If you are searching for a fulfilling career in the caregiving industry, have you considered working with older adults? Caregivers are naturally compassionate and empathetic but those who choose a career in the senior living industry soon discover many advantages that contribute to a fulfilling profession.
The benefits of working with older adults
Many jobs provide a salary and use of your skills, but a career in senior living also allows you to contribute to the health and happiness of others. Consider the advantages when working to improve an older adult’s quality of life:
1. The opportunity to make a real difference Whether you are providing care services directly to the residents or working in the background to make their lives easier and more satisfying, you’ll enjoy the rare benefit of knowing your contributions actually make a difference in another’s life.
2. Learning important life lessons Those whose work brings them into daily contact with the residents gain the added advantage of learning life lessons from great teachers. Listening to their stories or joining in daily chats will help you gain a clearer understanding of what it means to grow older and how to adapt to different transitions.
3. Knowing your efforts and time are appreciated Many career choices require your time and skills, but you may arrive at the end of the day feeling little appreciation for your efforts. The opposite is true if you work with older adults in a senior living community. They are genuinely grateful for your contributions and the time you devote to them. They are also quick to let you know that your efforts truly matter.
4. Spending your day in an enjoyable way While considering the different options you have when choosing your career, take a moment to imagine what a day working in this field would look like. Not all jobs are created equal. Compare the benefits of working with older adults with other possibilities. You’ll be helping others while having the chance to show them that they are still respected, valued and appreciated.
5. Working in a growth industry Due to the explosive growth in the senior population, you have no need to worry about the future of working with older adults. In 2030, all baby boomers will be older than 65. According to the U.S. Census, older Americans will make up 21% of the population, increasing from the current 15%. In 2034, older adults aged 65 and over will outnumber children under the age of 18 for the first time in U.S. history.
6. Possibilities for career advancement Due to the expanding need for services for a growing older population, you’ll find several opportunities for advancement in your career. Depending on your interests, you may pursue additional care certifications or receive training and education toward a connected position, such as an occupational therapist or activities director.
7. Flexible schedules Another great advantage, when you work with older adults in senior living, is that their care must be available around the clock. This means you will have the flexibility to choose the hours that work best for your personal schedule. If you have a family or other responsibilities and need to be available during certain times of the day, you can likely work an accommodating shift.
8. Job security Not only is working with older adults a growing industry, there is also job security that other fields may lack. Regardless of how far technology continues to advance, this field will always require the human touch. The essential services needed cannot be replaced with software or equipment.
Desire to work with older adults? Consider these career possibilities
If you’re beginning to consider what type of work you would enjoy most, there are several opportunities:
- Registered Nurse
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Certified nursing assistant
- Case manager
- Community director or administrator
- Activities director
- Benefits specialist
- Patient advocate
- Fitness and exercise director
- Social worker
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Chef or dietician
- Food services
- Housekeeping
Joining the team at Sinceri Senior Living
Sinceri Senior Living specializes in independent living, assisted living and memory care, fostering deep bonds between those who live and work in our communities – just like families. We extend our commitment in creating this welcoming environment to our employees who form strong relationships with the residents and their coworkers. In fact, many of our team members think of the community they work in as their second home because of such strong connections. The caregiver’s role is to first make our residents feel safe and secure. We strive to ensure everyone we hire is generous, compassionate and as committed as we are to provide excellent service at every opportunity. We understand the stress that caregivers can experience and the challenge in trying to stay one step ahead of what a resident or family member might need or desire. We fully support their efforts as it truly takes a team to provide quality senior care. If you’re interested in becoming a care partner with Sinceri Senior Living as we strive together to exceed expectations, we hope you’ll be in touch. We also invite you to download our complimentary guide, Simple Self-Care for Caregivers and CNAs: 6 Ways to Take Care of Yourself so You can Care for Others, which includes helpful tips and steps you might try.
