Career Blog

Are you a compassionate caregiver at heart and receiving training to provide these professional services to others? If so, you may be considering whether to seek employment in a senior living community.

If you aren’t familiar with what it would be like working in senior living, the following provides information and a glimpse into a typical day for the residents and the staff that cares for them.

Working in senior living and the residents who call the community home

If you are considering working in senior living, you’ll want to be aware of the different levels of care that are offered. All care types are not always available at each community’s campus but the following is a general summary of what you may find of interest:

1. Independent living

Independent living communities are designed for those adults who are 55+ and are searching for an easier yet fulfilling lifestyle.

There are private residences, dining options, activities, social events and fitness opportunities as well as scheduled transportation, all located within the community.

Residents live independently but may bring in home care services if needed.

2. Assisted living

If you’re working in senior living and choose an assisted living community, you’ll likely be providing a helping hand to the residents who need assistance with the tasks of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming or laundry.

These residents continue to live a mostly independent lifestyle but enjoy having help when needed. They remain active and take part in the social activities, fitness classes and other events. One great benefit is the healthy but delicious dining program so they no longer need to worry about planning or preparing meals.

3. Memory care

Working in senior living’s memory care community can bring a special satisfaction in knowing you are helping those living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia to continue living their highest quality of life possible.

You will receive special training and education so you can most effectively interact and respond to the needs, behaviors and challenges of those with memory impairment.

You may assist residents to participate in specialized programs and therapies to stimulate memories or provide satisfying, comforting or calming responses.

4. Rehabilitation and respite care

Often offered in an assisted living community, a separate wing or a number of rooms may be dedicated to those who need additional care after being discharged from a hospital but who are not yet ready to return home.

These individuals may need further care in recovering from an illness, injury or surgery and will have access to all of the programs and amenities as the other residents. They may receive personal assistance, health care or both.

These communities may also provide respite care for individuals who are being cared for at home but when the caregivers will be away or are in need of a break. This type of stay allows them to remain safe and the caregivers a chance to relax and know that their loved one is being well cared for.

Additional benefits of working in senior living

If you choose a career in senior living, you’ll enjoy the advantage of working a schedule that suits your lifestyle and personal needs. Since care for older adults must be available around-the-clock, most staff work in different shifts so 24-hour access is offered. Depending on what works best for your family, you might choose to work during the day, evenings or nights.

You’ll find yourself providing physical care and assistance but a great advantage is that you will also provide companionship. Sometimes what is needed the most is having someone who will take the time out of a busy day and just listen.

Maybe a resident will want to tell you about their grandchildren or relive a story from their past. Many employees have discovered that what they receive back from the residents is even more valuable than what they can give.

Working at a Northbridge senior living community

If you are considering a career in senior living, we hope you’ll consider one of our communities. Our team of associates makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents, every day. Because of that, we treat our team like family and we’re happy to offer:

• Competitive Pay
• Flexible Schedules
• Direct Deposit
• Vacation & Personal Days
• Paid Holidays & Sick Time
• Your Birthday Off
• Health Insurance to Qualified Associates
• 401k Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Ongoing Education
• Associate Appreciation

View our careers website today to view open positions, what a day working at Northbridge is like, and why our associates love to work here.

As a New England senior living company, we pride ourselves in being the local choice for families in need of assisted living or memory care. We look to our teams of associates to truly make our communities home for our residents. Whether that’s a helping hand or a moment to listen to a story, our associates are dedicated and compassionate. With 18 communities in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, we hope you’ll find your home here too. If you already love what you do, and want to love where you work, apply now! We look forward to meeting you.