Friday, June 10, 2016

Leverage Your Caretaking Experience

Recently, my mom moved to the area and is living in an Independence Living Community with Home Health support coming in regularly. As a mother, wife, employee, entrepreneur and endurance athlete among other things, I needed support to make sure that my mom is well taken care of. My role as lead caretaker has taught me many things. The biggest being - It takes a village to care for someone.

There are several job titles that are hot in demand right now based on the number of seniors that need care and living in senior communities. The first two require no special training and with prior experience even if it is personal experience you can be hired rather quickly.

Personal Care Aides - help clients with self-care and everyday tasks. They also provide social supports and assistance that enable clients to participate in their communities. Of all the positions this one seems less labor intensive.

Salary $9. 50 - 10/hr Expected Growth 26%

Home Health Aides - help people with disabilities, chronic illness, or cognitive impairment with activities of daily living. They often help older adults who need assistance. In some states, home health aides may be able to give a client medication or check the client’s vital signs under the direction of a nurse or other healthcare practitioner.

Salary $10.50/hr Expected Growth 38%

Medical Assistants - complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Their duties vary with the location, specialty, and size of the practice. Most Employers required a state license and studies at an accredited program. Also known if certified as CNAs.

Salary - $14/hr Expected Growth 24%

If you are seeking a new career or perhaps you have been at home for a long period of time busy nurturing and caring for someone, this career may have strong potential for you. Even if you are starting out in your 40's or 50's and plan to work for a while there is longevity in this field and clearly defined career paths.

*graph taken from CareerOneStop - Career Latticing Program

Two of my top work values is Altruism (work that make the world a better place) and Helping Others. What are your work values? If you are like me, these work values drives me to work even when it is raining, difficult work culture or a challenging boss. I still want to go and help others. If your work values are similar, you might want to consider exploring these career options.

If Home Health Aides or the likes are not your cup of tea, check out NC Works for ideas or high demands jobs based on NC labor data at http://nccareers.org/starjobs/star_jobs.html.