There is a growing elderly population in the U.S., and it’s estimated the number will continue to grow for many years. The Baby Boomer generation was one of the largest in recent history, and they will all have reached age 65 by 2030.
To date, there are more than 15 million people living in the U.S. who are experiencing difficulty living at home and need help with daily activities. This may be from physical, cognitive, developmental, behavioral, or chronic health concerns. But, whatever the underlying reason, there is a great number of people who need help.
The Need for Home Health Aides is Surging
It’s estimated home health care will need to fill 4.7 million jobs by 2028. The number of vacancies may reach 8 million in the same time period. This means positions for personal care aides, home health aides, and nursing assistants will go unfilled – and families will be left without resources.
This rapid growth has a history. From 2008 to 2018, the workforce more than doubled from 898,000 to 2.3 million people. Yet those numbers do not count those who families hired privately – the workforce number and growth was likely greater. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated in 2018 the job outlook to 2028 would enjoy a 36% growth, which is faster than the average job, and nearly the greatest growth in the healthcare industry. They also estimate the market will experience an increase of 1.18 million people.
The combination of an aging population and expansion in what Medicare pays for is driving a growing market for home health aides. Added to this, people are living longer lives with chronic disease and a cultural shift to value independence toward the end of life. These factors, and more, are raising the number of job openings in a demanding field.
Becoming a Home Health Aide
There are very few educational requirements for becoming a home health aide. Instead, employers and families are seeking people who are compassionate, patient, and caring. A typical entry-level education is a high school diploma or an equivalent test. You don’t need any past related work experience and will receive on-the-job training.
There are certification programs offered by community colleges and other post-secondary institutions, but they aren’t necessary to start work. The programs teach students cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), how to manage patients, and control infectious diseases. Some also include information on working with people who have emotional and social needs.
Because there are very few requirements, many people find this an excellent way to enter the healthcare industry. It lets you see if you enjoy working with people who have chronic diseases or cognitive difficulty and opens the door for other opportunities.
Are You Looking for a Home Health Aide Position?
We are committed to helping our candidates find home care positions that fit their talents and skills while meeting the needs of our families. Call our professional recruiters today to find out how easy it is to work with experts in the healthcare industry!
