5 Benefits of Working in Senior Living

Thanks to advances in technology and science, people are able to live better and longer lives. With more people having more years to enjoy their retirement, there is a need for more healthcare workers in senior care spaces. While you might believe the senior living industry is only meant for caregivers, there are a variety of positions available to kickstart or advance nearly any career path. Consider the following benefits of working in senior care when choosing your first or next job.

1. Various Career Options

There’s a diverse range of roles available within senior living communities in order to make it run smoothly for residents and their families, including:

• Administrative professionals, such as administrative assistants, office managers, and receptionists
• Aides, caregivers, or resident advisor jobs that work with seniors, their families, and their medical teams
• Culinary arts and hospitality jobs, such as bakers, chefs, housekeeping, maintenance, servers,  restaurant and cafe managers
• Leadership jobs that manage staff and coordinate community events and projects
• Marketing and development jobs, such as admissions counselors, development officers, fundraising staff, and marketing staff
• Medical jobs, such as certified nursing assistants (CNAs), geriatricians, neurologists, nurses, and primary care physicians
• Personal care jobs, such as hair stylists and manicurists
• Psychology jobs, such as counselors, licensed clinical social workers, mental health workers, and psychologists
• Teaching and event planning jobs that enrich seniors with a variety of crafts, classes, and activities

2. Career Stability and Opportunities for Growth

Senior care professionals are in high demand as healthcare support careers are one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States. These positions will always be essential for senior living communities to continue meeting the needs of their residents as more need housing and healthcare every year.

There are always opportunities to grow in your role, get promoted, or try different career paths for one that suits you more. Depending on the organization, there may be development perks, like college reimbursement, ongoing education experiences, and mentorship or leadership programs, so you can gain the advanced education your desired position within the company requires. This helps prevent employee burnout, boost creativity, enhance learning, and provide opportunities to highlight your new skills, education, or approach. Networking with decision-makers and community leaders will also help you make a greater impact on the people you serve. 

3. Flexible Schedules and Strengthening Valuable Skills

Senior care jobs don’t always adhere to the 9-5 schedule. So, if you need full- or part-time options, early or late hours, or particular days of the week, a career in senior care can offer that. This makes it great for parents juggling childcare, students working towards their degree, caregivers who need availability for their loved one, or people who have other pre-existing commitments.

Another perk is the advancement in their skills. Many of these senior care roles expect you might have little or no work experience, so the fast-paced environment and on-the-job training provide you with helpful skills you’ll need in life and your career, such as:

• Communicating with a diverse community
• Problem-solving abilities
• Time-management skills
• Working as a team

4. Lasting Relationships

In senior care, you’ll get the opportunity to create and maintain relationships with peers, residents, family members, and others in the community. You’ll be exposed to a variety of experiences and diverse people who might change your perspective and inspire you to live a fuller life. Plus, you’ll gain advice about jobs, marriage, and parenting and learn about historical events from their perspective. This friendly, educational atmosphere can help foster your social needs and offers a rewarding work experience.

5. Making an Impact

The senior living industry provides a personal service to older adults and gives their families peace of mind knowing their loved one is receiving proper care and attention. Not only will you be caring for their physical well-being, but you’ll help to support their mental health, as loneliness and depression are a growing concern among older adults. Socializing with bright people like you who care about them can improve their physical health, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of:

• Anxiety
• Cardiovascular disease
• Dementia
• Depression
• Osteoporosis
• Some cancers
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Ready to start your career in senior care? Learn more about fulfilling opportunities here!

At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.