Long-Term Elder Care Offers a Career in Compassion
Today, there are more than 46 million older adults aged 65 and older living in the United States. By 2050, that number is expected to grow to almost 90 million – nearly one-third of the population in America.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also projects the health care field will grow by 3.3 million jobs between 2018 and 2028.
The demand is clear – the U.S. population is graying and the need for quality elder care will be greatly increasing. This makes a career in a long-term living community a wise, lasting choice.
Long-term living communities, such as Parker, will play a vital role in the lives of millions of elders. This is an expansive operation that requires expertise in many disciplines, as we support the physical, psychological, and emotional needs of our residents. To support such diverse needs, Parker relies on professionals from all walks of life who are eager to directly impact and improve the quality of life of the senior community.
Those of us in the field of elder care are very often committed to it as a life-long career because this is such rewarding work. We can make a tremendous difference in the lives of others. Through Parker’s dedicated staff and professionals, we have created a safe, nurturing, loving environment. Lasting friendships are made, and the quality of care is unparalleled.
That is why I encourage others to share the experience and explore career opportunities at Parker, or other similar senior living communities with the same commitment to serve.
Here are just some of the benefits of working in the field of aging services:
- Providing a continuum of care
Often, those working in health care spend their days serving countless patients who walk in and out the door. Lasting connections are rarely made. In contrast, at Parker, our staff spends months, if not years, with our elders. The staff learns about their lives, the foods they enjoy, their families, and specific ways in which to support them within a safe, comfortable, healthy environment. For those who are looking to make a very real, lasting difference in health care, there is no better place than working in this field.
- Hands-on experience
Often in health care, many workers are disappointed that they have limited access to the patient and, therefore, less clinical experience. At Parker, and other quality long-term care organizations, we encourage day-to-day interaction that helps staff grow and evolve within our system. Opportunities are boundless for those who are eager to learn and wish to advance their careers into management roles.
- Teamwork
As we provide 24-hour care, we have an interdisciplinary team that embraces teamwork, and a busy atmosphere where an employee rarely sits still. Each Parker team member has his or her own important role and, working together, creates an experience for elders beyond expectations. As our staff work collaboratively and share information across departments, there are daily opportunities to improve communications skills and discover new ways as a team to further enhance the Parker experience.
- Learn from the best
Not only does Parker employ staff members that are the best at what they do, the learning opportunities come from our residents as well. As a top-tier long-term living community, we attract many residents who arrive at Parker after decades of success in the business or academic communities. We find that our elders are eager to share their wisdom. They embrace our staff members, who spend hours listening and learning. The tremendous perception and insight passed from generation to generation is one of the magical benefits of Parker that is hard to describe in a recruitment brochure. You have to be here to experience it for yourself.
Whether you are still exploring an occupation, or you are already committed to making compassionate care your life’s work, there are many good reasons to work at Parker, or another similar mission-driven aging services organization. You will find that a career in long-term senior care is a wise, highly rewarding choice.