5 Benefits of Working in Senior Living

Senior living is a rewarding industry that is full of growth and opportunity. While some may think the senior living industry is only for caregivers, many communities offer a variety of positions for almost any career path, from dining to salon stylists! 

This is a career path that is guaranteed to provide experiences that you can carry with you throughout your professional journey, as well as contribute to aspects of personal growth. Through compassionate care and strong bonds with your residents, you’ll see yourself grow in ways you might not otherwise have expected. 

You’ll also be a part of a movement that aims to redefine senior living. The population is aging at a rapid pace, with baby boomers (adults born between 1946 and 1964) creating their own unique standards that reappraise the past ideals of getting older. Gone are the days of aging quietly; this generation is truly shaking things up and taking on an active lifestyle! HarborChase is proud to promote active senior living within our communities, and our luxury standards go hand-in-hand with the redefined expectations of senior living. 

Retirement communities have plenty to offer an individual seeking a new and exciting career. While some may not consider a senior living community as their first choice for employment, HarborChase Senior Living disagrees! 

So why work in senior living? Here are five benefits of working in senior living.

Benefit #1: Creating Lasting Experiences & Bonds

A 2019 survey found that there are about 65,600 regulated long-term care facilities in the United States, including assisted living and memory care communities. Together, these communities serve over 8 million residents and families. When it comes to retail jobs or service industry careers, nothing can compare to the emotional human contact that comes from working in the senior living industry. 

The senior living industry yields a unique opportunity for associates to truly bond and get to know their residents. These bonds and emotional connections have been highly regarded as one of the best benefits the industry offers. 

In one survey, when assisted living employees were asked what they enjoyed the most about their job, 63% said it was caring for and relating to residents. As one person in the survey put it, “They are the reason I come to work.”

When you work in senior living, thanks to the endless connections you’ll make, the community will quickly become a second home for you. From assisting residents and providing for their physical and emotional needs to developing personal attributes of compassion and empathy as you work with residents, you’ll learn about values, perspectives, and even culture from the generations you meet. 

Benefit #2: Making an Impact

The senior living industry aims to improve the lives of older adults, as well as their families and loved ones. Responsibilities in a community can vary; you may be a caregiver ensuring a resident’s health and safety, or you may be an associate leading engaging activities or programs for residents to participate in. 

Regardless of where you land in a community, you are providing a personal service to seniors and providing families with peace of mind knowing their parent or loved one is receiving proper care and attention. 

It’s also crucial to understand how important socialization is for seniors. Loneliness and depression are an epidemic amongst older adults; social isolation is a leading cause of cognitive decline, which can put seniors at a higher risk for developing dementia. 

Humans are social creatures by nature, and when people lack a strong social circle, it can cause harm not just in terms of mental health but physical health as well. A study by the University of Chicago found that humans crave social interaction in the same way our bodies crave food and water. In other words, interaction is vital for our overall health. 

Socializing provides a wide variety of health benefits for older adults, including:

• Reduced risk of developing dementia
• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, some cancers, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis
• Lowered blood pressure
• Reduced risk of depression and anxiety
• Improved physical health

Not only does this socialization positively affect their happiness, but it can go above and beyond to improve their mental health – and yours!

Benefit #3: Welcoming Environment

Many of those that choose to join the senior living industry have a passion for seniors. A study found that one of the main benefits of working in senior living comes from the satisfaction of being needed, as well as the emotional connection that comes from feeling emotionally close to residents. 

The same study found that associates were most happy with the aspects of their jobs that involved socializing with residents. In fact, the associates determined that the relationships with residents were the central determinant of quality care, and by joining a work environment that was truly welcoming and personal, they were less likely to describe their jobs as “stressful” and were more likely to stay in their positions longer due to these emotional connections.

Working with individuals who put others’ needs before their own creates a warm, compassionate environment. This type of environment can also help foster your own passions or goals, making for a more rewarding job experience.

Benefit #4: Strengthening Valuable Skills

One of the most significant benefits of this industry is the knowledge gained and the skills acquired. Depending on your position or skill level, when you start at a senior living community, you will likely pick up new skills or strengthen old ones. Fortunately, these skills are applicable, not only at work but in our everyday lives. Whether it’s caring for another person or organization and event planning, the senior living industry can allow for professional and personal growth.

You’ll be picking up real-world experience to carry throughout your career while making a strong impact on the lives of those you serve. For instance, as you navigate the schedules of each resident, you’ll gain experience in time management. In addition, you’ll build communication skills with care teams, fellow associates, residents, and their families. You’ll also learn accuracy and attention to detail as you complete everyday tasks that go hand-in-hand with community guidelines and policies. 

Benefit #5: A Strong and Growing Field

So, why work in senior living? Healthcare support occupations and personal care services are listed among the fastest-growing fields in the United States, with over 18% growth projected from 2018-2028, adding millions of jobs in the industry. 

The U.S. Census department estimates that by 2034, over 77 million citizens will be 65 or older. This growth makes the senior living industry an invaluable part of our economy and will be one of the most stable and fastest-growing sectors in the United States. 

In addition to these immeasurable benefits, HarborChase Senior Living communities offer benefits that include dental, medical, vision, life insurance, 401k with company match, education assistance, and more. Our communities are continually growing and have a variety of positions available!

HarborChase Senior Living communities throughout the United States provide the highest standard of hospitality to our residents and all who enter our communities. With excellent benefits, employee rewards, and job satisfaction, HarborChase is a great place to begin a new career in the senior living industry or continue down your path.

If you want more information regarding job opportunities at HarborChase, we invite you to view all our available positions here.

Updated on January 2023