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Whether you are entering the growing senior living industry, or a seasoned professional, there are plenty of opportunities to make a change or find a new career in senior living. However, you may not know where to start or what’s even out there for you. That’s why we created a list of 5 unique careers in senior living to help get you started.

Finding Your Career at Westminster Village

It may be hard to believe, but senior living communities are home to a wide variety of opportunities for employees with a number of different backgrounds. Westminster Village is no different. As we continue to offer excellent care and services to our residents, we need qualified team members to ensure everything is operating smoothly. Here are some areas where you could find a place at Westminster Village.

Healthcare

The common perception of senior living often revolves around healthcare, and it’s true—the healthcare professionals who care for residents are the backbone of this industry. Senior living encompasses a wide range of roles, and here are a few you might encounter as you explore starting or shifting your career in this field.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): This entry-level role serves as an excellent starting point for a career in senior living. While certification is required, it is readily accessible to the general public.

Registered Nurse (RN): RNs take on more specialized responsibilities, requiring education and licensing. This role also offers a great opportunity for RNs from other healthcare areas to transition into senior living.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Like RNs, LPNs require more advanced credentials than CNAs, but this role provides both a valuable career goal and an entry point for newcomers to the senior living industry.

Whether you’re just beginning or making a career transition, senior living offers clear paths for advancement. Starting as a CNA allows for career progression, while those with existing credentials can pick up right where they left off.

Maintenance

Another key area within senior living is maintenance. From landscaping and repairs to overall campus upkeep, there are numerous opportunities to apply your skills in this setting. Here are a few roles to consider:

• • Grounds Maintenance
  • Maintenance Technicians
  • Refurb Technicians

Maintenance professionals can advance their careers by gaining experience and obtaining certifications in specialized areas like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work. This provides a clear path for growth, and for those already established in their field, it offers a natural entry point. It’s an ideal fit for individuals with experience in hotels or apartment complexes.

Hospitality

Hospitality roles offer a great entry point for those interested in senior living. Whether in housekeeping or working as a laundry aide, there are plenty of opportunities to transition your hospitality skills into a senior living community. One of the key advantages of working in senior living is that every role directly contributes to the well-being of the residents. If you’re seeking meaningful work, senior living provides an environment where your efforts make a real difference in people’s lives.

Learn more about the mission of Westminster Village

Dining

A key factor in the success of any senior living community is the dining experience. It’s an opportunity to use your culinary skills to serve residents and foster a sense of community through exceptional dining. There are various roles available in dining, such as:

• • Wait Staff
  • Dishwasher
  • Cook
  • Executive Chef

Similar to other areas in senior living, dining offers many opportunities and a clear path for growth. If you’re seeking a new setting to showcase your talents or gain experience in a culinary environment, senior living can provide the opportunities you’re looking for.

Administration

Senior living also offers numerous career opportunities for those interested in office administration. Various roles are essential to keep the operations side of a community running smoothly. Whether in finance or as an executive director, there are plenty of ways to apply your specialized skills in an office setting while making a meaningful impact on the lives of residents and their families.

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Getting Started

Starting a career in senior living may feel like a big step, but Westminster Village is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re transitioning from a different industry or just beginning your professional journey, the senior living field offers numerous opportunities for growth and fulfillment. Begin by assessing your current skills and interests—whether in healthcare, maintenance, hospitality, dining, or administration—and consider how they align with the diverse roles available in senior living. Westminster Village offers abundant opportunities across a variety of fields to meet you where you are in your career journey. At Westminster Village, we are dedicated to fostering excellent teams all while you make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents. Explore the unique career paths available at Westminster Village and take the first step toward a rewarding and dynamic career. Apply today!

Determining what care will look like for yourself or even a loved one can become a difficult task to navigate. 77% of adults age 50 and older desire to stay in their home as they age. However, with a national median cost of $30 per hour for in-home care, aging at home can be financially impossible. This creates a crossroad for many adults who need care. That’s why we are creating awareness of the benefits of assisted living that help counter the challenges of aging at home.

Understanding the Benefits of Assisted Living

Everyone has a different care experience, which means there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are broad challenges and solutions that you may find match what you need as you navigate care.

