As the demand for assisted living services continues to grow, so does the need for well-trained staff. According to Senior Housing News, by 2033 the number of Americans age 75 or older will increase by 49%, requiring an additional 600,000 workers to staff senior communities and care organizations.

With the median age of nurses in the U.S. at 46 and one-quarter of nurses set to retire over the next five years, assisted living facilities will continue to face hurdles in attracting an adequate number of workers. That’s why innovative training models and flexible learning paths that speak to young people are so critical – they provide one of the best routes to recruit and retain the next generation of professionals.

Cutting-edge assisted living education programs

The assisted living courses offered by SeniorLivingU, available on the Anytime Learning Portal, are perfect for digital natives. These online courses are self-guided, offering incredible convenience and flexibility. It doesn’t matter where a prospective or current employee is geographically, or when they have free time. As long as they can access a computer, smartphone, or a tablet (devices they’ve grown up using) they can participate in SeniorLivingU’s online education courses.

Why assisted living education programs offer promise for young job-seekers

Courses like those offered through the Anytime Learning Portal provide many benefits for young job seekers:

  1. Digital learning and flexibility: Digitally-based assisted living classes allow staff to learn at their own pace, on a variety of devices, during their shifts or as scheduled in coordination with their manager.
  2. Career growth and development opportunities: Online education programs define clear career pathways within the assisted living industry, including specialized training and opportunities to upskill for leadership roles.
  3. Purpose-driven work and impact: For a generation raised to expect virtual connection, employment in the assisted living industry can be attractive precisely because it offers deep in-person involvement and values-driven work that aligns with their desire to make a positive impact in the world.

There are other benefits as well. Many assisted living education programs incorporate staff mental health and well-being components, including tech-forward practices. Some also promote cultural competency and sensitivity training, and leverage video and social media – elements that Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to see as essential.

Programs that help ensure higher quality of care and a robust team

Assisted living education programs play a crucial role for the industry by promoting a higher quality of care, increasing community safety, creating happier team members and residents, and enhancing community reputations.

These programs are adapting to the evolving expectations and preferences of the younger workforce by offering modern, relevant, and supportive learning experiences that not only equip them with necessary skills but also align with their values and career aspirations.

By meeting young people where they are through flexible, online learning options that lead to diverse professional roles within assisted living, the Anytime Learning Portal is helping to ensure an empowered, robust workforce for years to come.

SeniorLivingU provides convenient education tools designed by senior living experts for all levels of retirement community staff. To learn more, visit our FAQ page or contact us today!