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What does an Assisted Living Manager do?
An assisted living manager handles the administrative duties at a residential facility for elderly citizens or people with disabilities. He or she directs caregivers, kitchen workers, maintenance crews, and other employees of the facility. In a large company, an assisted living manager may be responsible for a very particular division, such as recreational activity planning or employee scheduling and payroll. Most managers at smaller facilities oversee all elements of the business.
Making living arrangements for an ailing family member can be a stressful and confusing task. An assisted living manager speaks with potential residents and their families to explain costs, services, and benefits. He or she determines if the facility can fully meet the needs of the person before signing a contract. Once initial arrangements are set, the manager can lead a tour of the grounds, provide keys, and introduce the family to staff members.
An assisted living manager also handles human resources duties, such as payroll, hiring, training, and scheduling. He or she sets up training courses to prepare new caregivers and provides routine employee performance reviews. In addition, a manager establishes new policies and procedures to ensure resident and worker satisfaction. If regional or national laws regarding assisted living care change, it is the responsibility of the manager to inform employees and make the appropriate adjustments to policy.
While most of the duties of an assisted living manager revolve around office work, it is still important for a professional to be able to provide personal care for residents. Most managers have the appropriate training to perform caregiver duties in the event that an employee is unable to make it to work on a particular day. If an emergency arises, a manager may need to assess the situation, perform first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and contact emergency responders. Quick thinking and the ability to stay calm during stressful situations are essential skills of an assisted living manager.
The requirements to become an assisted living manager vary between regions and employers. Many companies require prospective managers to hold associate or bachelor's degrees in health science, nursing, business administration, or another related field. In addition, previous experience as a caregiver or office manager is preferred by most employers. Some regions require new assisted living managers to take certification courses and exams before they can begin working independently. With experience and continuing education, a professional may be able to advance to a senior manager or top executive position within his or her company.
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![CPR training might be needed by an assisted living manager.]()
By: Miriam DörrCPR training might be needed by an assisted living manager. -
![Assisted living managers might coordinate different physical therapy programs for residents.]()
By: nyulAssisted living managers might coordinate different physical therapy programs for residents. -
![Assisted living managers may interview and hire compassionate nursing staff.]()
By: WavebreakmediaMicroAssisted living managers may interview and hire compassionate nursing staff. -
![The requirements to become an assisted living manager vary between regions and employers.]()
By: Photographee.euThe requirements to become an assisted living manager vary between regions and employers.
Discussion Comments
Assisted living homes offer a great way for seniors to keep their independence even when they need a little help with some day-to-day activities.
@Drentel - I agree that people should be thankful for the jobs they have, and they should want to do a good job. However, I have a friend who worked in an assisted living for seniors place, and she said that it was a stressful job, and the pay was low, very low.
For some reason, sometimes we have this idea that old people, all old people, are nice. The truth is all old people are not nice just like all young people are not nice. If you are mean and nasty then getting older isn't going to automatically turn you into a sweet old woman or man.
I think assisted living managers and assisted living workers in general are often underpaid, and this reflects on the way they feel about their jobs. You are less likely to miss work or be in an ill mood at work when you feel respected and appreciated.
Some assisted living managers have a lot of responsibility. When my mother and father were in assisted senior living communities, one of the biggest issues the facility had was keeping good workers. Many of the employees would call at the last minute and say they were not going to be in to work that day.
Also, some of the employees brought their personal problems into work with them, and of course this is never a good thing. This is even worse when they are working with patients who have different levels of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
The managers would often have to try to find people to fill in shifts at the last minute, and in some instances take the shifts themselves. It's a shame how little pride some workers have in the jobs they do.
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