2010 is upon us, and those who work in the independent living industry – as well as those who are interested in finding employment within it – want to get an idea about what to expect in the upcoming year. Whether you are a hiring manager who’d like to get a feel for what jobs will be in demand this year, or if you’re a working professional within the industry who’d like to get a preview about emerging trends for the new year, the following report will fill you in and give you a more specific sense about what’s going on in the independent living industry in 2010.

Section One: Employment Outlook

Like many other industries, the independent living industry has been hit hard by the lackluster economy and the escalating unemployment rate. The problem is multifaceted; many seniors, concerned about money, are opting to move in with children and grandchildren rather than spend their extra money on independent living facilities. In turn, many independent living facilities are going bankrupt and either closing completely, or merging with others. As a result, many jobs have been eliminated as independent living facilities struggle to survive.

The good news is that with a steadily aging population, there is a greater need for independent living services than ever. For this reason, the negative effects highlighted above have been somewhat mitigated. While some jobs within the industry have seen their numbers dwindle in recent months, other positions are incredibly in demand. As the economic downturn starts swinging the other way, it can be expected that the independent living industry will regroup – and that new jobs and positions will begin opening up.

In-Demand Positions in 2010

Two different positions seem to be flourishing within the independent living industry in 2010: occupational therapists and social and human services assistants.

In 2010, positions for occupational therapists who assist the elderly are expected to increase; these professionals help teach seniors how to perform various daily tasks, and also provide strategies and tips for performing a wide range of activities. Although many occupational therapists specialize in assisting disabled people, just as many focus on the elderly. For disabled seniors, the services of an occupational therapist are especially useful. As more seniors seek to remain spry and active well into their golden years, it’s easy to see why occupational therapy positions are enjoying renewed demand. ⁽¹⁾

Another very in-demand position in 2010 is that of social and human services assistant. Within the independent living industry, these professionals perform a number of valuable tasks. They may help seniors navigate the waters of the Medicare system, determine their eligibility for various social services programs or may assist with relatively simple things like income tax filing. Because of the wide umbrella that their services fall under, social and human services assistants will see an increased demand in 2010. ⁽²⁾

Positions That Are Less In-Demand in 2010

With technology progressing at breakneck speeds – and independent living facilities looking to cut corners wherever they can in today’s depressed economic climate – office and clerical personnel are among the least in-demand positions within the industry in 2010. Individual employees are frequently being asked to perform additional duties in lieu of hiring on extra support staff, and more sophisticated computer programs are eliminating the need for as many of these kinds of personnel. People seeking administrative assistant positions within the independent living industry in 2010 are going to have a long, hard search in front of them.

Section Two: Industry Growth

As has been the case for the past several years, trends continue to favor an increase in the popularity of independent living services among today’s active seniors. As the industry adjusts to the various economic strains that are so prevalent today, it appears likely that new areas of growth will soon emerge. The possibility of healthcare reform in the United States means that additional funds may become available for expanding independent living facilities and services around the country. On the flip side, Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement increases may or may not help the industry grow.

The toll that the economic crisis is taking on the savings and investments of many seniors raises concerns among many professionals within the independent living industry. The fact that the elderly population is exploding right now, however, and the older ages at which people are remaining healthy and active definitely serve to counteract many of those concerns. For the first quarter of 2010, it appears likely that industry growth will hold steady or perhaps slow down just a little bit. A major decline – or a major increase – doesn’t appear very likely given current economic circumstances.  Additionally, the expansion of lower income senior housing under the $3,500 a month range should offset much of the decline in the high-end senior housing that is over $5,000 per month.

Section Three: Trends to Watch in the Independent Living Industry in 2010

Every year, different trends take the forefront in the world of independent living. Keeping an eye on those emerging trends can help industry professionals, hiring managers and other interested parties get a better idea about what topics deserve their attention. In 2010, there are several interesting new trends coming down the pipeline. The most significant ones are highlighted below for your convenience:

1. Urban Retirement – Thanks to the centralized proximity of daily necessities like grocery stores and pharmacies, the convenience of public transportation and the nearness of many prime entertainment opportunities, you can expect to see more seniors retiring to urban areas than ever in 2010. Urban retirement is a trend to watch, and the independent living industry is already taking notice. The suburbs will continue to be the predominate location of most independent living service providers, but urban areas will see a definite upswing this year.
2. Technological Amenities – Although many people consider modern technology to be the province of the young, more seniors than ever are getting into high tech gadgetry and other products. Modern technology can benefit independent living in a number of key ways, with communication being one of the primary areas. Thanks to modern forms of communication like email, social networking, text messaging and others, communication can be more easily incorporated into an independent lifestyle than ever.
3. Adventure Activities – Where trips to the mall or to the casino used to predominate in the world of independent living activities, today’s seniors are becoming more adventurous in 2010. This year, expect to see a variety of active team sports increase in popularity; track and softball are two prime examples. More and more independent living facilities are expected to offer programs in more extreme activities like sky diving, white water rafting, skiing, parachuting – and many others – in 2010.
4. Co-Housing – For seniors who aren’t ready or willing to live in an assisted living facility – but for whom total independence isn’t quite realistic – co-housing is becoming a more popular trend in the upcoming year. In a co-housing arrangement, individual seniors enjoy their own apartments or townhouses while sharing common areas with a group of other senior citizens. In this way, they have a built-in community of people who they can turn to for friendship and help while still maintaining a large amount of privacy and independence. The independent living industry is bound to see an increase in its participation with such arrangements in 2010.
5. Green Building – Green – or eco-friendly – building is something that has been emerging as a trend within the independent and assisted living industries for some time. Its roots lie in the increasing awareness of people around the world about saving the planet and reducing their impact on the environment. Interestingly enough, the current economic climate is going to propel the green building movement forward significantly in 2010, since renewable energy and reusable resources – along with overall sustainability – are excellent ways to cut operating costs and save money. Independent living facilities around the world will be placing a greater emphasis on green building well into the future.
6. Low-Income Housing versus High-Income Housing – Affordable senior housing is in limited demand these days. In 2010, an increasing demand for reasonably-priced senior housing is going to surge; for that reason, it is quite likely that low-income housing facilities will be developed at a more rapid rate in the upcoming year. Due to the economic circumstances of today, high-income housing is bound to see a major decrease; independent living facilities that revolve around a high-income clientele are going to have to reconsider their basic business model in order to survive and remain solvent.
7. Campus Senior Housing – An exceptionally interesting trend in independent living – and in senior housing in general – is campus senior housing. Originally started to help alumni maintain their roots with their college or university, such programs are becoming popular ways to keep senior citizens active and involved well into their golden years. For the independent living industry, this trend presents many prime opportunities and could help some facilities branch out in new and exciting ways. Thinking outside the box is definitely a trend in 2010, and you’ll be able to find evidence of it throughout the independent living industry.

^Sources:

⁽¹⁾http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos078.htm  

⁽²⁾http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos078.htm