5 Types of Senior Living Careers That Might Be Right for You

It’s estimated that in the next 10 years, there will be more than 78 million seniors in the United States, with 1 in 5 Americans being 65 or older. If you’re a caring individual and want to make a difference in your community, a career in senior care may be your calling. However, with so many roles in this field, knowing which one to go for can be a challenge.

To make things easier, here are some types of senior living careers that may be the perfect fit.

Certified Nursing Assistant

As a certified nursing assistant, your days will be filled providing care and support to patients, ensuring they are safe. Nurses deliver comprehensive care to patients and may serve as nurse practitioners too. Some senior living communities employ doctors who work on-site too, especially geriatricians and neurologists who are experts in senior issues like dementia. If a medical role suits you, there may be the option to move into managerial positions too.

Counselor

While many seniors require physical care, some need more than that. There are mental health professionals like counselors and psychologists who can assist seniors in navigating through the aging process. Many senior living facilities employ counselors who can assist residents that require extra help. For those who don’t feel as though counseling is right for them, there is the option to go into social work. Many senior living facilities and hospitals hire social workers to help seniors and their families cope with the obstacles of growing older.

Caregiver

The vast majority of senior living facilities employ non-medical caregivers. They are responsible for providing daily support to seniors. This role requires you to wear many hats. For instance, one minute you could be simply spending time with a senior and playing games, and the next you’re delivering personal care to help a senior get in and out of bed. There is always a need for caregivers, so if you’re interested in this field, you shouldn’t have a problem finding employment. If you’re not sure where to start, check out these senior living careers from Monarch Communities.

Administrator

For those who like the idea of working behind the scenes and managing paperwork, a secretary or receptionist career in senior living may be the answer. These roles are perfect for individuals who have little medical training but are great with people. Typical reception duties include answering questions, speaking on the phone, and directing seniors to useful resources. If you’re a people person and enjoy engaging with seniors and their families, an administrative role may be for you.

Teacher

Do you have an attribute that you would love to teach to seniors? If the answer is yes, a teaching role could be perfect. Some senior living facilities employ full-time teaching and enrichment staff. Whether you love arts and crafts, gardening, or music, you can use your talents and skills to create a meaningful curriculum that can benefit a senior’s mental and physical health.

If any of the senior living careers above catch your eye, there are many job openings in these fields that you may want to look into. Once you start a senior living role, you’ll gain a sense of accomplishment and reward like no other job.

Read also: 6 Things You Should Look For In A Senior Living Community