The wellness industry in the country is expected to be worth Rs 490 billion by 2017. With over 100 million elders in India, the second largest population in the world, opportunities in this sector are on a rise.
Those who are looking for a chance to work for a social cause, spend quality time with the elders and get rewarded for the same, can join this industry to see a tremendous growth in their career, says TANVI DAlAl
The healthcare industry is growing at a fast pace. According to a recent FICCI-PWC study, Indian wellness industry is worth Rs 490 billion and is expected grow at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate of 20 per cent to reach Rs 875 billion by 2017. With these high projections, many healthcare professionals are coming up with professional health services in order to provide better and modern services to the masses.
Elder care service is one of those specialised services which is the next big thing in healthcare and wellness industry. If someone is interested in taking up a job that requires affection, compassion and dedication, they may consider working in this sector.
With urbanisation and aspirations, today’s generation can’t find time to take care of their parents. Today, when people are getting busier and unable to balance personal and professional responsibilities, elder care emerges as a survivor. In India, where number of elderly is more than 100 million, scope for elder care is huge. There are different types of jobs in elderly care. Some jobs require little to no experience and offer comprehensive training programmes, and some require professional degree.
Scope
Elder care specialists are trained individuals who are responsible for providing companionship, care, and support to the elderly. They use their mastery in understanding and delivering elder specific services like medication management, informal counselling, home management in the form of being a companion or even a confidant. The duties of a specialist typically include providing mental support to the elderly and family members, help the elderly become more active and help them build a social circle.
As a companion, scope of work for an elder care specialist is beyond medication and physical support. In a way they play a major role of a friend. Coming from respected academic backgrounds like healthcare, psychology, sociology and social work, these individuals are trained to upgrade their knowledge and qualification to cater to the elderly efficiently.
Work Environment
Elder care specialists typically work in senior centers, assisted-living facilities or in the private sector as in-home caregivers. Today’s assisted-living facilities are different from the nursing home of yesteryears. They often have luxury amenities like four-star dining and golf facilities as well.
Eligibility
Elderly care jobs require significant amount of training for the duties to be performed. These jobs can be taken up by people with rigorous training provided by the company or a particular degree like psychology. To be an elder care specialist, one should have a degree in allied health courses. Social work, psychology and sociology graduates can also opt for the option after successful completion of specific training pertaining to the job.
Functions
Some of the functions that one will have to give as an elder care specialist are: Assist with walking, help in light exercise, engage in physical and mental exercises, provide medication reminders, help set up doctor appointments and escort for medical check-ups (if required), report any significant client changes to the organisation, provide Alzheimer’s and dementia support (in case the elder has either) and assist with Skype, Facebook, email etc.
Outlook
Job availability in elder care tends to be fairly high, given the number of people who are living longer but may require a small amount to significant support as they age. Elderly care jobs are offered to health care professionals. Doctors, dentists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists might specialise in diseases of the elderly people.
Registered nurses, especially those specialising in geriatric medicine can also opt for elderly care jobs. There are different kinds of jobs in elder care sector. In European countries, most of the hospitals are designed to meet needs of the elderly, and offer various facilities to treat older patients. These hospitals hire elder care professionals. Apart from this, the trained personnel can also work as caregivers at homes especially designed for senior citizens.
India has second largest elderly population in the world because of which at-home elder care services, assisted living homes and healthcare for elderly are on a rise. To meet this growth, there will be a great demand for gerontologists and elderly specialists in India. Anyone who joins this industry right now or in next few years will see a tremendous growth in their career. Also, these jobs are very satisfactory and rewarding since one gets to work on a social cause, spend quality time with the elderly, help them with their issues, work with like-minded people and get paid for it.
Remuneration
Pay for elder care specialists ranges from Rs 21,000 to Rs 25,000 per month. Depending on one’s specialty and years of experience, the salary may increase. In some cases one may be paid Rs 40,000 per month as well.
(The writer is HR head at EPOCH Elder Care)