Access to Professional Care and Support

Aging at home typically limits your choice of caregiver to either a contracted provider or relying on a loved one. Both are legitimate options, but pose unique challenges. As mentioned before, the average cost of an in-home care provider can lead to high bills each month. At an average rate of $30 per hour, to have a caregiver 40 hours a week will cost $1,200 each week. This is all in addition to the normal cost of living. In the case that a loved one is available 24/7, this creates a dynamic where caregiver burnout can become a factor, as well as a virtually unrealistic expectation for someone who may have their own family and schedule to maintain.

In an assisted living setting, you have access to a trained caregiver team that alleviates your loved ones from the pressure of being a caregiver and allows them to focus on being with the resident. With a median cost of $5,511 monthly, assisted living communities provide 24/7 care and assistance with activities of daily living.

Social Interaction and Community Engagement

Social interaction offers a variety of benefits to residents. In an at-home environment, social interaction is possible. However, it is difficult to emulate the type of interaction residents get in an assisted living community. When a resident moves into a community, they are being brought into an environment where they are surrounded by people who are sharing a very similar experience as them. Assisted living communities are also a space where planned activities are virtually never ending, which means residents are given ample opportunity to connect with each other. This is compounded with the opportunity for loved ones to visit and spend quality time with residents without having to worry about providing care.

Learn more about Westminster Village

Maintenance-Free Living

One of the more obvious challenges of aging at home is managing the continued demands of day-to-day upkeep. This includes responsibilities such as paying property taxes, maintaining the home and yard, grocery shopping, handling repairs, and more. While these tasks are typically considered normal parts of everyday life, they can become increasingly overwhelming as one ages and health or mobility concerns take precedence. When the focus should shift to prioritizing personal health and well-being, these responsibilities can feel like a significant burden. By moving to Westminster Village, the weight of these daily chores and obligations is transferred to the community and its dedicated team. This arrangement not only allows residents to fully concentrate on receiving the care and support they need but also provides their loved ones with the peace of mind that all aspects of daily life—from housekeeping to meals—are expertly managed. This supportive environment fosters a sense of security and freedom, enabling residents to enjoy a higher quality of life without the stress of home maintenance.

Simplified Financial Planning

Another significant advantage of assisted living is the simplified approach to financial planning. Aging at home often involves managing multiple expenses that can add up quickly—property taxes, home maintenance, utility bills, groceries, medical costs, and payments for in-home care services. This can create a complex financial landscape that requires careful planning and budgeting, especially when health needs increase or the home requires unexpected repairs. For many older adults and their families, navigating these varied costs can be overwhelming and lead to financial strain.

In contrast, Westminster Village offers a more predictable and streamlined financial model. With a single monthly fee, residents have access to comprehensive care, housing, meals, utilities, and a range of amenities and services. This all-inclusive pricing structure reduces the uncertainty of unexpected expenses and allows for easier budgeting. Families can plan more effectively, knowing exactly what to expect each month, without the worry of surprise costs. Additionally, some communities offer different levels of care within the same setting, allowing residents to easily adjust their care plan as needs change without having to manage new contracts or financial arrangements.

This simplicity in financial planning not only alleviates stress for residents but also for their families, who may otherwise be responsible for managing complex budgets and care arrangements. Assisted living provides a clear path forward, helping families focus on what truly matters—ensuring their loved ones receive the best possible care in a safe, engaging, and supportive environment.

Learn more about the cost of assisted living within your budget

Assisted living offers a comprehensive solution to the many challenges of aging at home, from high costs of in-home care to the complexities of daily maintenance and social isolation. By providing access to professional care, fostering community engagement, and offering a simplified financial approach, Westminster Village enables older adults to focus on their well-being in a supportive environment. For many families, this choice brings peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are receiving the care and support they deserve. If you’re considering the benefits of assisted living, contact us today to learn more about how Westminster Village can help you or your loved one thrive.

Westminster Village in Terre Haute is a community that is full of different stories and backgrounds coming together onto one campus. Occasionally, we have the privilege of highlighting these stories to help shed some light on what has shaped our residents and team members into who they are today. We’ve recently had the opportunity to sit down with our Director of Marketing and Sales, Deana Wilson, to hear how her journey as a caregiver for her father has shaped her perspective as she supports the mission of Westminster Village, as well as why she serves on the Terre Haute Alzheimer’s Walk Committee.

