More Than Just a Paycheck: The Benefits of Working in Senior Living

Barely half of American workers say they are extremely satisfied with their jobs. Considering how much of your life you spend at work and interacting with others in the workplace, having a job you truly love should be a top priority. And when you’re looking for more than a paycheck, working in senior living offers distinct benefits.

What Do You Like to Do?
Positions in senior living run the gamut in terms of needed skills and personal interests:

• Administration and finance
• Marketing
• Admissions
• Events and Activities
• Cooking, housekeeping, and maintenance
• Direct care – CNAs, CMAs, LPNs, and RNs are all part of the senior living resident care team

These aren’t just jobs; they are professional career paths. And the future looks very bright, indeed. The senior population is steadily increasing, and nearly 70% of those now age 65 will require some type of long-term care in the future. We’re already seeing shortages in some critical areas such as skilled nursing.

So, senior living offers careers with a reliable future. But there are so many other reasons to love this career path.

4 Reasons You’ll Love Working in Senior Living

A job that matters
Senior living communities exist to help older folks continue to live their happiest, healthiest, most carefree, and most independent lives. Spending your workday helping others is indescribably fulfilling. Anyone who knows Magnolia Manor knows we consider staff and residents to be one big family. We may have different skills and roles, but we treat one another with the love and respect we treat our own loved ones at home.

It feels good to have a sense of purpose and know that you are a valuable part of a larger team, but also appreciated for your individual contributions.

“The most fulfilling work I’ve ever done is here at Magnolia Manor. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be in this position. I get to work with people doing meaningful things.” –Jessia Scantlebury, Administrator at Magnolia Manor of St. Marys

A job that feels upbeat
Healthcare jobs typically appeal to compassionate people who want to help others. However, hospitals and other facilities can be pretty serious, stressful environments for staff and patients alike. Senior living communities are designed to provide safe, caring surroundings in which residents can focus on keeping their body, mind, and spirit fully engaged. Impromptu and regularly scheduled events happen all the time, bringing together residents and staff for games, music, and other entertainment, special celebrations, and just plain fun.

And, while working in a hospital allows you only a few days with each patient, senior living is long-term. You have time to really get to know people and develop deeper relationships with them.

“I love my job! I love working with the residents. I can go to bed at night and sleep peacefully knowing that I gave them a hot meal and love that they might not get if they weren’t here.” –Anna Bankston, Assistant Director of Dining Services at Magnolia Manor of Columbus

Personal growth
As you are working to enrich the lives of residents, they are doing the same for you. You are surrounded by an entire community of “grandparents” ready to support, encourage, and teach you from their personal wealth of knowledge and experience. Building cross-generational relationships benefits everyone. This is why our Magnolia Manor communities often team up with local youth groups for joint activities.

And, let’s be honest. Many of our residents can be very entertaining. They’re happy to impart wisdom and help you puzzle through decisions, if you like, but they are full of great stories, too. Stories just waiting for your listening ear.

“I enjoy listening to the residents’ stories. We make jokes and laugh together. It’s a pleasure to be there for them, especially when they’re away from their families.” –Calvin Hendrix, Housekeeper at Magnolia Manor of Columbus

Professional growth
A career with a real future is one that offers advancement opportunities. As you work with seniors, you will learn about the challenges they face – not only health-related issues, but mobility limitations, cognitive decline, or diminished interest in getting out and about. You may discover you have a special interest or aptitude in one of these areas and decide to focus there. Or you may simply want to expand your skills and upgrade your responsibilities.

At Magnolia Manor, we actively encourage and support employee growth, and we’re always looking for more outstanding team members. (Check out our Careers page to learn more.) To help current employees gain additional training, we recently created a scholarship program in partnership with South Georgia Technical College. This program is specifically designed to help licensed LPNs become Registered Nurses. The first scholarships were awarded to a mother and daughter who both work at our Americus campus.

“I’ve grown a lot at Magnolia Manor since I started in 2007. I’ve grown from a CNA to a Staffing Coordinator, and it has allowed me to know when to lead and when to be led. Because I know what it means to be in each position, I can relate to others more easily.” - Joyce McGruder, Staffing Coordinator at Magnolia Manor of Columbus East

It's Not a Job for Everyone
Working in a senior living community requires a special kind of person. One with the necessary professional or technical skills, of course. But one who is compassionate, patient, outgoing, collaborative, and genuinely interested in connecting with residents day in and day out. Maybe that’s you!

“The residents are my favorite part of the job. I’ve also made friends here with my coworkers. Magnolia Manor is a great place to work, and I’m really proud to work here.” –Sabrina Folsom, Activity Director at Magnolia Manor of Columbus Specialized Memory Care Assisted Living

Find Your Purpose at Magnolia Manor

If you're looking for a career where your work truly makes a difference, Magnolia Manor could be the perfect place to grow. Whether you're just starting out or ready to take the next step in your career, we invite you to explore the opportunities waiting for you. Schedule a tour at any of our 8 senior living communities to experience our community firsthand or call us at 855-540-LIFE (5433) to learn more about joining the Magnolia Manor family. Your next meaningful career could start here!