nursing assistant

licensed practical nurse

server

housekeeper

cook

Senior Lifestyle

I accepted this position because I was genuinely excited about the opportunity to independently run activities and make a positive impact on residents’ lives. During the interview process, I was told the department was running well and had a full calendar of activities already planned for the upcoming month. Unfortunately, that was not my experience.

After starting, I quickly discovered that very little had actually been prepared. I was expected to begin leading activities almost immediately, before even completing my required new-hire Relias training. At the same time, I was responsible for planning daily programming for residents while also creating the entire following month’s activity calendar because little to nothing had been organized before my arrival. It created an unnecessarily stressful start and left me feeling that the reality of the position was very different from what had been presented during the hiring process.

Throughout my employment, I often felt that my work was scrutinized more than it was supported. Expectations frequently changed, and despite consistently working hard to meet the needs of residents, I was often left feeling that my efforts were never enough. At one point, I was expected to complete six activities each day while also attending management meetings, completing one-on-one resident visits and documentation, planning future calendars and events, and managing the many administrative responsibilities that come with leading an Activities Department. At the same time, department hours were regularly reduced during the week, because I was expected to work one evening each week. The workload and staffing expectations often felt unrealistic.

One of my biggest frustrations was the inconsistency in accountability. I received coaching on communication and was expected to provide updates throughout the day. However, there were instances where activities were scheduled with fellow managers on days they already knew they would not be working, and those changes were not communicated to me in advance, leaving me to make last-minute adjustments. I did not see those situations addressed with the same level of concern. Experiences like this left me feeling that expectations were not applied consistently across the management team.

I also found that some workplace expectations seemed to be enforced inconsistently. For example, managers were discouraged from taking lunch together unless it involved the Executive Director. Policies and expectations appeared to vary depending on the situation, which contributed to an environment that often felt discouraging rather than collaborative.

The residents and many of my coworkers were the best part of this job. I truly enjoyed creating meaningful programs, building relationships, and making a difference in their daily lives. I am proud of the work I accomplished despite the challenges.

This position has the potential to be incredibly rewarding, but I believe stronger leadership support, honest communication during the hiring process, consistent accountability, and greater trust in department leaders would create a much healthier work environment for both employees and residents. Sadly, I don’t see this happening anytime in the near future. 

A typical day at work starts with a brief meeting of department heads for the purpose of updating our team on any resident issues.  Such issues may include changes in behavior, changes in medical condition, how the evening went, what residents particularly enjoyed or didn't enjoy, etc.  My daily report is to update our team on any new move ins scheduled, times and information on incoming tours, concerns or praises families have shared the prior day and I always end it with having someone tell about something that they did that positively made a difference for one of our residents or their family members.
Additionally, I monitor incoming inquiries, next step follow ups that are due, meet briefly with my sales coordinator to review appropriate tour paths for incoming tours. I also prioritize tasks that need to be fulfilled for the day, week, month and follow up to make sure we are on the appropriate track to accomplish our goals.
Weekly, I develop a travel plan that myself and my associate carry out for our outside referral partners as well as identify our hot leads and next steps to conversion for permanent move ins.
I use my talent for relationship building with our team as well as with our referral partners and friends and family members to keep them abreast of latest goings on at Bayshore; this is all aimed at increasing the number of referrals from each of these sources and then analyzing and strategizing ways to increase conversion rates from an inquiry to a community visit to a move in. I have learned to be a great listener and to understand what is most important to my inquiring families as they make this very difficult decision to place their loved one into an assisted living, memory care community.
The hardest part of my job is making sure that each one of our team members feel appreciated for what they do and understand how their individual contributions make huge differences.
The most enjoyable part of my day is meeting with families and giving them a tour of our community; showing them why Bayshore is the absolute best choice for their loved one.  I also love spending time with our residents who are so much more than their disease -- getting to know the people they were in the past as well as finding ways for them to have purpose daily.

