Elderly Care Jobs
5 Different Types of Elderly Care Jobs
If you are interested in working in an industry that requires compassion and dedication, you might want to consider working in elderly care. There are many different types of jobs in elderly care. Some jobs require little to no experience and offer comprehensive training programs, and other jobs require degrees. Review these five different types of elderly care jobs to find one for you.
- In-Home Caregiver: An in-home caregiver provides assistance and companionship to elderly individuals who need some help performing daily activities. A caregiver’s job description varies based on the elderly individual’s needs. Some common tasks include planning and preparing meals, light housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and other general needs. After receiving special training, caregivers can also assist with bathing, dressing, and grooming needs. To land a job as a caregiver, you will need to show tact, patience, and a cheerful disposition. If you are working for an agency, you will receive formal training.
- Hospice Aide: A job as a hospice aide will allow you to work in a facility with many residents. A hospice aide provides nursing care, assists residents with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, grooming, and eating. Job duties also typically include helping residents with walking or with moving out of their beds to wheelchairs. Hospice aides provide more health care than a caregiver. They can apply topical medications, change bandages, and monitor a resident’s vital signs. A good hospice aide possesses active listening skills and is service oriented. A qualified applicant will have experience working with the elderly or will have completed the Home Health Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program.
- Activities Specialist: If you would like to work with the elderly, but you’re not sure you could handle assisting residents with the more delicate daily living needs, you may consider a job as an activities specialist. An activities specialist works to provide stimulating activities for elderly care facility residents. The activities specialist develops, plans, and leads activities such as crafts, card games or even bingo nights. A person considering this job should be creative, energetic, and should ideally have experience working with the elderly.
- Certified Nursing Assistant: You can work as a certified nursing assistant at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and even in homes. A certified nursing assistant works under the supervision of a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse. A certified nursing assistant performs many of the same duties as a hospice aide, but the certification often earns the hospice aide a higher salary. An individual should consider a job as a certified nursing assistant if he or she has experience working with the elderly, and possesses patience, a cheerful disposition, and tact.
- Registered Nurse: If you are willing to complete several years of schooling for a high-paying job working with the elderly, you might consider working as a registered nurse. A registered nurse specializing in geriatric care possesses the knowledge and skills to care for elderly patients with needs such as wound care, IV therapy, Alzheimer’s, dialysis, and heart issues. A registered nurse makes daily rounds to evaluate each resident’s condition, and provides the proper care. To become a registered nurse, you must either obtain a nursing diploma or receive an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. A successful registered nurse is intelligent, able to work well under pressure, and patient.