Deana’s Care Story

Deana Wilson’s journey with Alzheimer’s is deeply personal, rooted in the six years she spent caring for her father, who lived with the disease until his passing at 75. In the early stages of his diagnosis, Deana’s father was able to remain in his own home. However, managing his daily needs required Deana’s constant attention and care. “I traveled to see him on the weekends to check on him, take him to doctor appointments, shop for groceries, clean, and make sure laundry and other chores were done.” But as his condition progressed, Deana quickly realized she could not do it alone.

“Once his disease progressed, it literally took a village to make sure my dad was safe, had his medications, and was supported in every way possible.” She explains. Living in a small hometown was a blessing during these challenging times, as neighbors and family members played an essential role in keeping him safe. Deana acknowledges that, “If he had not lived in that town, having other family members and friends who also lived in that town who looked out for him when I couldn’t, there is no way he could have stayed in his home as long as he did.”

Eventually, when it became too dangerous for her father to live alone, Deana made the difficult decision to transition him to a memory care community. This step was necessary to ensure he received around-the-clock care. “I made the decision to move him to a memory care community where there were staff trained to assure his health, well-being, and safety twenty-four hours a day,” Deana reflects, highlighting how vital professional support is in the later stages of Alzheimer’s.

Learn if now is the right time to downsize.

How Deana’s Story Impacts Her Today

“I have worked my entire career in the field of senior living and have been exposed to the challenges of living with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias for many years,” Deana shares. However, it wasn’t until Alzheimer’s affected her own family that Deana truly understood the depth of the struggle. “But until the disease landed on my own doorstep, I did not have a full understanding of what all families of someone living with Alzheimer’s were enduring.” Experiencing the emotional, physical, and logistical challenges firsthand changed her perspective, giving her a deeper empathy and a stronger commitment to supporting families walking the same difficult path. Deana’s personal journey now informs her work every day, as she connects with families and residents facing similar situations, as well as work with the Alzheimer’s Walk Committee. Her story allows her to provide not just professional guidance but also heartfelt support and understanding.

Deana’s Passion for Senior Living

For Deana, working in senior living is more than just a career; it’s a calling. “As I shared, I have spent my career serving, who I feel are the most valued members of our society, our seniors.” She emphasizes. Deana views aging not as a decline, but as a privilege, believing that every stage of life has purpose and value. “We are all aging – it is a gift to be aging! And just because we are getting older, retired, and in the later season of life doesn’t mean we lose value or that our life is over.”

The residents at Westminster Village are a constant source of inspiration. “There is not one day that goes by that I am not inspired by someone who lives in the community in which I work.”
She shares. With an average age of 84, the residents at Westminster Village continue to contribute in remarkable ways. Deana observes them actively participating in committees, volunteering with local organizations, and even maintaining full-time careers. “It isn’t over until it’s over, and the people I see every day are still learning, serving, growing, and contributing!”

Seeing these vibrant individuals gives Deana hope for her own future. “Watching these amazing people helps me to see the future I want to have and to know that it is possible.” She reflects, reinforcing her belief in the limitless potential of every person, regardless of age.

Learn how senior living can work in your budget.

Encouragement for Others Like Deana

Deana knows firsthand how overwhelming it can be to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, but her message to others is clear: “Reach out for help and support!” She stresses the importance of taking advantage of the many resources available, both locally and through national organizations. “There are resources available in our city and through the Alzheimer’s Association that can support you and provide you with resources.”

Deana also offers a message of hope for families dealing with Alzheimer’s today. “For the first time, we have treatments that can change the course of Alzheimer’s.” She shares, highlighting recent advancements in research and treatment options. She emphasizes the vital role of the Alzheimer’s Association, describing it as *“the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.”

Above all, Deana wants others to know they don’t have to face the challenges of Alzheimer’s alone. “You are not in this alone!” She reassures, urging families to seek the support they need to navigate the difficult journey ahead.

Conclusion

Deana Wilson’s journey as a caregiver and her subsequent dedication to senior living exemplify the strength and resilience found within our community at Westminster Village Terre Haute. This vibrant campus brings together diverse stories and backgrounds, creating a supportive environment where residents and staff alike inspire one another. Deana’s insights into the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s not only inform her work but also highlight the importance of connection and support.

As Deana emphasizes, “You are not in this alone!” Westminster Village is here to provide not just a place to live but a community where aging is celebrated, and every individual is valued. If you’re navigating the journey of caring for an aging loved one or seeking a supportive environment for yourself, we invite you to discover how Westminster Village can make a meaningful difference in your life today. Contact us to learn more about our community and the resources available to you!