Caregiver job opportunities on the rise

“Employment of home health and personal care aides is projected to grow 25 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations,” according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor. Compared to the average rate of growth for other jobs, which is just 4%, caregiving is experiencing enormous growth, with opportunities at all levels of experience. 

Why is the field of caregiving growing?

Simply put, the need for caregivers is growing because our population is getting older. This is happening for a few reasons, including the aging of the Baby Boomer generation and the fact that people live longer these days, needing care for longer. In fact, by 2030, all Baby Boomers will be aged 65 and older, according to the 2020 US Census. 

As this generation gets older and sees an increase in care needs, decisions about when and where they receive care are getting made. Most people prefer to age in place, receiving care in their own homes for as long as possible, creating a high demand for professional, in-home care, with both non-medical and medical specialties.

What do you need to get started as a caregiver?

Caregiving can be a very welcoming career to people from all walks of life. Many caregivers get started in the field because they have personal caregiving experience. Often they have cared for someone in their own family or have worked in related fields, such as childcare.  

The number one requirement for joining the growing field of caregiving is the desire to help people. Having empathy for others and being observant of their health and emotional wellbeing, showing patience and flexibility during times when a client is upset, frustrated, or in pain, and truly enjoying the feeling of helping people is the foundation of a strong career. 

Other attributes that make a successful caregiver include excellent multitasking, strong communication skills, the ability to keep the environment tidy and organized, and being warm and friendly. Many caregivers choose to build on these qualities by seeking out training and online certifications, adding to their knowledge and ability to care for clients with diverse care needs. Caregivers on the Herewith platform are eligible to take free online courses through CareAcademy, to boost their hireability and pay rate. 

How can caregivers expand their careers?

For experienced caregivers ready to make the next move in their careers, there are many choices within the field of senior care and beyond. 

From taking courses to gain specialized knowledge in subjects like memory care or mobility support, to pursuing a certification or license to expand personal caregiving to include medical duties, here are a few of the career paths open to caregivers:

• Home health aides (HHAs): often work with other home healthcare professionals, such as therapists, nurses, and hospice care to monitor health conditions and provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).

• Certified nursing assistants (CNAs): are trained to provide health care services, such as taking clients’ vitals or administering medication, maintaining and using medical equipment, updating medical records.

• Licensed practical nurses (LPN): tend to their patients’ comfort, carry out treatment plans, assist with basic medical needs, and monitor clients’ health.

• Registered nurses (RNs): help assess health needs and create treatment plans, perform care tasks, and provide support for clients and their loved ones. Some RNs also supervise LPNs, HHAs, and assistants. 

Whether you wish to work in hospitals, care facilities, in-home, or in other organizational settings, these careers offer the opportunity to grow and expand your responsibilities, hireability, and potential earnings.

Learn more about caregiving with our complete guide to becoming a caregiver or start your job search today.