With longevity increasing for both men and women and the advent of baby boomers coming into senior citizenship, jobs in elder care are on the rise. Many of these jobs are nontraditional and don’t involve sitting with the sick or infirm. The elderly these days may need some assistance but do not expect that they are down for the count. Senior care jobs are important because they can lessen the workload for the seniors, help them organize their medications and tasks, reduce physical labor and provide companionship.
Types of Elder Care Jobs
Among the more popular elder care jobs are transportation and personal shopping. Sometimes a senior citizen may need something as simple as a ride to the grocery store or to a doctor’s appointment. If you have more than one client you can work with them to schedule appointments that will be convenient for them as well as for you. This type of family flexible job is ideal for a working mother who needs to be home in the afternoon.
Personal Shopper For the Elderly
Many seniors have a need for a personal shopper. They don’t have the time or the energy to shop for gifts and or personal items for themselves. In addition, groceries can be quite heavy for one person to handle. Even though there is grocery shipping services available, these services will not help the elderly stock the shelves, nor will they provide the maximum benefits of a elderly caregiver. If you like to shop and bargain hunt then grocery shopping for the elderly may be the job for you. Pick one day a week and arm yourself with a list and discount coupons and you can fit the needs of several people into a short period of time.
Other Duties of Elder Care Jobs
Sometimes a client may need to have their mail brought in or their plants watered while they are away. Once again, if you have several clients then you can combine tasks and knock out these simple chores in a morning’s time. The key to success in caring for the elderly is to make sure that they know you are dependable and trustworthy at all times.
Elderly Companion Jobs
Another key job in caring for the elderly is keeping them company. They may need you to drop by and prepare a light supper and sit with them for a while. Make sure ahead of time that the client knows exactly when you will be there and when you will be leaving. It is easy to get yourself wrapped up their lives sometimes and the line between employee and employer is sometimes clouded. You need to set boundaries and let your clients know that this is your job and not your free time.
You may qualify for many of these senior companion jobs without ever having had special training or schooling. However, please do not give medical advice or act in place of a certified nurse or other medical professional unless you have had training in that area. There is a huge difference in taking someone to the doctor and actually diagnosing their condition. Please do not step out of your position because it may endanger the one you are caring for.
If you are looking for a rewarding experience and in making a few extra dollars on the side, then working with the elderly may be the job for you. Contact your local senior citizens center or even a nearby hospital to locate those who might be looking for someone just like you.
Elderly Companion Jobs, Personal Shopper For the Elderly, Senior Care Jobs
Today, more than ever before, a great deal of emphasis is placed upon a person’s smile. While a white and bright smile is important to a person’s self-esteem, good dental care can also contribute to good physical health. A dental assistant’s job is to assist a dentist in promoting good dental care in patients.
There is a difference between a dental assistant, who may only need a certificate or a diploma, and a dental hygienist position which requires an associate or a bachelor’s degree. Classes can be taken in a standard classroom or in online schools. Most schools take two years or less to earn a dental assistant’s certificate, diploma or associates’s degree.
Dental Assistant Courses
Training and courses may include some of the following:
- Fundamentals of Dentistry
- Dental Anatomy and Pathology
- Medical terminology
- Math Fundamentals
- Dental Pharmacology
- Dental radiography
- Dental materials and tools
- Clinical practice
- Short internship with a dentist
- Dental office procedures
- Computer Basics
Some of the duties of a dental assistant:
- Preparing patients for dental procedures
- Educating patients on good dental care
- Taking patient x-rays when necessary
- Assuring all dental instruments are sterile
- Setting up trays for dental work to be done by the dentist
- Assisting the dentist during dental work, providing materials and tools
- Ordering dental supplies
- Cleaning removable appliances
- Assisting with impressions and casts of crowns and full dentures
- Some general office work and scheduling of appointments
Dental Assistant Jobs Outlook and Wages
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, dental assistant employment is expected to grow 36 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Median annual wages of dental assistants were $32,380 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $26,980 and $38,960. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,270, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $46,150.
A dental assistant job is a good profession for someone who is a caring person and wants a job in the health care industry.
Dental Assistant Courses
Those considering U.S. postal jobs should know a few things about these positions. Many employees start at the most basic level, the mail carrier. Due to the nature of these jobs, these are often the most common openings. These individuals deliver mail to specific routes either by car or on foot. After awhile of service in this sector, he or she may be eligible to move on for other jobs within the postal service. This can include positions such as clerk or post master.
Applying For US Postal Jobs
Contrary to popular belief, one does not simply just apply for U.S. postal jobs. This is a government job that requires applicants to test for all positions. In addition to this, one must be able to speak fluent English, be a U.S. citizen and have registered with the selective service. Applicants will not be considered unless they are at least eighteen or older. Legal resident aliens are also eligible to apply for these positions.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are no educational requirements for postal jobs other than the ability to read, write and comprehend English efficiently. However in this bad economy, having a solid educational background may be beneficial when considering the amount of competition for these types of jobs.
Average Mail Carrier Salary
In 2008, the median annual wage of the mail carrier was $49,800. As with other types of jobs, mail carrier salary earnings may fluctuate depending on several different factors. This can include one’s length of service with the post office, employee type (full time, part time or temporary), and the location. For example, those employed in areas that require frequent travel utilizing a personal vehicle may be reimbursed for these types of expenses. Those interested in U.S. postal jobs but do not want to become carriers may also be eligible for other positions, such as couriers and route drivers that deliver mail between post offices.
Average Mail Carrier Salary