As the growing baby boomer generation begins their retirement, so too begins a wealth of golden opportunities for investors and job seekers in the senior care industry. Of particularly exciting growth are the providers of in-home health care services. This includes people who specialize in everything ranging from medical assistance to basic health assistance like bathing and grooming, keeping up with housekeeping, and meal preparation.

So just how many of the baby boomers can in-home care providers expect in the coming years? There are an estimated 75 million baby boomers currently alive and contributing to our society, with an estimated 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 and retiring every day (starting 2010 and lasting until 2029).

In a recent survey conducted by NBC News, 89 percent of baby boomers that were age 50 and older stated that they would prefer to stay in their current home as they aged. Additionally, a whopping 95 percent of those surveyed who were 65 and older were adamant that they would rather stay either in their own home or near relatives and hoped they wouldn't need to live in a nursing home.

With such incredible growth in those needing home care services, it should come as no surprise that there's been likewise growth in individuals seeking careers within this industry. In addition to incredible career opportunities, there are also the following benefits of entering the home health care industry:

• Make a real difference in peoples' lives.  A career in home health care services enables you to make a real and meaningful difference in the lives of your clients and their families. Empathic individuals thrive in this profession as they are able to enjoy personal relationships with their clients and enjoy a sense of accomplishment coming from knowing that you are greatly improving another person's quality of life. 
• Work on a flexible schedule.  Not everyone adapts well to a 9 to 5 job. As a home health care Nurse or in-home caregiver you get to enjoy working on a schedule that fits your needs. So whether you want to work part-time or full-time, whether you're also pursuing another degree or raising a family, as a home healthcare employee you can choose the hours that fit your schedule.
• Deliver complex care to relieve the burden on families.  While seniors are a primary component of the growth in home care services, it isn't just aging baby boomers who are calling for a more diverse array of services. From infants with special needs to adults suffering with chronic conditions and those requiring specialized high-tech medical equipment, all of these individuals and their families depend upon home health care professionals for daily and ongoing support. As an in-home health care Nurse or aide, you make it possible for your clients to avoid expensive and potentially embarrassing institutionalization in an outside facility. 
• Specialize your skills.  Just as there is a diverse array of services you can provide within the in-home care industries, you can also choose to focus your care to meet the specialty service of your choice. For instance, if the idea of assisting baby boomers inspires you, then you can opt to build a career designed to work exclusively with geriatric care. This means that you can choose what you love about home health care services and follow that specialty for greater overall career success.

Take advantage of the growing home health care service industry to jump start your own rewarding career or make a change in your current career. 

Related Article: Life in progress: RNs can help baby boomers find funding for promising cancer treatments

Have questions about Home Care Nursing? Ask the Nurse Leader below!