franciscan ministries logo

Your Guide to What It’s Like Working at a Senior Living Community

May 26, 2020

Blog image

Did you know that roughly half of all employees in the U.S. are looking for a new job or career? More and more people are looking for a purpose or a calling. And as the baby boomer generation naturally ages, you might have heard the about growing need for senior living professionals.

Senior living careers attract people from all walks of life. There’s a saying that a career in senior living isn’t just a job, but a calling. Not only is it a career path where you get to make a difference, but the industry continues to grow. That’s why plenty of people are curious about what it’s like to work at a senior living community.

If you’re interested in a senior living career, you should know that every day is unique. It’s part of what makes building a career in senior living so rewarding. In this post, we’re going to shed some light on what you can expect while working at a senior living community.

You’ll Get to Connect with Residents

In the medical field, sometimes it can be challenging to get know the people you’re helping. That’s not the case when it comes to senior living. When you work at a senior living community, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with residents every day.

The more you get to know a resident, the better you’ll be able to support their ideal retirement lifestyle. And that kind of valuable experience can be hard to come by. In most medical careers, patients come in for a short hospital stay or an office visit. Before you know it, you have a new set of patients.

Working at a senior living community is a great opportunity to learn how to personalize the care you provide to the unique needs of the individual.

Learn From an Amazing Generation

Have you ever thought about what it might have been like watching the 1969 moon landing live? Or what it was like to live through World War 2? The residents at many senior living communities have those experiences to share.

When you work at a senior living community, you’ll help residents enjoy their ideal lifestyle. But you’ll discover that seniors have the ability to enrich your life as well. Whether you’re working as a nurse or a receptionist, you’ll have the opportunity to build your communication skills. You’d be surprised how much of an impact a great story can have on your day or career.

There Are Great Opportunities for Growth

One of the greatest aspects of senior living careers is that there are opportunities for people of all education levels and backgrounds. You could get your start as a receptionist or dining room server or build valuable experience for your career as a nurse. Many senior living careers are a great way to support yourself while you pursue additional education.

The senior living industry itself is also expected to continue its growth over the next few years. That means you have more opportunities to start and expand your career. While you’re there to help residents, you’ll discover they will return the favor. At Franciscan Ministries, seniors across our communities often encourage employees to pursue their goals.

Each Day is a New Challenge

Like we mentioned before, every day spent working at a senior living community is unique. One day you might have a meaningful conversation with a resident as you help them make it to lunch. And the next day could be spent helping a family get their senior loved one more engaged with social activities.

We all know that doing the same thing each day can lead to burnout at a job. When you work at a senior living community, there’s always a new story to hear or resident that needs your help. While it’s not always easy, each challenge will help you forward your career and give you new perspective on the aging process.

Take the Next Step in Your Career at Franciscan Ministries

If you’re interested in senior living as a possible career, Franciscan Ministries is here to support you. Our goal is to help every resident across our communities enjoy more meaningful moments. And you have the opportunity to become part of that mission.

From nurses and resident physicians to dining services, we have exciting senior living career opportunities regardless of your educational background. With a senior living career at Franciscan Ministries, you’ll have the chance to make a difference in the lives of others. We offer competitive benefits and the opportunity to gain valuable experience.

If you’re ready to take the next step, explore all our current job opportunities today! And don’t forget to contact us directly if you have any questions about how Franciscan Ministries can help grow your career.