Working with Seniors in Assisted Living
With our ever aging population, if you’re looking for a long-term opportunity with a sense of purpose and connection, you should consider a career in senior living. More than 20% of the U.S. population will be 65 and older by 2029, making a career in healthcare support and personal care services among the fastest-growing fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in that field are projected to grow by 41%. If you’re curious about what working in Assisted Living is like, this blog post offers some benefits of working with seniors you might not have considered.
What Is Assisted Living?
Like the name implies, Assisted Living communities provide assistance to empower older adults to maximize their independence and get the most out of life. Older adults go through a health assessment to determine the level of care they need and to help create a personalized senior care plan. The most common services include medication management and assistance with using the bathroom, dressing and grooming. However communities also provide housekeeping, meals, laundry, transportation services and social programs and activities. Staff is also available 24/7 to help with safety, care and support.
What Types of Jobs Are Available at an Assisted Living Community?
Based on the services Assisted Living communities provide, it’s easy to see there are numerous job possibilities. They range from medical professionals — nurses, nurse’s aides or physicians — to support staff — like food workers, home care aides, and maintenance and facilities staff. People are also needed to plan community events, lead exercise and art classes, provide dietary supervision, and manage the community.
Benefits of a Career in Assisted Living
- Make a difference: By working in Assisted Living, you’ll have an opportunity to make a direct difference in the lives of others by providing peace of mind for seniors and their families.
- Form connections: Working in senior living offers a unique opportunity to truly bond and get to know residents over the period of months and years. Plus, you’ll meet their children, grandchildren and other loved ones, so don’t be surprised if work starts to feel more like family.
- Welcoming environment: If you have an interest in working with a team of others to serve seniors, you’ll find associates who feel the same way. Being around others with a similar goal can help create a more rewarding experience.
- Be in demand: The U.S. Census department estimates that by 2034, over 77 million Americans will be 65 or older. The senior living industry is also expected to offer great job security and continue to be one of the fastest-growing sectors in the United States. This rapid growth is also creating a demand for those with knowledge of seniors and aging in fields such as estate planning, continuing education, senior-focused wellness, academic research and entertainment.
- Flexible schedules: Assisted Living communities serve seniors 24/7, so there’s sure to be a schedule that works for you.
- Learn lifelong skills: What you learn at a community, time management, building relationships, communication skills and being part of a team, are important experiences you’ll use throughout your career and life.
- Hear great stories: In many cases, seniors have a treasure-trove of stories and a wealth of knowledge to share. They may have traveled extensively, held numerous jobs, raised families or fought in wars, and nearly everybody has met interesting people. In fact, talking with seniors about their lives might even change or reinforce your own priorities.
- Gain a new perspective: Working with seniors can cause you to see life differently and help drive you to be more compassionate than you thought possible and inspire greater patience. It can also help create more appreciation for your own life and loved ones.
The Artis Senior Living Mission: To Care for the Human Being
At Artis Senior Living, our mission is to provide the best everyday life for older adults in need of Assisted Living at our Lakeview location in Chicago, IL. We also offer Memory Care at locations across Florida, the midwest and the northeast. Our approach helps residents live a more fulfilling life. To do this, we combine individually designed programs with a compassionate dedication to each resident’s comfort and needs. Learn more about our leadership team or about what makes Artis different here. You can also find area career opportunities and learn how to join our team.
