Aging Washingtonians Create Demand for Homecare Professionals

As America’s aging population continues to grow, the need for caregivers has become increasingly apparent. That’s why Home Instead Senior Care®, the leading global provider of home care services for seniors, has announced that its Everett franchise anticipates hiring nearly 75 CAREGiversSM in 2015 across Snohomish County.

Consider this – by 2050, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to be 88.5 million, more than doubling the 2010 population. More than 65 million people, 29 percent of the U.S. population, provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year and spend an average of 20 hours per week providing care for their loved one. As the baby boomer generation starts to enter elder hood, many more individuals will soon be faced with this responsibility.

Not surprisingly, the demand for caregiving services is outweighing the availability of professional caregivers.

“We’re looking for compassionate and caring individuals who enjoy helping others,” said Caroline CeCe Etienne, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office in Everett. “These people improve the lives of families in our communities which can be very satisfying. For recent graduates, job hunters or employed individuals looking to make a change, a career working with seniors can be a very rewarding experience.”

Etienne added that becoming a caregiver is a great option for individuals looking for a job with a flexible schedule and no medical skills or training required. Not only do caregivers maintain a healthy work-life balance, they also often develop a personal connection with their clients and become a part of the families they support.

While training is not a requirement to be hired, once through the door individuals receive all that they need through the Home Instead® CAREGiverSM training program. They will learn all the skills necessary to enhance the quality of life of seniors by providing support that allows them to remain in their homes.

“I find being a caregiver very rewarding – meeting seniors from different background and hearing their stories,” says Pearl McCarty, a CAREGiver serving Snohomish County since 2003. “I give a client the best quality of life I possibly can, and I’ve had the privilege to assist several clients and help them to remain in their homes – a home that they may have worked for most of their lives. Home Instead gives me the opportunity to keep clients in their homes instead of facilities.”

For more information on Home Instead®, please visit http://www.homeinstead.com/125/becomeacaregiver/caregivingcareers/Pages/CAREGiverQualifications.aspx or call 425-263-9430.