People who have firsthand experience with senior living are more likely to consider careers in the industry, according to the results of a new survey.

Argentum polled 801 self-selecting adults aged 18 to 64 years from across the United States. One-third of those who had firsthand experience with senior living said they would consider a career in the industry, compared with 13% of those without such experience.

Other highlights:

  • Fair pay and benefits are important factors in job selection, all survey respondents said.
  • Baby boomers are significantly more likely than members of younger generations to emphasize fair pay, benefits, feelings of personal accomplishment, being recognized as individuals, chances to use skills and pride in the company for which they work. Millennials value career advancement opportunities, whereas members of Generation X value flexibility.
  • 54% of participants said they view interacting with residents as a benefit of working in senior living, and 24% identified helping people in need as a benefit.
  • On the other hand, 40% of respondents said that they perceive interacting with residents as a challenge, 11% said that dealing with death is a challenge, and 10% cited emotional strain as a challenge.

Argentum released the study findings this week at its Workforce Development Symposium in Washington, D.C. The research, conducted for the association by national polling firm ORC International, was sponsored by OnShift.

Argentum members can access the full report at no charge, and it is available to nonmembers for $29.