Most personal care aides work in the homes of clients—which may be clean, modern, and pleasant or untidy and somewhat depressing. Others work in hospice facilities, small group homes, or larger care communities.

Personal care aides may have to travel to take their patients to medical and dental appointments, for grocery shopping and banking trips, and on other errands. Some aides help people with disabilities go to work and achieve a higher level of interaction in their communities.

Many aides find their jobs rewarding when they are able to establish personal relationships with their clients and help to improve the quality of their lives. Many clients are friendly and cooperative and welcome the assistance of personal care aides. On the other hand, those who are sick or infirm can be depressed, angry, uncooperative, and sometimes even violent. This can create a stressful work environment. Additionally, this work can be physically exhausting. Aides are on the move throughout their workday—helping their clients dress and otherwise care for themselves, transferring clients in and out of beds and wheelchairs, and running various errands. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that personal care aides have a higher rate of injuries and illnesses than the national average for all workers.

Personal Care Aides

Overview

Introduction

Quick Facts

Earnings

Work Environment

Outlook

Related Professions

Adult Day Care Coordinators

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors

Animal Caretakers