Top 4 Career Opportunities for Caregiving
Written by:
Jeffrey Grossman
Published:
January 14, 2021
If you care about the elderly, you might be wondering about the types of jobs available in aged care. At-home healthcare careers may be interesting to you, but how reliable are jobs in the aged care industry?
The number of Americans 65 and older is expected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060. Because America's senior demographic is going to increase, the need for elderly support will also increase. As a result, in-home care positions are projected to grow by 34% from 2019 to 2029. Do you want to learn more about the types of jobs in aged care? Here are four types of jobs in aged care positions you should consider.
4 Types of Jobs in Aged Care
1. Nurse Aide
Nurse aides are also known as nursing assistants. You'll need to get some certifications before you can find employment as a nurse aide. Requirements are different for each state, so you'll want to check yours to ensure you're doing the right things to become a nurse’s aide.You’ll need to complete a state-approved education program to receive training. Private employers and hospitals offer nurses aide training as well. Either way, you'll spend 2-weeks in class and 1-month gaining clinical experience.Afterward, you can search for jobs as a nursing assistant where you’ll provide direct personal care to the elderly. As the name suggests, you'll also support registered nurses (RNs) in their roles.
2. Caregiver
Caregiving is an entry-level position, so it’s a great place to start if you'd like to begin a career in in-home care. Caregivers take care of the elderly and assist them with day-to-day tasks, such as dressing, bathing, and other personal care services. In addition, professional caregivers help with basic household tasks to make life easier for seniors. Some caregiver qualifications include:
Being 21 years of age or older
Possessing a high school diploma or GED
A compassionate heart
Punctuality
A drive to meet and exceed clients’ expectations
Home care companies will typically require that you have prior experience, especially with elderly adults who have cognitive decline or physical limitations. Other companies may also prefer that you have experience caring for seniors in a home setting.However, Commonwise Home Care offers caregiver training for those with no experience, as long as you’re eager and passionate about the job! Our rigorous, evidence-based recruitment process means that we have a Care Team composed of high-caliber caregivers.
3. Personal Care Aid
"PCA" stands for "personal care aid." To become a PCA, you won't need any degrees. However, many employers do want to see a high school diploma or GED.Before becoming a PCA, you'll need proper training. Your training will most likely take place under the supervision of either one or more experienced caregivers or RNs.You can even voluntarily earn certifications from the National Association for Home Care and Hospice. Certifications improve your resume and help you stand out from other applicants who want to become PCAs at a certain place of employment.
4. Certified Nursing Assistant
As a certified nursing assistant (CNA), you can expect a higher salary than the other three positions mentioned earlier. To become a CNA, you must receive an official certification that requires specific education and training.However, with your CNA qualifications, you’ll have better caregiving career opportunities available. A CNA position involves helping seniors with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) assistance. You also need to have a good grasp of the emotional and psychological challenges that elderly clients are experiencing and accommodate those needs.In addition, you'll have to perform basic medical care, such as taking your clients' vitals, helping them operate medical equipment, and provide medication reminders.
How to Get a Job in Aged Care
Now that you have a list of the four types of jobs in aged care worth considering, which one appeals most to you? Do you possess the right qualities to be a caregiver for elderly adults?By looking at the best places to recruit caregivers, like Commonwise Home Care, you can find some great jobs in the aged care industry. Choosing the right home care company to work for is essential if you want a fulfilling career. At Commonwise, we’re committed to industry-leading wages. We respect caregiving as a calling, so we recruit the best of the best. We also offer in-house training and opportunities to increase your salary.
Are you ready to get started? Find the best career opportunities for caregiving by browsing our current job openings. Stop searching for "home care staffing agency near me” and fill out a caregiver job application form today. Read more about our at home care services or call our Care Team today at 434.202.8565.