10.6 Senior Living Centers
The senior living industry is experiencing robust growth due to lifespans lengthening and baby boomers entering retirement age. This sector offers diverse employment options tailored to the type of seniors across the aging spectrum one is inclined to work with. Examples of opportunities include independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled services (although, skilled services may require a healthcare background).
Senior living center Industry revenues exceeded $75 billion globally pre-pandemic, with the U.S. senior housing market valued at $58.9 billion in 2021 per Research and Markets (Statista Research Department, 2023f). Substantial development pipelines averaging almost $10 billion annually underscore massive expansion opportunities to serve our aging population. Various senior living models cater to distinct needs in this large sector.
Independent living communities provide maintenance-free housing for active seniors still living independently. Luxury facilities positioned as resort-style retirement offer fine dining, fitness centers, pools, golf, clubs and more alongside accessible apartment homes with emergency alert systems. Staff handle building upkeep, often including home cleaning, while nurses monitor resident health through clinics. Over 1 million U.S. seniors reside in one of the over 1,900 dedicated independent living communities as of 2022 (Statista Research Department, 2023f).
Assisted living delivers personalized care in private apartment-style residences for those requiring some assistance with daily living activities (e.g., dressing, bathing, medication management). This approach to aging encourages independence but provides assistance. For example, cCare staff are available 24/7 to respond to needs at these types of facilities. Of the nation’s over 30,000 assisted living communities, over 80% are private pay with median national monthly rates around $4,300, making financial planning key (National Center for Health Statistics, 2024).
Special secured neighborhoods within communities are necessary for effective care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Such options are called memory care. through structured routines maximizing retained abilities while sensitively assisting with lost functions. With dementia cases tripling by 2050 (as cited in Tran, 2022), demand is skyrocketing. There are over 3,300 U.S. stand-alone memory care communities in operation, with many more embedded memory care wings (Howley, 2022).
Skilled nursing centers provide round-the-clock clinical care from Registered Nurses (RNs) and nursing aides when advanced medical oversight, short-term rehabilitation, or long-term custodial requirements become necessary. More than 70% of the over 15,700 licensed U.S. nursing homes nationwide operate as part of senior living campuses (Van Dis, 2023). This enables a seamless transition between levels of care based on changing needs.
A blend of diverse hospitality elements and healthcare accessibility ensures safety, social engagement, and wellbeing in senior living communities. This environment enables older adults to maximize their potential at every stage of their lives. The purpose-driven mission of these communities fosters strong bonds between staff and residents. This bond constitutes an important factor to consider when exploring career paths in this field.
Career opportunities in senior living are varied, ranging from healthcare roles such as nursing, caregiving, and therapy to hospitality positions in dining services, lifestyle programming, and maintenance. Executive directors play a pivotal role, overseeing campus strategy, budgeting, and growth planning. This responsibility extends from managing single properties to handling multi-site portfolios, with experienced professionals often earning six-figure salaries.
The senior living sector is experiencing significant growth, with job projections increasing by about 16% over the next decade, nearly double the average across all industries (Bonvissuto, 2023). This growth is primarily driven by the aging baby boomer population becoming eligible for senior living services. Consequently, this expanding sector offers abundant opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the lives of millions of older adults.
Attributions
- Figure 10.16: Senior Living Industry Statistics by Ezra Leigh, for WA Open ProfTech, © SBCTC, CC BY 4.0
a range of housing, care, and service options designed to meet the needs and preferences of older adults. It includes independent living communities, assisted living facilities, memory care centers, and nursing homes.
A residential community or facility designed specifically for older adults who are typically retired and may require varying levels of assistance with daily living activities.
housing options and communities specifically designed for active older adults who are capable of living independently. Residents typically enjoy private apartments or homes within a community setting, with access to amenities and social activities.
facilities providing housing, personal care services, and support for older adults who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and meal preparation. Residents receive customized care plans based on their individual needs.
offering specialized care and support for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. These facilities provide a secure and structured environment, specialized programming, and trained staff to meet the unique needs of residents with memory loss.