6 Careers in Elderly Care that you may not have thought about
When you think about careers in the elderly care industry, what comes to mind is most likely being a nurse, or a carer. There are so many more careers that operate behind the scenes that contribute to the care of older adults. Here are 6 examples of careers that may not have come to mind.
| Career name | Description | Entry Requirements | Average Annual Salary (Entry level to Senior) |
| Housekeeper | Play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness, order & comfort in a persons home. | 2 or more GCSE’s at grade A-D (9-3) | £14,500 – £25,000 |
| Community Transport Driver | Assist in the transportation of older adults who have difficulties using public transport. | Must be 18+ and have a valid driving license | £14,000 – £25,000 |
| Horticultural Therapist | Help develop an individuals mental and physical abilities through horticultural activities | 1 or 2 A levels or equivalent qualifications | £18,000 – £27,000 |
| Advocacy Worker | Assisting people with making decisions about their personal lives | 2 or more GCSE’s at grade A-D (9-3) | £18,000 – £30,000 |
| Stair lift Engineer | Perform Installations, repairs & maintenance work on Stair lifts. | Engineering related qualifications & experience | £25,000 – £43,000 |
| Occupational Therapist | Help individuals overcome physical, sensory and/or cognitive challenges through therapy. | A degree in a related field /Degree Apprenticeship | £28,000 – £50,000 |
1: Housekeeper
Summary
Being a housekeeper means doing many different tasks. Your main job is cleaning, which includes dusting, vacuuming, mopping as well as cleaning bathrooms & kitchens. You’ll also do other jobs like simple house repairs, laundry, and ironing.
Time management skills & attention to detail are vital aspects of being an excellent housekeeper. It can be hard work, but keeping a house clean and orderly can be a very satisfying experience.
Methods of Entry
You can become a housekeeper by either applying for an apprenticeship in hospitality service. Alternatively if you have experience in a cleaning or hospitality role then you can directly apply to vacancies.
2: Community Transport Driver
Summary
As a community transport driver, you will be responsible for operating a private transportation vehicle like a mini or shuttle bus. You could be responsible for planning your route to pick up individuals from their homes, as well as assisting people with entering & exiting your vehicle.
Methods of Entry
As long as you meet the legal requirements & have experience with the group you will be assisting, volunteer positions are widely available. For paid positions there are direct application opportunities & apprenticeships available.
3: Horticultural Therapist
Summary
Horticultural therapists use activities like gardening to help & benefit a persons physical and mental health. They will work with a person to help grow their self esteem, their outlook on life as well as teach new skills & rehabilitate physical conditions through managing plant life.
Being a Horticultural therapist can be very rewarding, but it requires in depth knowledge about horticulture and physiology to be able to perform at a high standard and provide a quality service to clients & customers.
Methods of Entry
Apprenticeships for Horticultural Therapy are very rare. It would be more practical to have a look at getting a level 3 (A level or equivalent) qualification in any of these fields:
- Education
- Horticulture
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Biology
4: Advocacy Worker
Summary:
Advocacy Workers help vulnerable people explore options and make informed decisions. This can expand out to care, financial, and lifestyle choices that will have a direct impact on an individual’s quality of life.
Methods of Entry:
Qualification requirements vary but you can get relevant experience through volunteering, a college/university course, an apprenticeship or courses ran by a private training provider.
5: Stair Lift Engineer
Summary:
Stair lift Engineers Install, repair, maintain, and remove stair lifts. Being a stair lift engineer is hard work & long hours driving across the country, but the demand for new engineers is high & the skill set that you can get will set you up for a long term career in any related engineering field.
Methods of Entry:
There are no formal requirements to begin training to become a stair lift engineer, but having relevant qualifications In Mathematics & Engineering will help with applying for positions.
6: Occupational Therapist
Summary:
Occupational Therapists help people with maintaining their physical and mental health through individually constructed therapy plans. These plans will include physical & mental exercises, planning group based sessions & taking a lead with establishing healthy routines for your clients.
Methods of Entry:
Becoming an Occupational Therapist requires a degree in occupational therapy. You can either study a University course in occupational therapy or do a degree apprenticeship.
Both of these would require 2 to 3 A levels (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as biological science, life & health science or psychology.
Conclusion
There are a wide range of different careers & opportunities that are available within the elderly care industry. With the average age rising in the UK the amount of demand for services rises and with that, the compensation for these services will also increase. Pursuing a career within the industry is a choice that will result in a fulfilling & rewarding career assisting those who need some help & guidance.
Sources
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/housekeeper
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/community-transport-driver
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/horticultural-therapist
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/horticultural-therapist
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/care-home-advocate
https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/uk-stairlift-engineer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,2_IN2_KO3,21.htm
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/occupational-therapist