Working With the Elderly: Career Pathways That Change Lives

The demand for elder-care professionals is rapidly growing as life expectancies increase. By 2040, 22% of the U.S. population will be over the age of 65.¹ There's an increasing need for skilled caregivers and geriatric social workers who can support this population's physical and emotional well-being.

If you're looking for a rewarding professional field to enter, working with the elderly allows you to build trusting relationships and help preserve your clients’ dignity and quality of life in a wide array of settings. This post will explore different career pathways—and benefits—of working with the elderly.

Types of Careers Working With Older Adults

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to working with senior citizens. You can help people in a variety of settings, from healthcare facilities and nursing homes to legal offices and private residences. Opportunities range from direct healthcare and supervisory roles to administrative work in policy development or senior advocacy.²

Healthcare Roles

You may choose to work directly with older adults in clinical and care settings, where you can make an immediate impact on their health and quality of life.

• Geriatric nurses provide personalized care while managing the complex health conditions that elderly patients face
• Physical therapists work with older adults to maintain their balance and mobility, and design custom rehabilitation programs that reduce the risk of falls
• Caregivers provide essential day-to-day physical and emotional support for seniors, fostering warm relationships while assisting them with activities of daily living³
• Home health aides enable seniors to age in place by providing compassionate in-home care that ensures their comfort and safety

Social and Emotional Support

Working with older adults involves helping them with the unique challenges of aging, such as loneliness and social isolation.⁴

• Social workers enrich their clients’ lives by advocating for their needs and connecting them to important resources
• Counselors working with seniors provide support through life transitions and help with mental health issues, such as depression, while promoting healthy habits in daily living
• Grief therapists offer meaningful support and coping strategies for clients who are struggling with the loss of loved ones or the loss of their own health and independence⁵
• Activity coordinators enhance the lives of seniors by organizing social activities that foster joy and social connection

Administrative and Support Services

Meaningful work with seniors isn't only about hands-on care—there's also a growing need for legal and administrative workers who find fulfillment working behind the scenes. Career paths in this area include the following:

• Case managers arrange comprehensive care plans for elderly patients, ensuring their medical, emotional and social needs are met
• Elder law specialists protect the autonomy and assets of older adults, providing legal assistance for guardianship and estate planning⁶
• Patient advocates guide seniors through complicated healthcare systems while ensuring their preferences are respected

Lifestyle and Enrichment Roles

Beyond traditional healthcare, many careers focus on enhancing seniors' daily experiences and promoting active, fulfilling lifestyles.

• Senior fitness instructors working with older people design age-appropriate workout programs to help each person maintain flexibility and strength
• Nutritionists create healthy meal plans that address the unique dietary needs and nutritional deficiencies of older adults⁷
• Recreational therapists enhance seniors' cognitive agility and emotional well-being through music, art and other activities that strengthen and enhance social, physical and emotional functions

Skills and Qualities Needed for Working With Seniors

Working with elderly patients requires patience and compassion, as they often face limitations that warrant gentle, understanding care. You'll need strong communication and problem-solving skills to navigate complex healthcare needs while building trust with patients and their families. Physical stamina and emotional resilience are vital in handling the demands of caregiving, while cultural sensitivity and adaptability will enable you to respect your clients’ diverse backgrounds and adjust to any healthcare setting.⁸ While there are a variety of challenges you'll face as you work with the elderly, the rewards are deeply satisfying and often outweigh the hard work.

Education and Certification Requirements for Working With Elderly Patients

There are many professional opportunities in working with senior citizens, and just as many educational paths to prepare for them.

Degrees

Nurses must complete a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, and they can specialize in gerontological nursing with additional certifications. Social workers need to complete a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or a Master of Social Work (MSW) program, and those who want to focus on working with older adults can earn a certification as a geriatric social worker. Psychologists working with senior citizens must hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), while professionals in gerontology often earn graduate-level degrees.

Certifications

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification provides foundational skills you'll need to assist patients with activities of daily living. A Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification is essential for anyone working with seniors, as it ensures you're prepared to respond in a life-threatening situation. A dementia care certification provides specialized training in supporting and communicating with Alzheimer's and dementia patients.

Working with Older Adults in a Variety of Settings

In nursing homes and assisted living facilities, healthcare professionals provide compassionate daily care and monitor ongoing needs. Hospitals provide immediate care for acute medical conditions or emergencies, while hospice workers focus on providing comfort and support—for patients and their familial caregivers—during end-of-life care. The remarkable work of home health aides makes it possible for many elderly people to remain in their homes, living out their lives in the comfort and familiarity of places they treasure.

Community centers help seniors stay active and connected by offering wellness programs and social events. Government agencies support the elderly through benefits coordination, case management and policy development to improve quality of life. Whether you go to work in an office, a healthcare facility or a private home, there's a wide array of settings in which you can enjoy a gratifying career that makes a real difference in the lives of seniors and their family members.

Salary Expectations and Job Outlook

Between 2023 and 2033, overall employment for social workers is expected to grow by 7%.⁹ The average salary for social workers in the US is $61,330 per year, while the average salary for geriatric social workers is $67,283.¹⁰

The average salary for nutritionists and dieticians in the US is $73,850 per year, with job opportunities expected to grow 7% between 2023 and 2033.¹¹ Job opportunities for recreational therapists are expected to grow by 1.3%, with an average salary of $60,910.¹²

In the US, grief counselors earn an average salary of $65,571, while elder law specialists earn an average salary of $108,160.^{13, 14} Specific salary expectations for these and similar roles will vary based on your location, level of education and years of experience.

Challenges and Benefits of Working With the Elderly

Working with senior citizens brings profound rewards, from hearing fascinating life stories to forming bonds with older adults who come to feel like your extended family. These connections provide a unique sense of fulfillment and purpose, as caregivers make a real difference in the closing chapters of their patients' lives.

While working with the elderly is rewarding, the work can be physically demanding and emotionally exhausting. It's important to recognize the signs of burnout and prioritize self-care so you can continue providing compassionate care without losing your balance.¹⁵

Reach Your Career Goals With an Online Degree from Yeshiva University

Yeshiva University's online MSW program can open the door to exciting professional opportunities in this ever-expanding field. We invite you to learn more about the Wurzweiler School of Social Work and the thoughtfully designed online curriculum. Schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor to learn more.