The Heart of Senior Living: Investing in People, Building Careers, and Strengthening the Workforce
The Future of Senior Living Starts With the People Who Serve It
Senior living has always been a people-centered industry.
Behind every meaningful resident experience is a dedicated team member who provides care, prepares meals, creates engaging programs, maintains safe environments, supports operations, and builds the relationships that make a community feel like home.
As the senior living industry continues to navigate workforce challenges, one thing remains clear: investing in people is essential to creating exceptional communities for older adults.
A recent Senior Housing News article highlighted the growing workforce pressures facing senior living operators nationwide, including challenges related to staffing shortages, changing immigration processes, and the increasing demand for compassionate professionals as more older adults seek senior living services.
For The Aspenwood Company, these conversations reinforce the importance of a proactive, people-first approach to workforce development—one that focuses on attracting talented individuals, creating meaningful career pathways, and ensuring every associate feels valued and supported.
According to Kimberly Varley, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at The Aspenwood Company, navigating today's workforce environment requires intentionality, innovation, and a commitment to doing what is right for both associates and residents.
"When you put dollars out there, it’s eye-opening," Kimberly shared with Senior Housing News, highlighting the increased investment required to ensure compliance, strengthen recruitment efforts, and support the teams who make exceptional senior living possible.
People Are at the Center of Everything We Do
At The Aspenwood Company, our philosophy has always been simple:
People come first—always.
That commitment applies not only to our residents and families but also to our associates.
Senior living is not just about providing services. It is about creating relationships. It is about knowing a resident's favorite song, understanding their life story, celebrating milestones, and creating moments that bring joy and connection.
The team members who make these moments possible are the foundation of our communities.
From caregivers and nurses to culinary professionals, life enrichment leaders, maintenance teams, housekeepers, sales professionals, and administrative associates, every role contributes to the resident experience.
That is why workforce strategy cannot simply focus on filling open positions. It must focus on building a culture where talented individuals want to grow, contribute, and build a career.
Addressing Senior Living Workforce Challenges Through Innovation
The senior living industry has experienced workforce challenges for years. Increasing demand, changing demographics, and evolving workforce expectations have required operators to rethink how they recruit, develop, and retain team members.
At Aspenwood, we believe the solution begins with being proactive.
Rather than relying solely on traditional recruitment methods, we are strengthening our internal talent pipeline through several strategic initiatives:
Expanding Recruitment Efforts
To better support our growing communities, Aspenwood has expanded its recruiting resources and invested in building stronger internal recruitment capabilities.
By strengthening our internal team, we are able to create more meaningful connections with candidates and better understand what individuals are seeking in their careers.
Building Partnerships With Future Professionals
The future of senior living depends on introducing new generations to the opportunities available within the industry.
Aspenwood continues to expand relationships with:
Trade schools
Universities
Educational programs
Workforce development organizations
Local community partners
By connecting with students and emerging professionals, we can showcase senior living as a rewarding career path where hospitality, healthcare, leadership, and purpose come together.
Creating Stronger Career Pathways
Recruitment is only the beginning.
Retention happens when employees feel supported, appreciated, and empowered to grow.
At Aspenwood, we focus on:
Professional development opportunities
Leadership training
When associates see a future within an organization, they are more likely to build lasting careers.
The Hospitality Heart Behind Exceptional Senior Living
Kimberly Varley brings a unique perspective to workforce leadership at Aspenwood.
A graduate of the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hospitality at the University of Houston, Kimberly spent a decade working in luxury resorts and hotels before discovering her passion for senior living.
That hospitality background has shaped her leadership philosophy:
Exceptional service begins with empathy, authenticity, and connection.
Senior living shares many similarities with luxury hospitality—but with an even deeper purpose. Every interaction has the opportunity to impact someone's day, confidence, and quality of life.
Kimberly understands that creating a strong workplace culture directly impacts the resident experience.
When associates feel respected, supported, and connected to the mission, they are better equipped to provide meaningful experiences for residents.
Compliance, Support, and Protecting Our Workforce
As workforce regulations continue to evolve, senior living operators must remain diligent in supporting compliance requirements while ensuring associates have the resources they need.
Aspenwood partners with trusted human resources experts to help navigate complex employment requirements and maintain best practices across our communities.
This commitment requires investment, attention to detail, and ongoing education.
But ultimately, it reflects something larger:
A commitment to protecting our associates, our residents, and the trust families place in us.
Strengthening the Domestic Workforce Pipeline
While workforce challenges are impacting senior living across the country, Aspenwood is focused on expanding opportunities within the communities we serve.
By creating stronger connections with local schools, career programs, and workforce organizations, we are helping introduce more people to the rewarding opportunities available in senior living.
A career in senior living offers:
Purpose-driven work
Opportunities for advancement
The ability to make a daily difference
Meaningful relationships
A chance to serve others
For many individuals, senior living becomes more than a job—it becomes a calling.
Why Employee Experience Matters in Senior Living
The relationship between employee experience and resident experience is undeniable.
Communities with engaged, supported associates create stronger connections with residents and families.
At Aspenwood, we measure success not only through operational results but through the culture we create.
Our commitment to associates includes:
Listening to their feedback
Recognizing their contributions
Supporting professional growth
Creating opportunities to lead
Celebrating the important work they do every day
Because when our associates thrive, our residents thrive.
The Future of Senior Living Is Built by People
Technology, innovation, and operational excellence all play important roles in the future of senior living.
But at the center of everything will always be people.
The caregivers who provide comfort.
The associates who create connection.
The leaders who inspire teams.
The professionals who choose senior living because they want their work to matter.
At The Aspenwood Company, we are committed to building a workforce that reflects our mission:
Helping residents Live Life Well® through exceptional service, compassionate care, and meaningful connections.
The future of senior living depends on attracting, developing, and celebrating the people who make our communities extraordinary.
And that future begins with investing in our greatest asset—our people.
Written by – Christina O’Leary