Chicago Personal Care Aide Opportunities Are At An All-Time High
The personal-care aide position requires minimal experience and skills; an individual can launch their career in the high growth health care industry. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor predicts employment of personal care aides to grow 49 percent from 2012 to 2022, which is much faster than the average growth rate for most occupations. As the baby-boomer population starts to retire, there will be an increase in the number of clients requiring assistance or companionship. The Chicago area has a high number of aging individuals who seek and require help at home, making the need for personal care aides is at an all time high.
The job entails helping clients with everyday tasks and also providing companionship, plus any other personal care related tasks. Individuals in this career provide service to mainly the elderly and the home bound. It is a rewarding job for those who want to help others and who have not had the opportunity to obtain a higher level education.
This position offers the opportunities for movement for those who do not like to sit in an office all day, and for those who enjoy interacting with a variety of people and going to an assortment of locations to visit clients-this is an ideal career choice.
It is important to note that pay is lower for the personal care-aide as compared to other health care related careers, but it is also an excellent way for health care minded individuals to start out in the field and gain experience. The median annual wage for personal care aides was $19,910 in May 2012. About half of all personal care aides work full-time according to Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor .
For job seekers who are willing to work for a lower rate of pay to gain experience and skills in the health care industry, the personal care aide position may be a perfect opportunity. The added benefits of this position are the opportunities available to meet a variety of people at all walks of life and the ability to make a difference in an individual life.
Michelle Guilbeau is a writer, reviewer, teacher and business owner. She also has experience in school administration, literacy coaching and is proud founder of CraftKitsForKids.com and MichelleGuilbeau.com Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of cities, food, travel, education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.