Program in Assisted Living/Senior Housing Administration
Fact Sheet

Why Assisted Living/Senior Housing?

Assisted Living/Senior Housing is America's largest growth industry designed to address the housing needs of seniors who can no longer live at home, but do not require or desire a nursing home level of care. In response to this need, the Assisted Living/Senior Housing industry has more than doubled in size in just the past 10 years, to more than 38,000 communities housing more than 1 million seniors nationwide. This growth is in advance of the "Seniors Boom", which is predicted to offer many of the most rapidly growing career opportunities as the Baby Boom generation ages. According to the Year 2000 census, more than 80 million Americans are represented by this generation - nearly 1/3 the current U.S. population. The long-term growth of the Assisted Living/Senior Housing industry is anticipated to follow that of this population over the next 20 to 30 years. Anyone interested in a developing a career in healthcare, hospitality, administration, marketing, senior or social services should consider the opportunities represented by Assisted Living/Senior Housing. The Assisted Living/Senior Housing Program at George Mason University is the first of its kind in the United States - offering a one-of-a-kind career opportunity experience.

What is Assisted Living/Senior Housing?

Assisted Living/Senior Housing provides "residential-style" living for older adults that can include many hospitality features, such as fine dining, activities, housekeeping, laundry, transportation and 24-hour security. For seniors requiring additional assistance, healthcare services - such as medication management, bathing, dressing, and other physical care - can also be received. The provision of both forms of service allows individuals to "age in place" in an environment that offers choice, dignity, and autonomy. Some Assisted Living/Senior Housing communities also offer programs for persons with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, provided in specially designed environments.

Who is in the Assisted Living/Senior Housing Business?

Approximately 80% of all senior housing facilities are owned or operated by private or publicly held companies. Sunrise Senior Living, Alterra Healthcare, and Emeritus Assisted Living are among the industry's largest current providers - each with more than 150 communities nationally and abroad. The remaining 20% of the industry is represented by not-for-profit, primarily religious, organizations. Sunrise Senior Living is corporately based within the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, along with the industry's three leading associations - the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AASHA), and the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL). Many other assisted living providers and consumer organizations are located in the area as well, providing a valuable resource and opportunities for the University and students of the program in Assisted Living/Senior Housing Administration.

What Kind of Jobs are available in Assisted Living/Senior Housing?

Opportunities exist for Community Administrators, Nursing, Marketing, Activity, and Support Services Directors in nearly any geographic location in the United States. Corporate level operations and clinical staff are also needed, as well as policy and industry representatives. Many positions offer opportunity for regional, national, and even international advancement. The Assisted Living/Senior Housing Program is designed to provide the leadership and technical skills necessary for success in these positions. To assist in this process, students within the program may complete internships within a Sunrise or other area assisted living/senior housing provider, association, or consumer organization. In addition, Graduate students meeting certain eligibility requirements can apply for acceptance into the Sunrise Executive Director in Training Program at locations throughout the United States.