A career in senior living can be a rewarding choice for those dedicated to improving the lives of older adults.
If you’re passionate about motivating and supporting seniors and looking for a great place to get your foot in the door, The Kensington White Plains may be the perfect fit.
We treat our residents and team members like family, offer excellent benefits, and support personal and professional growth.
There are various departments in senior living, and the one you choose will likely depend on your personality, experience, and career goals.
Learn more about senior living careers, the various departments to choose from, and what The Kensington White Plains offers our team members.
The skills needed for a career in senior living
To be successful in a career in senior living, it’s essential to have a wide range of skills. Working with older adults requires a high level of empathy, compassion, and patience, in addition to professional training.
Older adults may require extra time and attention—especially those with memory diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Those who work in senior living need to manage their time effectively and stay organized.
Problem-solving skills are essential when working with seniors and a team, as there will be times you need to think on your feet and come up with creative solutions to problems that may arise.
Education and training
The experience and training required for a career in senior living can vary depending on the specific job and level of responsibility.
For instance, caregivers and certified nurse assistants (CNAs) may not require formal education, while nurses typically need a nursing degree and license in their state.
Activities directors and administrators will likely need a bachelor’s degree in healthcare or a related field.
A career in senior living requires a combination of education, training, and hands-on experience.
Many senior living communities offer on-the-job training for entry-level positions. Many certification and degree programs are also available to help advance your career.
It’s essential to stay up-to-date with current trends and regulations in the field and to have a passion for working with older adults and improving their quality of life.
What are the different departments in senior living?
Senior living communities are generally organized into different departments, each important in ensuring residents receive the care and support they need to thrive.
Resident care department
The resident care department is responsible for assisting residents with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
Caregivers and CNAs work in this department to provide personalized care to each resident.
This department impacts seniors’ daily living by ensuring they receive the help they need to stay comfortable and healthy.
Nursing department
The nursing department is responsible for providing medical care to residents.
Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work in this department, administering medication, monitoring vital signs, and providing wound care.
The nursing staff also communicates with physicians to ensure residents receive appropriate medical treatment.
The nursing department impacts seniors’ daily lives directly by helping them manage their health and medical conditions.
Dining services department
The dining services department provides nutritious and delicious meals to residents.
Chefs, cooks, and dining staff prepare meals that meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences in this department.
The dining services department impacts seniors’ daily lives by ensuring they access healthy and tasty food that supports their overall health and well-being.
Activities department
The activities department is responsible for planning and organizing various social, recreational, and educational activities for residents.
Activities directors and coordinators work in this department, organizing everything from fitness classes to game nights or other life enrichment activities.
The activities department impacts seniors’ daily lives by providing opportunities for residents to socialize, learn new things, and stay engaged with their community.
Housekeeping and maintenance department
The housekeeping and maintenance department is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the senior living community.
Housekeepers, maintenance staff, and groundskeepers work in this department, ensuring that residents’ living spaces are clean and well-maintained.
The housekeeping and maintenance department impacts seniors’ daily lives by providing a comfortable and safe environment for them to live in.
Administration department
The administration department is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the senior living community.
Administrators, accountants, and other staff work in this department, overseeing everything from staffing to budgeting to marketing.
The administration department impacts seniors’ daily lives by ensuring that the community is well-run and that residents receive high-quality care and services.
Rehabilitation department
Senior living rehabilitation services are designed to help older adults recover from illness, injury, or surgery to regain their strength, mobility, and independence.
Some rehabilitation services that senior living communities may offer include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
The rehabilitation department impacts seniors’ daily lives by ensuring that residents recover from illness or injury, learn new skills to help with daily living, and regain their quality of life.
Join our team at The Kensington White Plains
The Kensington White Plains is an assisted living and memory care community that offers our residents enhanced and specialized care services.
We Promise to love and care for our residents as we do our family members—and we extend this promise to our team.
Working at our senior living community can be a rewarding career choice if you’re compassionate about helping people, specifically older adults.
Some of the benefits of joining our team include:
- Making a positive impact on the lives of older adults
- Building meaningful relationships with residents and their families
- Opportunities for career advancement
- Competitive salaries and benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, 401K & other benefits starting at 32 hrs/wk
- Generous paid time off
- Employee assistance program
- Complimentary lunches & dinners
- A sense of fulfillment and purpose in your work
Check out our blog to learn more about our communities, services, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities.
Contact us to speak with our team manager about employment opportunities and which department fits you best.