Senior Care Careers Allow for Job Growth

Senior caregivers may begin working as a companion caregiver without having previous work experience as a paid caregiver.  Everyone had a first day on the job, including senior caregivers.  However, it is preferred that companion caregivers have some personal experience working as a caregiver before applying for a job.

The best way to obtain experience is to begin as a volunteer.  Many community programs need volunteers to assist with senior programs.  Find out if your local senior center needs volunteers and then reach out to the local nursing homes, churches or other non-profits, such as food banks which may deliver meals to seniors.

Volunteering to work with seniors demonstrates you are proactive about learning more about senior care.  This will allow you to also gain knowledge about senior programs in your area which you can share with a future employer. 

Assisting a friend or family member with senior care needs is another way to gain senior care experience before seeking a professional job. 

Caregiverlist offers a 10-hour online caregiver training course which allows anyone to learn basic caregiving skills.  The course was developed to meet the caregiver training required for licensed senior care agencies in states which have training requirements.

Once you have some experience volunteering in senior programs or assisting a family member or friend with senior care needs, you can apply for a job as a companion caregiver.

Professional senior care companies will provide training and orientation before you begin your first assignment.  You will be required to follow a senior care plan and usually specialty training courses are also provided throughout the year.  These custom training seminars can provide training on caring for seniors with memory loss or with another age-related disease.

Once you have worked as a professional senior caregiver, you can advance by becoming a Certified Nursing Aide, or C.N.A.  Each state requires specific training to become a nursing aide.  C.N.A. classes are offered by community colleges, universities, and some hospitals and nursing homes provide classes.

Review the Certified Nursing Aide school directory on Caregiverlist to learn about admission requirements.

Caregivers also may decide to become a caregiver supervisor or work in a senior care office position as a recruiter.  For caregivers who prefer hands-on care, they may continue their education to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N.) and a Registered Nurse (R.N.).

Apply for a senior care job near you to begin your caregiving career.