Senior Caregiving Jobs

In just the last ten years, an entire industry has developed to offer professionally managed in-home care services for seniors.  More than ten franchise companies, along with thousands of independently owned agencies now provide these services nationwide.  Senior Home Care Agencies provide a career in the senior services industry which deliver satisfaction beyond a paycheck.  By assisting seniors to remain independent in their own home, you are able to go home at the end of the day knowing you have made a positive difference in a senior’s life.  You gain many new friends along with a paycheck.

Senior Home Care Agencies offer a variety of postions, including Human Resource Managers, Schedulers, Field Supervisors, Caregivers and weekend and evening On-call Supervisors.  The main skills required are a caring personality and dependability.  Duties typically include managing household tasks, meal preparation, assistance with bathing and personal care, laundry, monitoring medications and coaching physical exercises.  Seniors with memory loss need guidance in managing their daily schedules and social interaction.

Here are some answers to common questions about working as a senior Caregiver:

What services do Senior Home Care Agencies offer?

Companionship, Meal Preparation, Light Housekeeping, Errands, Assistance with scheduling appointments, Assistance with personal care such as bathing and dressing  

What job positions are available?

Part-time and Full-time Caregiving, as well as Live-in which means you are spending a few days at a time with the senior and sleeping overnight.  Office positions include a Scheduler to staff the client shifts, a Recruiter to interview and hire Caregivers, and Field Supervisors to introduce and train Caregivers.

What is the pay rate?

Pay rates vary depending on what part of the country a person lives in and will range from $8.00 to $12.00 per hour for hourly care and from $90.00 to $130.00 per day for live-in care.

What are the benefits?

Each agency will offer their own benefits which may include annual bonuses and pay increases based on performance. In addition, many agencies provide monthly awards for perfect attendance or going the extra mile for a client. 

Agencies also will usually work with employees to offer flexible schedules.

Items you should bring to an interview for a caregiving position include:

• References: Both Professional and Personal
• Professional Certifications: copies of your nursing aide or health aide certificate
• Former Employer Addresses
• Education Record: Names of schools and graduation dates
• Immunization Record
• Identification for Employment in USA: Driver's License, Birth Certificate or Passport
• Background Check:  bring copy of any background checks you have purchased
• Schedule of Availability

You may also want to visit a nursing home or senior center to talk to other caregivers about their experiences and learn more about volunteer opportunities which may enhance your application for a paid caregiving position.