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by NSLPN Admin

Independent Living Industry Outlook – 2011 Report

December 31, 2010 in Independent Living by NSLPN Admin

If you work in the independent living industry or would like to, it helps to have an idea of where things are going within the industry. Although there’s no way to predict the future, there’s enough data out there to make some very clear predictions about what 2011 will hold for the independent living industry. The following report highlights important information about the upcoming year, including employment outlook, industry growth and trends to watch. By familiarizing yourself with the following information, you can be better prepared for the upcoming year as it pertains to the independent living industry.

Section One: Employment Outlook

Last year, the independent living industry was hit hard by the struggling economy. While a full recovery is still far off, things have been turning around a bit. Many seniors moved in with their children and grandchildren in order to avoid the expense of an independent living facility in 2010; in 2011, that trend is expected to reverse itself. A small but significant influx of seniors into independent living facilities is likely to occur in 2011.

As always, the population in the United States continues to age. When that fact is combined with the slightly improved state of today’s economy, 2011 is gearing up to be a healthy one for the independent living industry. Unlike many other cultures, families in the U.S. prefer not to live in multi-generational homes. Therefore, if the money exists to pay for an independent living facility, it will be spent. Thousands upon thousands of seniors will reach ages where more secure living arrangements are necessary, so employment should be up at independent living facilities across the United States in 2011.

In-Demand Positions in 2011

In 2011, two main positions appear to be overshadowing the rest in the independent living industry: physical therapy assistants and aides and licensed practical nurses.

In an effort to reduce their operating budgets, many independent living facilities pared down the number of physical therapists that they keep on staff. To offset that, it’s expected that physical therapy aides and assistants will skyrocket in demand in 2011. Many facilities will hire one licensed physical therapists, then rely on assistants and aides to perform the majority of the day-to-day work.

Licensed practical nurses will be able to find work within the independent living industry with ease in 2011. As with physical therapy aides and assistants, LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. They are affordable options for independent living facilities whose budgets are tight due to the tough economic times. LPNs provide invaluable assistance to the doctors and RNs in an independent living facility. It’s possible to become an LPN with only one year of training, too, which should make this an attractive option for many people.

Less In-Demand Positions in 2011

Although independent living facilities should continue to offer special activities for their residents, the skyrocketing cost of gas could have an impact on the frequency of such outings. As a result, transportation needs should be reduced at many independent living facilities in 2011. People who are seek work as drivers and bus drivers for such facilities may have a hard time of things. Independent living facilities will probably try to keep their outings as local as possible, too, to keep costs down. While transportation jobs in other industries may flourish, opportunities will most likely be scarce in the independent living industry.

Section Two: Industry Growth

On March 23, 2010, the Affordable Care Act was signed into law. This momentous legislation is sure to have a profound impact on the independent living industry. However, the specific ways in which these changes will affect the industry remain unclear. More than likely, however, seniors will have even better control over how they pay for their living expenses into retirement. Industry insiders believe that healthcare reform will be highly beneficial to the independent living industry. Whether the expected changes will have an impact on the industry in 2011 remains to be seen.

Many people consider independent living to be the more expensive alternative to nursing home care. Although the economy is beginning to recover, people are still pinching their pennies. Therefore, nursing homes will probably continue to be more popular than assisted living facilities. Uncertainty about the impact of healthcare reform is also prompting people to be extremely conservative – especially seniors. Independent living facilities that can slash costs and offer lower prices will thrive in 2011; those whose rates are exceptionally higher than nursing homes’ will more than likely stagnate. In 2011, affordability is of key concern for any independent living facility.

Section Three: Trends to Watch in the Independent Living Industry in 2011

2011 is shaping up to be a very interesting year in the world of independent living. There are many important trends to keep your eye on during the upcoming year. Whether you are a hiring manager, an employee within the industry or another interested party, staying abreast of emerging trends is sure to be helpful. Seven of the most significant 2011 trends to watch in the independent living industry are outlined below.

  • 1. New Construction Financing on Upswing – Ever since the real estate bubble burst a few years back, there has been a moratorium of sorts on the construction of new independent living facilities. The biggest issue has been the difficulty of obtaining financing for new construction. That’s expected to ease a bit in 2011, though, so expect to see a decent upswing in the number of new independent living facilities around the country.
  • 2. Going Green Continues to Be Hot – Since going green and recycling actually help organizations save money over the long run, they should continue to be popular trends in 2011. A popular part of green living is growing vegetable gardens. More than likely, many independent living facilities will work to create their own vegetable gardens. These gardens will not only provide fresh vegetables for residents, but they will give residents something fun and interesting to do with their time.
  • 3. More Alzheimer’s Care – Growing awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease is prompting many independent living facilities to offer special care for those who are at risk for the illness – and for those who are exhibiting its earliest symptoms. Once Alzheimer’s is in full swing, patients need higher levels of care than independent living facilities can offer. Early on, though, independent living facilities can make a huge difference in the lives of Alzheimer’s patients.
  • 4. Larger Units – Along with the boom in new construction that’s expected to happen in 2011, larger units are expected to flourish. Today’s seniors are demanding more comfortable accommodations, and space is a huge part of that. Although independent living facilities won’t be building sprawling suites for their seniors, they will most likely be adding several square feet to each unit in order to provide more accommodating living spaces for their seniors. Existing facilities, of course, will maintain the same-sized units as they have in the past. With a greater selection to choose from, though, seniors should promote the trend towards larger units over the long haul.
  • 5. Continuing Education – Traditionally, independent living facilities offered group activities like bingo for their residents. In 2011, such activities will continue to be popular; however, the increasing demand for more compelling options should add to the popularity of integrating continuing education classes into independent living facilities. Some facilities will bring in instructors who will offer classes on-site; others will arrange to have groups of seniors transported to nearby community colleges and other schools to participate in educational opportunities. Since mounting evidence suggests that ongoing education reduces the likelihood of dementia and Alzheimer’s, this is a very positive trend indeed.
  • 6. Community Integration – Independent living facilities are mini-communities in themselves. In 2011, though, the trend towards integrating those insular communities with the surrounding community is sure to increase. Community integration is a great way for seniors to remain active in the world around them. Furthermore, it often incorporates volunteer activities that don’t increase the budgets of independent living facilities at all. In short, community integration is a win-win situation for seniors and independent living facilities. Over the next year, such programs are sure to become more popular than ever.
  • 7. A Homier Feel – Independent living facilities have been trending away from the clinical feel of hospitals for some time. This trend will intensify in 2011, as more and more seniors insist on comfortable, homelike settings. Higher end facilities will offer residents the ability to choose color schemes and other interior design perks. Individual units will be more customized than ever, allowing seniors to feel like they are still mostly on their own. This trend is positive because it bolsters the independence of seniors, allowing them to choose the way that their surroundings look.

    • Sources:

    http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos078.htm

    http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos102.htm

    http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos167.htm

    http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos078.htm

    http://www.healthcare.gov/

    http://www.anythingresearch.com/industry/Continuing-Care-Retirement-Communities.htm

    http://www.hoovers.com/industry/long-term-care-facilities/1382-1.html

    http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3830/is_8_48/ai_55685309/

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    by NSLPN Admin

    Independent Living Industry Outlook – 2010 Report

    January 1, 2010 in Independent Living by NSLPN Admin

    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. Read the rest of this entry →

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