I wash Dishes. Typical dishwashing job, just not restaurant type dishes. You clean ovens, steamer, and the hood vents. Depends on how clean the cooks work. Some cooks throw stacks of pots and pans at you all day. They are to lazy to walk a few feet to give you pans. Seems like they dirty everything on purpose because a dishwasher is there to clean up after them. I learn knew things every day. I do Utility work for them also, so I learn new things. The Top Manager is a great lady. She is leaving to a new facility. Four other people left that knew everything about the kitchen. New people there know nothing about how things are done, so very hectic. They don't help you much. Leave messes at night. I work with young people that cannot handle any criticism at all, so some do not talk to me much. Hardest part is dealing with turnover, and working with people that have no experience, or they are lazy, cooks included. Most enjoyable part is the people that live there. I love all their animals. The top boss is an awesome lady. Her leaving has me stressed and I don't know if I want to stay anymore. The new people are changing the environment, and it is no longer fun. I work a lot because people call in a lot, and I am the only one that will cover for all dishwashers. I just made it past my second year, and no raise in almost two months. I am one of their best employees too. I am thinking I might cost too much now, and I am thinking about getting out of the Kitchen scene. I have over 10 yrs experience in, Assisted living, Hospital, Restaurant, and Catering. I have not missed one day of work in 5 years, and never use vacation. I clean up after everybody all the time, plus deep clean kitchen. I worked this Thanksgiving and everyone, even the dishwasher for that day left me to finish the night by myself. It was rude as heck. My trust for them is all gone. I have animals at home, one is very sick. I needed to get out of there soon so they could get medication and food. Instead, nobody cared. I had to almost force the Dishwasher to stay. Nope! I had to drive 35 miles one way that night and back. Nobody cared accept a prep cook and his wife. I told them my situation and they stayed for me. They really helped me out. I was not happy on Thanksgiving 2023. I am going to casually seek new employment. Maybe when they run out of good Dishwashers, they may wise up. I am getting out of Kitchen work. I give my all compared to most. Not worth the trouble anymore.

In my role as a VPO at Senior Lifestyle, each day is dynamic and highly strategic. A typical day includes supporting Regional Directors and Executive Directors, reviewing operational and financial performance, coaching leadership teams, addressing resident and family concerns, and ensuring compliance and quality standards are met. There is a strong focus on occupancy growth, expense management, and maintaining high resident satisfaction. Travel between communities and regular communication with corporate partners are also key components of the role.

In this position, I’ve learned the importance of balancing operational excellence with compassionate leadership. I’ve strengthened my skills in financial analysis, crisis management, team development, and change leadership. The role has deepened my understanding of regulatory requirements and reinforced how critical culture and accountability are to sustained performance.
The workplace culture is mission-driven and centered around serving seniors with dignity and respect. Collaboration is encouraged, and high-performing teams are recognized. The culture can be fast-paced and performance-oriented, especially in challenging markets, but there is a shared commitment to improving resident outcomes and supporting community teams.

The hardest part of the job is balancing multiple priorities across several communities while navigating staffing challenges, regulatory pressures, and financial targets. Making difficult decisions that impact people while maintaining morale and stability can be demanding.

The most enjoyable part of the job is developing leaders and seeing communities thrive. Watching occupancy grow, team engagement improve, and residents experience meaningful, enriched lives makes the work deeply rewarding.


As a Community Relations Director, my day is dynamic and rewarding. I spend my time building relationships with prospective residents and their families, guiding them through the decision-making process, and ensuring a smooth transition into our community. My role involves giving tours, coordinating move-ins, and working closely with the care team to ensure each resident's needs are met. No two days are the same, and I enjoy the variety and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents.

What I enjoy most about my work is connecting with people. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help families find the right living solution and provide peace of mind. I also love collaborating with my team—each person brings unique strengths, and together, we create a warm and welcoming environment for both residents and staff.

The management and culture foster a supportive and team-oriented atmosphere. Leadership encourages open communication, professional development, and innovation. There is a strong focus on working together across departments, which creates a positive environment where everyone feels valued and heard. I appreciate the trust placed in me to take initiative while knowing that support is always available when needed.

Overall, my role allows me to blend my passion for helping others with the opportunity to grow professionally in a collaborative and caring environment.

There was a lot of demand put on the Nursing department. This department was key to the central community sufficiency and functions of the entire building itself. But it was the least respected department in the building. The work-load and the commitment to care for the residences  was our dedication in all efforts applied. We worked as Nurses but was only payed a nominal amount of money for payment of income of our dedicated services. We constructively did everything in care of the residences with the exception of giving insulin shots whereas I am skilled in that area . I took on the role as a dynamic multilateral and multi-tasking Nurse meeting the demands of responsibility sufficient in adequate degree of service. Although there was a desire for progressive achievement some employees felt that I was a viable threat and worked tirelessly to sabotage and erase the competition and would not assist in progressive teaching. Although I wasn't there to compete for a position, My goal, my dedication was to be a viable resource as a team player and team official with the sole purpose of meeting the efforts and integral strategies that this company was suppose to represent; not to be lead by a Boss but a Team leader. I found that being an intricate investment within myself I became more of a target deprecated in the form of harassment in divers forms and elements of exposure

