There is Job Security - If You Enjoy Working With the Elderly
Story from KansasCity.com

Do you want almost slam-dunk-guaranteed job security over the next 10 years?

Take a look at job projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and demographic trends which show — no surprise here — that the big baby boom generation is getting old.

People who provide care for seniors, especially those who require extended care, will be needed in droves.

Look especially for growth in demand for in-home care providers.

Because the cost of nursing home or life-care facilities is comparatively high, many Americans are opting for in-home care, sometimes round-the-clock.

Nationally, that means the personal and home care aide category is expected to grow by more than 50 percent — from 767,000 in 2006 to 1.15 million in 2016.

In Missouri, projections are for a 28 percent growth in the demand for home care aides, from 21,000 jobs in 2006 to 26,920 in 2016. A separate projection calls for demand in Kansas to grow by 35 percent, from 11,400 jobs in 2004 to 15,340 by 2014.

One supplier of such workers, Home Instead Senior Care, says the demand for senior care givers will outplace supply. It expects to have to double its workforce in just three years to handle incoming business.

Now here’s an important note of caution for anyone thinking of jumping into the growing, nearly recession-proof occupation:

Caring for seniors is not for everyone.

To help find out if you have the interest, aptitude or attitude for the profession, you can take a career self-assessment test.

In-home caregivers may be trained nurses, nurse assistants, physical therapists, cooks, housekeepers, errand-runners and companions.

Doug Kisgen, owner of Home Instead, points out that in-home care giving can be a mid-life career change as well as a part-time job opportunity.

If you like old people, if you have some experience as a care giver, or if you have a giving personality, you might consider the field.