The healthcare field is transforming, particularly in the area of assisted living. These changes are driven by various factors, including the rising demand for skilled leaders in the industry. The older adult population is projected to grow significantly in the coming years due to circumstances like longer life expectancy and the aging baby boomer generation.
This demographic shift will increase demand for various care services, including assisted living, home care and specialized medical services. As the older population grows, there will be a parallel growth in the market for care services, creating significant opportunities for the healthcare industry, including assisted living facilities and administrators.
Northern Kentucky University’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program offers a specialized Health Care Administration focus that prepares professionals with the expertise needed to navigate the fluctuating landscape of assisted living administration. Students can maximize their MBA experience by customizing their learning experience via mixing and matching courses across various subjects. The Health Care Administration focus explores healthcare industry challenges while analyzing the external factors that influence the industry.
Students in this program will learn how to understand and use the tools that leaders use to manage healthcare organizations effectively. They’ll also gain the necessary skills to lead assisted living facilities.
The Role of Leaders in the Field
An assisted living administrator oversees the day-to-day operations of an assisted living facility. Their role involves managing staff, ensuring compliance with regulations, developing and implementing policies and maintaining the overall well-being of the residents. They play a vital role in creating a supportive and safe environment for residents while adhering to quality standards and ensuring financial stability.
These professionals may be responsible for tasks like helping residents upkeep their mental development with exercises, assisting residents with transportation or learning needs, providing assistants with therapy exercises, obtaining and evaluating patient medications and more.
What Trends Should Assisted Living Professionals Anticipate?
Assisted living administrators must possess strong leadership skills, effective communication and the ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the aging population. According to Xenia, several trends are shaping the future of assisted living:
- Baby boomers reaching the age of retirement. The baby boomers, the largest generation in history, are aging and transitioning to retirement communities. While this demographic shift might have been anticipated, baby boomers are not retiring in the conventional sense like their parents. They’re also tech-savvy, prefer to maintain their independence rather than move into a nursing home, and seek social engagement and support for daily tasks like managing medications and household chores. Due to these factors, there is a significant demand for assisted living facilities that offer both independence and round-the-clock care.
- Focus on healthier food options. With so many people paying attention to their diet, it’s no surprise that assisted living communities offer more nutritious food options for their residents — especially those with health issues requiring special diets, like heart disease or diabetes. Residents prefer organic local produce and freshly cooked meals that retain nutritious value.
- Improved quality of living through activities. Enhancing residents’ living experiences through engaging and supportive activities has become a top priority. This focus empowers residents to have more control over their lives with activities designed to foster well-being and social interaction.
- Prospective residents are doing the research. Previously, word-of-mouth was the primary method for choosing an assisted living community. Now, potential residents conduct extensive online research before contacting a facility. Given this trend, it’s become important for assisted living facilities to establish an online presence to engage with prospective residents.
Opportunities in Assisted Living for Business Professionals
There is an increasing need for elder care services, leading to significant growth in the field of assisted living. Senior care encompasses various forms, such as assisted living and home care, that address the unique challenges older individuals face. Technologies like telehealth, wearable devices and smart home features are increasingly integrated into elder care, aiming to improve cost-efficiency and care quality.
Graduates of an advanced business degree program with a customizable path in healthcare administration equips individuals with leadership skills they can apply in high-demand spaces like assisted living environments.
Learn more about Northern Kentucky University’s online MBA program.
