Need for Home Care Providers Continues to Grow

The personal and home care job category will be the second fastest-growing job group in the nation over the next few years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects an estimated 1.15 million jobs in the field by 2016.

The good news is that this means plenty of career opportunities. The challenge is finding enough workers to fill these positions.

“Those of us in the senior care industry know how rewarding it is. And it’s exciting that it’s growing so fast,” says Maria Lavin, co-owner of the Home Instead Senior Care® office serving central Suffolk County. “But rapid growth means that we’re always looking for caring and hardworking people to help us fill the demand for CAREGiversSM.”

Home Instead CAREGivers help seniors live independently and safely in their own homes or in residential care facilities. The growing number of seniors who wish to age in place (about 86 percent, according to research) is fueling the demand for more professional care providers, particularly certified home health aides. This is amplified by the fact that up to 29 percent of Americans reportedly spend an average of 20 hours per week providing care for a chronically ill, disabled or aging loved one.

“Our CAREGivers help seniors along a continuum of care, ranging from non-medical needs, such as companionship and meal preparation, to personal care, such as bathing and dressing,” explains Lavin. “These are things that family members just can’t be there to do all the time – particularly when they are working and have other family obligations.”

From a worker’s point of view, the job requirements for being a home care provider are attractive. Hours are flexible for those taking care of their own families or looking for a second job, and educational requirements are minimal. For those who have received their certification as a Home Health Aide, home care offers an opportunity to put that certification to use in a meaningful, rewarding way – creating personal connections with clients.

“We have CAREGivers from every walk of life, and every age group,” says Lavin. “In fact, we’ve discovered that seniors themselves make great CAREGivers.”

All Home Instead CAREGivers have opportunities for career advancement through additional training and certification programs. Competitive wages and bonus programs are also available. Certified home health aides are encouraged to apply, though those with no prior training receive comprehensive education through the Home Instead training program, as well as information and connections to become a New York Certified Home Health Aide.

For more information about a career in CAREGiving, please visit www.homeinstead.com/home-care-jobs or call 631.257.5240.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE

Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, by Lori and Paul Hogan, the Home Instead Senior Care® network provides personalized care, support and education to help enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, this network is the world’s leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with more than 1,000 independently owned and operated franchises that are estimated to annually provide more than 50 million hours of care throughout the United States and 15 other countries. Local Home Instead Senior Care offices employ approximately 65,000 CAREGivers℠ worldwide who provide basic support services that enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. The Home Instead Senior Care network strives to partner with each client and his or her family members to help meet that individual’s needs. Services span the care continuum – from providing companionship and personal care to specialized Alzheimer’s care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources. At Home Instead Senior Care, it’s relationship before task, while striving to provide superior quality service.