5 Things Working in Senior Care Can Teach You

The generation known as The Baby Boom, one of the largest in history, is entering their retirement phase. It’s estimated that approximately 10,000 seniors are leaving the workforce per day. With the enormity of their generation’s population, this means that the need for senior care workers is at an all-time high. 

For most, this role is one people either feel called to or simply couldn’t imagine doing. If you’ve ever considered entering the field of senior care, however, there are five invaluable things working in this role can teach you. 

1. Everyone Has a Story

Part of working in any senior care position is getting to know your patients, and those patients often love to talk. You’ll hear countless stories from yesteryear as you gain an understanding of what life was truly like decades ago and the unique experiences individuals have had over the course of their lives. 

These stories will teach you that each and every person is unique, crafted and molded by the experiences they’ve had and the struggles they’ve gone through. Plus, you’ll be making their day as you listen to the story of their lives. 

2. It’s a Vast Field

People often think of the caregiver role when they think of senior care, but that’s just one position. This field includes a wide variety of jobs and careers that require various types of education. Here are a few to consider:

  • Audiologist
  • Nursing
  • Fitness instructor
  • Occupational therapist
  • Patient advocate
  • Physical therapist
  • Social worker
  • Rehabilitation counselor

3. Careers Are Made Here

While you could simply pursue a job in this field, most find themselves in a fruitful career. Government and market predictions show an astounding rate of job growth in senior care positions, many of which come with great salaries and benefits that only increase over time. 

Your ability to continue school at some point or train on-the-job to increase your skills and therefore income is also something to consider. Job growth within the field is one way people enjoy a lifelong career helping the elderly. 

You are also well protected in your role, always being able to rely on an employment attorney San Francisco or other locale should your workplace not meet federal standards for you or your patients. Care homes are well-regulated as safe environments. 

4. The Demand for Senior Care is Only Increasing

While there are always seniors in the population, ensuring job security, life expectancy is on the rise as well. People are generally living longer and longer as time goes by. While working in this field does teach you the benefit of caring for others, you’ll also learn what a critical role you play in society. 

5. Life Skills

Patience, empathy, respect, and optimism are four traits you’ll learn fast in a senior care role. These traits become critical life skills, too, as they apply to nearly everything you do. While senior care can be hard work, it’s an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience.