Ready to start fresh with a new career? Working in Senior Care and retirement living is a rewarding experience that starts with the heart. Here are tips to help discover personal passions and build a career in Senior Living.
Tips for Beginning a Career in Senior Care and Retirement Living
No matter the position, working in senior living is more than just a job, it is a passion that requires dedication, care, skill, and a heart for serving others. Below is a series of advice to build a fulfilling career that lasts.
- Start with Heart: When considering job options, consider how success is defined and if you find that definition is personally fulfilling. When working in senior living, success is not simply in tasks completed but in the relationships built, making someone’s day, and ensuring safety and wellbeing to those around you.
- Lead with Understanding and Patience: By taking it slow, listening, and using each interaction as an opportunity to build a long-term, meaningful, relationship, you set the foundation for the support and care needed to be successful in your career.
- Embrace the Mission: All work in senior living, no matter the position, directly supports the residents’ ability to feel independent, safe, acknowledged, and secure. Your mission and priority should always be to serve, and serve well!
- Be a Team Player: Every member of our staff plays an important role on our connected team. Clear communication and collaboration are a must to be successful and work cohesively with the team, regardless of position. Good communication skills are essential for resident wellbeing.
- Practice Flexibility: When building your career, embrace opportunities to promote personal growth and take your career to the next level. By practicing flexibility and a desire to take on new roles, the door will open to personal discoveries and additional opportunities. Always be ready for a new learning experience!
Ensure Your Heart and Mind are Ready
The foundation of a successful career in senior living isn’t in a resume or a technical skill set; it’s found by looking inward, and leading with your heart. A successful senior living career starts with compassion and finding fulfillment in large and small acts of kindness. Choosing this career path means choosing to be a source of comfort, connection, and security day after day.
As you build a senior living career, keep these important truths in mind:
- Your Motivation has Meaning: The effort you put into the individuals you work with, directly impacts their life. Thoughtfulness is never wasted.
- Be a Relationship Builder: Focus on creating lasting bonds, rather than just checking daily tasks off a list.
- Lead with Love: Grace and compassion are two of the most valuable tools.
- Take Pride in Your Work: Whether providing skilled care, maintaining building structures, or perfecting a meal, take pride in knowing you are making a difference in and contributing to the health and happiness of others.
At Friendship Village, we are dedicated to the work-life balance of our employees. Working in senior living offers a special experience to contribute to the wellbeing of our residents and build meaningful relationships. To learn more about current positions at Friendship Village, and the passion behind the career, visit: https://friendshipvillagestl.com/careers