Types of Assisted Living Jobs

Answer 1

Assisted living facilities offer a home to elderly and disabled adults who do not require the type of medical assistance that a nursing home offers. Assisted living facilities also provide a number of different jobs to qualified individuals.

Director

The director of an assisted living facility is responsible for making sure that residents have the proper nutrition, activities and medical access. Directors also must maintain a clean atmosphere throughout their facility and deal with the staffing needs. For their hard work, the director of the facility can expect an average yearly salary of $46,000.

Directors are not required to have medical degrees, but they must have a license from a Residential Care/Assisted Living program accredited by the National Association Board for Long Term Care Administrators.

Nurses

Not every assisted living facility has a paid nurse on staff. The bulk of a nurse's job in these facilities involve providing medication to the residents. Nurses also monitor ongoing minor medical problems of the residents and oversee the rest of the staff when the director is not present.

Both licensed practical nurses and registered nurses are employed by assisted living facilities and duties for both tend to be the same in assisted living facilities. Yearly salary ranges from $34,000 to $68,000, depending upon license, state of residence, and prior experience.

Recreation Jobs

A major concern for assisted living facilities is keeping the older and disabled residents active. Recreational directors and therapists implement projects and tasks designed to keep the residents active physically, as well as emotionally, spiritually and intellectually.

While recreational therapists typically have a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy, a recreational director holds similar responsibilities and requires a certification as Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Depending on experience and education, recreational therapists and directors can make between $34,000 to $60,000.

Other Jobs

Assisted living facilities employ a number of nursing assistants and therapy assistants to help their trained medical staff. Facilities also employ janitorial, cooking and maintenance staff. Traditionally, these workers make less than nurses or therapists. Expected salaries range from an hourly wage of $8 to $15 and may be part-time.