What is the best part of working at the company?
Over the past three years I have been entrusted with running an SLC community. Over the course of my 14 year career in Senior Living, I can honestly say that I have never encountered a company with such a supportive culture that truly leads with H.E.A.R.T. from the top down. I have been fortunate enough to have worked with three different Regional Directors and they have all fostered an environment of trust and appreciation. I have been supported at every step on this journey and truly feel rewarded for my endeavors. This is truly a Great Place to Work and I would not hesitate in recommending SLC to anyone who is considering joining this great company. The truth is that no matter where you work, certaing things are going to remain consistent, yes, the bottom line is always the final score, but the methods we use to achieve those goals are what builds reputation and long term success, and what sets one company aside from the rest.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
This company fosters a high-growth environment, in my role I am constantly trying to find ways of being better than I was yesterday.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
SLC offers a generally positive, family-like atmosphere.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Fun, engaging, busy, stressful, yet rewarding.

Working for Senior Lifestyle at The Club at Briarcliff Manor has been a rewarding and meaningful experience. A typical day is fast-paced and centered around supporting residents, families, and staff while ensuring the community operates smoothly and maintains a safe, welcoming environment. Every day has opportunities to problem solve, build relationships, and make a positive impact on residents’ lives.
Throughout my experience, I learned the importance of compassionate leadership, communication, teamwork, and balancing operational responsibilities with resident-centered care. Management is supportive, approachable, and focused on creating a positive environment for both residents and employees. The workplace culture is team-oriented, caring, and built around respect, professionalism, and compassion. Staff members genuinely care about the residents and work hard to provide quality care and meaningful engagement.
The hardest part of the job can be supporting families and residents through difficult transitions and emotional moments, but it is also what makes the work so meaningful. The most enjoyable part of the role is building relationships with residents and families, seeing residents happy and engaged, and working alongside a dedicated team that truly cares about making a difference every day.

We have great staff longevity here at SLC, and I believe it's because the company tries very hard to live up to it's core values of HEART -
> Hospitality - people who choose to work here are generally already trained and in the culture of superior hospitality; many come from a service field, be it hotels, restaurants or hospitals/rehabs, etc. Because it's in our nature, it makes the company a great place to work
> Excellence - Honestly I don't think we're there with Excellence but I can say that we try hard every day, we work collaboratively to improve all that we're doing.
> Appreciation - This company tries hard to show appreciation for it's employees.  It's not always shown in pay, but in every other way, they reward employees for jobs well done.
> Respect - I've always seen and felt respect given to all employees.  Everyone gets professional respect, but if they don't demonstrate it back, we do abide by a philosophy of coaching to improve.
> Teamwork - I'd say that teamwork is a priority most of the time; there are always examples of a not-my-job syndrome, but the great majority of the time, we all pitch in to help one another.

Poor pay for the job that you will be doing, you will be expected to work at any time of the day or night as needed, and be given work to do at the last minute with the expectation of flawless execution.  Management tells outright lies to prospective residents to entice them to move in, and residents and other staff will blame you when things are not as described.  Moves are expected to be done in 1-3 days regularly but you will be told this is "rare" and that it's an "emergency", when in reality sales are pushing faster move-ins to meet quarterly goals.  Numbers are all that matter to this company and your health will suffer because of it.

This job is depressing and unrewarding, with no opportunity for growth.  The job will also eventually be eliminated, do not take this position expecting to stay long term.  Benefits are terrible, you will be blamed for mistakes that happen even if you had no control over them.  Management is atrocious and corporate team even worse.  They tell you they are a good place to be because it is private pay, but unsatisfied investors is all you will hear about.

The silver lining of this job is feeling like you are doing good by helping residents transition during a tough time in their life.  But sales brings in residents that need higher care than the facility offers, so you don't really feel like you are helping these people...

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Nursing assistant 110 salaries reported	$20.19 per hour
Licensed practical nurse 99 salaries reported	$34.15 per hour
Server 76 salaries reported	$16.07 per hour
Housekeeper 71 salaries reported	$16.94 per hour
Cook 54 salaries reported	$19.77 per hour

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