Home Health Care has exploded and continues to do so, which translates to an abundance of jobs. If you're seeking a career that is flexible, meaningful, and provides opportunities for growth, home health care may be for you. 

Home Health Care has exploded and continues to do so, which translates to an 
 abundance of jobs. If you're seeking a career that is flexible, meaningful, 
 and provides opportunities for growth, home health care may be for you. 

Home health care encompasses a wide range of professions, depending on the medical 
 or non-medical support required. While most think home health care is defined by 
 aides that help the elderly in their homes, that is only one piece of the home 
 health care puzzle. Doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, 
 social workers, and their patients of all ages are essential puzzle pieces as 
 well. There are two types of care 
 that can take place within the home: non-medical in-home care and home health. 

<h2>What is the difference between non-medical in-home care and home health care? </h2>
 Non-medical in-home care refers to the support an individual receives at home that 
 does not involve medical skill. These services include personal care such as 
 bathing and dressing, light housekeeping, meal prep, grocery shopping or 
 offering pleasant companionship. 
 
On the other hand, home health care is offered by a medically trained professional, 
 like a nurse or other healthcare provider; services include providing injections, 
 therapy, dressing wounds, 
 or giving IV infusions—all performed in the comfort of the client’s home.
 

Now that we understand the difference, let’s explore the advantages of working in home health care.

<h2> A Growing Industry</h2>
From 2021 to 2031, employment of home health and personal care aides is 
 expected to 
 <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides-and-personal-care-aides.htm" target="_blank">grow 25 percent</a>.
 There's no doubt that there has been a high 
 demand for home health care jobs, 
 and the forecast is telling us that it isn't slowing down any time soon. 

Why this massive increase? People are living longer and, as they age, require more 
 health services. In addition, more technology is available at home now, providing 
 patients with 
 the option to stay at home instead of requiring services at an outside facility. 


 According to the <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health" target="_blank">World Health Organization</a>, 
between 2015 and 2050, the proportion 
 of the world's population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%. These 
 statistics ensure a strong demand for home health care jobs now and in the future. 
 They also mean 
 that professional growth is highly attainable, an attractive industry element.

<h2>A Positive Impact</h2>
A career in health care means you choose to help others thrive and make a 
 difference in their lives. 
 A career in home health care allows you to focus even more closely on that passion.

There are increased opportunities to develop close relationships with patients 
 and be influential while in their own surroundings. You will be intertwined with 
 family, friends, and even pets while delivering care in a personal environment. 
 In a hospital, you only see one aspect of the patient. 
 At home, you have a 360-degree view of the patient, medically and personally.


For many, you are the reason patients can stay close to their family and be 
 comfortable at home, which often helps with mental health and recovery. 
 There can be a sense of loneliness for those who may not have family close by. 
 A deeply personal and gratifying connection can develop with 
 one-on-one time together and, as mentioned, have health benefits for both parties. 


<h2>Flexible Schedule for Work/Life Balance</h2>
The option to work in home health care is helpful when your personal life requires 
 a flexible work schedule. Whether you're a parent who needs to be home when your 
 kids arrive home from school, in the midst of furthering your education and 
 can't miss classes, or only seeking part-time work because you are semi-retired, home 
 health care is a wonderful option to create personal and professional success.

You have the ability to create your personal schedule around your work schedule, 
 which eliminates a lot of stress. When you feel at ease, and the pressure of 
 your private life is reduced, you can be a better caregiver who is more patient 
 and dedicated to your professional work. 

<h2>Independence</h2>
Home health professionals often work independently instead of in hospitals or 
 facilities with many people around, yet always receive support through a director 
 of nursing or clinical support from their local office. While there is less daily 
 collaboration and more autonomy when it comes to decision-making, especially for 
 visiting doctors and nurses, everyone is part of a larger medical team that provides 
 all-inclusive care to the elderly and other age groups. 


<h2>Career Paths for Successful Caregivers</h2>
A nice advantage for caregivers is their expertise can create success in a variety of 
 roles. This means the career of a caregiver 
 can take several paths, especially if someone wants to try a new speciality. 


<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbevis/2020/08/26/4-fulfilling-career-paths-for-successful-caregivers/?sh=2004126b3134" target="_blank">Forbes</a> 
shares some of these career paths: 
<ul>
 <li> Pursuing specialization 
Continuing education is often a free option, depending on a caregiver’s current 
employment situation. Many local community colleges or healthcare agencies offer 
classes and courses needed to obtain a home care certification which gives an 
advantage and more opportunities for caregiver jobs. 
</li>

<li> Helping other caregivers as a trainer or manager 
Another method of utilizing talent and skills is to help other caregivers succeed as 
a manager or trainer. This is very helpful to caregivers starting their careers as 
well to the healthcare industry as a whole, as it breeds the best of the best.
</li>


<li> Becoming a home care scheduler 
This is another role that helps fellow caregivers succeed, including placing the right 
caregiver with the right client to ensure everyone has a positive experience and can 
build a meaningful relationship.
</li> 

<li>Assisting families as they make caregiving decisions
As a home care assessment professional, caregiving skills, compassion and knowledge is 
utilized to evaluate the potential client’s situation, determine their needs and consult 
with the family to discuss recommendations for care. 
</li>

</ul>

 Home health care offers tremendous benefits and career development, and is an 
 excellent fit for those who want to positively impact someone's life, build 
 significant relationships, and excel in a more relaxed and autonomous environment.


<hr>

<a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/wsg" target="_blank">Cross Country Workforce Solutions Group</a>, 
a division of Cross Country, is 
 the nation's leading provider of Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly 
 (PACE) for clinical and non-clinical staffing and non-medical, in-home care 
 workers for the elderly.

Advantages of Working in Home Health Care