Erin Blakely is a licensed nursing home administrator who lives in Ocala, Fla., and works as manager of a senior center. Blakely has a master's degree in social work from the University of Texas at Austin, and has a passion for long-term care and working with older adults. She grew up with an older father and had a close relationship with her grandmother, who suffered from Alzheimer's, which sparked her interest in the field. Blakely manages a blog, Nursing Home Talk, where she tackles a number of topics pertaining to aging, elder care and nursing home administration. Some topics the blog has discussed are "Growing Old Doesn't Necessarily Mean Frailty," "The Importance of a Primary Care Physician" and the role of empathy in health care professions. The blog has also touched on topics related to Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Why did you decide to pursue this career field?
Growing up in a household with a senior adult, I developed a fondness for older generations. There was a distinguishable age cohort gap between my father and I—he was 85 and I was 26 when he died. Despite this age difference, we shared a bond that has brought me closer to other older adults.

Because of my attachment to elderly people, it is inevitable that I would encounter more evident signs of aging and even death. My mother's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and suffered for 10 years until her death. Prior to her illness, she would have been considered my best friend, but most of all, my confidant. Not only was she my best friend, she was also a mentor, someone who always inspired me to do the best that I could. I would consider her to be the most giving person I have ever encountered. My grandmother was a humanitarian who loved to help people with their problems. Stubborn by nature, if she could not fix a problem through discussion she would find another way. Through her persistence, all who knew her blossomed from her love and affection. One example of this would be how she would nurse friends and family members back to health. She also experienced numerous tragedies as a result of trying to help people, but she always maintained a positive attitude. In essence, she makes me want to be a better person.

My grandmother made me realize how much of a difference one person can make to society. If my grandmother was able to make the lives of others close to her more fruitful, there is no telling the depth in which I could assist people in life, especially in my chosen occupation. Visiting her in a nursing home and wanting better for her, I became passionate about long-term care.

What type of preparation did you do to get into this field?
Years of volunteering, paid work and internships (undergraduate and graduate) including a 1,000-hour, full-time internship without compensation.

What types of classes and projects did you have to do?
A master's degree in social work educated me on discrimination, social justice, mental health issues and other related psychosocial classes. My long-term administration classes helped me gain more business and health care knowledge. Both programs were essential in different ways. The social work program helped me gain better rapport and understanding of people. The long-term administration classes were directly useful to running a facility.

How did your education help you in your career?
Yes, education was helpful, but also required for Florida nursing home administrators.

What was your career path like in this field? 
Yes, you rarely start at the top in this field (or most fields). I have worked as an office manager for a home health agency, waited tables at an assisted living facility in grad school, have done case management for a hospital, etc. Right now I am managing a senior center. Working your way up helps you become a better leader—at least in my perspective.

What types of skills is someone required to have to work in your position?
My current position does not require a license, but as a nursing home administrator, I had to meet the requirements in the state in which I planned to practice. It took me almost a year to fulfill all of their requirements in addition to my graduate school work.

What do you do on a typical workday?
Every day is full of new and exciting challenges from managing staff, creating new programs, attending meetings, working with seniors—there is always something to look forward to. I am truly fortunate!

What type of person do you think is best suited for a job in your field?
No specific person, except for being someone who likes working with older adults.

Do you have any advice for those who are looking to launch a career in your field?
Don't lose your drive—discrimination based on experience, age, education and other factors can be listed as barriers, but don't let it stop you. Do your research, know what you want and then go for it. No regrets.