Who Will Care for Mom?
Statistics Show Demand for Senior Caregivers May Outpace Supply in California
February 4, 2009
Walnut Creek, Calif. - In-home care giving is one of the hottest job markets, according to the latest numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is predicted to be the second fastest-growing field over the next decade. It's also one of the top five recession-proof industries, according to Careerbuilder.com, and that's welcome news as many search for a new line of work or additional income in today"s economy.
But research shows the demands of an aging population could outpace caregiver supply in a big way, leaving seniors scrambling for help.
"This could become a national crisis issue," said Martie Cruz, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office in Walnut Creek, whose caregivers provide non-medical, in-home assistance and companionship to East Bay Area seniors in Central Contra Costa County. "Most seniors would rather age at home but that may not be an option with a caregiver shortage."
Home Instead Senior Care, the largest company of its kind but one of many throughout the U.S., employs 60,000 caregivers nationally. To keep pace with this projected demand, "our research shows we'll have to double our care force in just three years," said Cruz.
On a positive note, these projections will result in job opportunities for area workers hit hard by the economy, she said, "providing a flexible part-time option for additional income or a new career."
In California, the caregiver job category (listed as personal and home-care aides) is expected to increase from 284,200 jobs in 2006 to 361,100 positions in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's a projected 27 percent increase. Nationwide, the personal and home-care aide classification is expected to grow by more than 50 percent between 2006 and 2016, increasing from 767,000 to a projected 1.15 million jobs.
The government defines a personal and home-care aide as a professional who helps the elderly, disabled, ill and mentally disabled live in their own homes or in residential care facilities instead of in health facilities.
Increasing health-care costs partly explain this growing demand, according to Colleen Teixeira Moffat, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics economist.
"It's a lot more cost-effective to leave a hospital sooner and get some assistance at home with daily activities," she said. "A visiting nurse, home-health aide, and personal and home-care aide will be cheaper than a stay in a residential care facility."
The job's flexibility also is attractive, said Teixeira Moffat, especially for those taking care of their own families or looking for a second job. And seniors themselves make great caregivers, she said.
The training process for the profession is comprehensive but not lengthy, industry experts note, including basic skills such as safety, communication, activity planning, routine meal preparation and light housekeeping. More advanced training prepares caregivers to perform personal services such as toileting and bathing.
For more information on care giving, contact Home Instead Senior Care at (925) 280-9688 or www.SeniorsBayArea.com.
Are You Cut Out for Care Giving?
Caring for seniors can be a very rewarding career, but it takes a special person. If you answer affirmatively to the following 10 statements, care giving might be a path to consider. Reputable firms will require a thorough background check.
1. I experience great satisfaction from helping others.
2. What motivates me most is feeling that I am making a difference.
3. My friends and family say that I'm a patient and compassionate person.
4. I'm a good communicator and listener.
5. I have enjoyable memories of time spent with my grandparents or other seniors in my life.
6. I have been a caregiver for a family or friend.
7. I feel that every person has a good story to tell.
8. People in my life know they can depend on me.
9. I adapt easily to various situations and environments.
10 I have reliable transportation and am on time or early for appointments.
A complete caregiver assessment can be found at www.heartofacaregiver.com.
Source: Home Instead Senior Care, Walnut Creek, www.SeniorsBayArea.com.
Article Sources:
http://www.bls.gov/emp/emptab21.htm http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/worklife/01/24/best.parttime.jobs/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/worklife/03/24/cb.recession.proof/index.html