Choosing your career path can be daunting, as you no doubt want to work in a position that provides rewarding experiences and makes you feel fulfilled. If you’re looking for a job that offers true satisfaction, working in a retirement home may be the right choice.
Working in the care of other people is a beautiful way to serve your local community, create meaningful relationships, and garner unique experiences in your workplace. However, if you’re not quite sure whether this type of position is right for you, consider some of the below benefits that working in a retirement community can provide:
Job security
The need for care home workers continues to rise as the Baby Boomer generation ages. By 2031, an estimated 22.7% of Canada’s population will consist of adults over 65, creating more job opportunities where knowledge of senior care is essential.
By choosing a career in a retirement home, you can feel comfortable in the improved job security, as the skills you’ll develop in this field will continue to be in high demand over the next couple of decades.
Not only will working as a caregiver provide security in your role, but the wages are typically competitive with the market and increase as your seniority or level of expertise grows. Overall, by choosing to work in a retirement community, the relative security of the role and the salary can help you to make a real investment in your future!
Job flexibility
There are many different roles requiring many skills within retirement homes. For example, communities like Seasons Retirement provide opportunities to work in the kitchen, manage recreational events, care for residents in assisted living quarters, run exercise classes, and other similar jobs covering various skill sets.
If you’re considering switching careers, you may already possess some of the necessary skills and knowledge required for the varied roles in a retirement community.
Overall, the flexible range of jobs available within care homes isn’t just limited to looking after the residents’ personal needs. Instead, in addition to providing care for older adults, you may be able to take on a role in a retirement community doing something you already love!
Career growth
One main advantage of working in a retirement community is that you can enter the field at any level. As you continue growing in your role, you can eventually reach a higher position by gaining work experience and professional credentials.
On the flip side, if you already possess a higher level of certification beneficial to the care of older adults, plenty of opportunities are available to those with more experience.
Unique experiences
Many jobs and careers can become tedious after an extended period, as the work becomes repetitive and presents few challenges. One significant benefit to working in a retirement home is that you must always figure out what to expect daily!
Working in the care of older persons often means having the chance to become more involved in the lives of residents. You’ll be helping individuals adjust to this new phase of their lives, and by sharing activities and meals, you’ll have a chance to build connections with those in your care.
Not only will this create a more enjoyable work environment for you, but caring for older adults can help you develop better interpersonal skills and a sense of empathy.
As you work, you’ll continue to help new residents settle into their homes, which means there will always be new ways to help people.
This ever-changing environment will not only assist you in becoming an excellent caregiver from a career standpoint, but it can also help you to become a more caring and empathetic person overall.
Meaningful and rewarding work
Working in a care home allows you to give yourself to others in a way that older persons will genuinely appreciate.
Looking after other people’s needs is a meaningful way to spend your time, and choosing to do so in the retirement sector can offer job satisfaction that other careers may not be able to provide.
You’ll also have the opportunity to work with other compassionate and empathetic people, many of whom have happily been in this field for many years.
Not only will this satisfaction help make your job easier, but it will also help you build more meaningful connections with people who, like you, want to make a difference in someone’s life.
You’ll not only be providing care and support to those who need it, but you’ll also be able to get to know the residents and their remarkable lives. You’ll have the chance to hear their stories and learn about their life, which can be an enriching experience.
Overall, knowing that the work you’re doing everyday matters can help you maintain a positive outlook on your career and make the more challenging days rewarding.
Final thoughts
If you’re in between careers right now, consider taking a position at a retirement community. Several roles are available for varied skill levels and skill sets, from working as a personal caregiver to managing social events.
Many retirement homes will accept workers at the entry-level, allowing you to work your way up through the company and expand your career in the caregiving field.
As you work to help older persons settle into their new life and learn about the different avenues involved in retirement homes, you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling career that can make a real difference in your life and those in your care.
