham Health.