Senior citizen assistant

The needs of the aging population in the U.S. are the driving force behind many different businesses these days. So many families are choosing to keep their elders at home as long as possible and provide them with needed daily assistance instead of shipping them to senior communities and nursing homes that the business world is ripe for those individuals who have a desire to care for other people and provide help throughout their last days.  

A senior's assistant is involved in the planning, organizing and supervising senior citizen activities. This may be on a one on one basis in the home of a senior, or at an assisted living or nursing home. They may prepare a monthly calendar of activities and promote special events; Drive a vehicle to assist in transporting participants to special events; order supplies and needed equipment, shop for household items and groceries, monitor the intake of medications and strict diets and will daily records.

Assistants need not have specific physical materials for the job, but will need a basic knowledge in gerontology, understanding of effective communication skills, ability to work well with medical specialists as well as family members and prepare and report accurate records. Assistants are frequently required to be on their feet for 50% - 75 % of their shifts so will need comfortable walking shoes and clothing. Other skills that may be required for this position can include that of a typical assistant such as telephone etiquette, cooking and cleaning skills, computer and other commonly used office skills and first aid and CPR certification

There is no additional space needed for this position as most work is completed on site in the home of the senior or at a business. But having space in your vehicle to transport your clients, shop and deliver necessities for them will be important.

The time commitment required for this position ranges from full time hours to minimal weekly or daily activities depending on the needs of the clients served. Maintaining a schedule for each client will ensure that there are no communication errors or crossed appointments. There are many people who consider this their full time job, working with several different clients on any given day or week as well as some that have offered this service only because the opportunity arose to spend some extra time with one special senior. Whatever your decision, make sure you allow proper time for all the shopping as well as an opportunity to listen and share important talking time with your charge. 
 
The pay scale for Senior assistants can be salaried, starting at just over minimum wage in many assisted living or nursing homes, and grows with experience, schooling and responsibilities. As a home business, most assistant's charge an average of $25 - $75 an hour based on the specific job duties. 

In order to succeed in this business you'll need a great love and respect for the care of the elderly and an understanding of many of the medications and equipment used by many seniors. Working on your own will require budgeting and organizational skills as well as a commitment to the clients. Most businesses require some basic care giving certifications as well as communication classes, but as a home business, referrals and word of mouth are going to be your best, or your worst, assets. Have a resume ready for potential customers that includes your past responsibilities, time worked, and all the training and certifications you currently hold.

Risks for this job can include the emotional connections to clients and the loss when one passes away.  Family members may not always agree upon the decisions you make and learning to communicate with them will be helpful. Any business should always be backed up with good insurance in case of problems.