Senior Care Careers: What to Know and How Scholarships Can Help

As our population continues to age, the demand for caregivers and professionals working with senior citizens in various settings, including in-home care and senior communities, is rapidly increasing. When you’re considering a career, understanding the unique needs and challenges of seniors is essential. 

Here are a few things to know about caring for seniors, and a list of scholarships for you to explore if you need help paying for the education you need to begin your career.

What to Consider When You’re Working With Seniors

If you’re considering working with seniors, you need to know some of the fundamentals of this work. By familiarizing yourself with them, you can provide valuable support and enhance the quality of life for the seniors you serve.

Here are some things you need to have and know about in a senior care career:

• Activities for seniors: Ability to plan and facilitate appropriate activities to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Communication skills: Ability to communicate effectively with seniors, including active listening and empathy.
• Crisis management: Ability to handle emergencies calmly and efficiently, including knowing when to seek medical assistance.
• Cultural sensitivity: Awareness of and respect for seniors’ diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultural practices.
• Legal and ethical considerations: Understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities when working with seniors, including confidentiality and respecting their rights and preferences.
• Medication management: Understanding of medication schedules, dosage, and potential interactions.
• Mobility assistance: Ability to assist seniors with mobility issues, including using mobility aids and providing assistance with walking or transferring.
• Nutrition awareness: Knowledge of dietary needs and restrictions commonly associated with aging, including meal planning and preparation.
• Patience and compassion: Recognizing the challenges seniors may face and providing support with empathy and understanding.
• Respect for autonomy: Respecting seniors’ independence and involving them in decision-making regarding their care and daily activities.
• Safety protocols: Knowledge of safety measures to prevent falls, accidents, and other risks in both home and community settings.
• Understanding of common health issues: Familiarity with conditions such as dementia, arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension.

12 Scholarships and Other Help for Careers in Senior Living

If you’re a student considering a career in eldercare or gerontology, there are numerous scholarships available to support your educational journey. These scholarships aim to recognize and empower individuals passionate about improving the lives of older adults through various fields involved with senior care.

Here’s a list of scholarships that might be relevant for those interested in careers working with older adults:

1. American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Scholarships: The AAN scholarships are available to researchers who are committed to making a difference in the lives of patients with brain disease.
2. American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Scholarships: ACHE offers scholarships for graduate students pursuing careers in healthcare administration, including those focused on aging services.
3. Diana Jacobs Kalman/AFAR Scholarships for Research in the Biology of Aging: This scholarship intends to help students learn more about the field of aging research, as well as increase their understanding of the challenges involved in improving the quality of life for older people.
4. Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Scholarships: GSA offers several scholarships for students pursuing studies related to aging and gerontology.
5. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Scholarships: HRSA offers scholarships for students pursuing careers in healthcare, including those focusing on geriatrics.
6. Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards: These awards recognize innovative programs or services that support Alzheimer’s disease caregiving. They might not be traditional scholarships but can provide funding for projects or initiatives in the field.
7. John A. Hartford Foundation Scholarship: This foundation offers scholarships specifically for students pursuing careers in geriatric medicine or nursing.
8. Kott Gerontology Scholars Program (KGSP): This internship program aims to advance the field of aging in an effort to bolster opportunities, engagement and quality of life among older adults.
9. National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Scholarships: NASW offers scholarships for social work students focusing on aging populations.
10. National Institute on Aging (NIA) Research Training and Career Development Programs: NIA offers various training and career development opportunities, including fellowships and grants, for researchers studying aging and age-related diseases.
11. Seniorcare.com Aging Matters Scholarship: This group gives a scholarship annually to a selected college student that currently cares for an aging loved one, works within the senior community, or intends to pursue a career that will have an impact on the senior population.
12. Southeastern Association of Area Agencies on Aging (SE4A) Scholarship: This scholarship will provide financial assistance to students pursuing a career in the fields of Gerontology or Geriatrics.

Make sure to explore the eligibility criteria and application details for each opportunity.

Find Help With Your Career With Senior Lifestyle 

Senior Lifestyle offers you the chance to be a member of a team that makes a difference in the lives of people. Ours is a purposeful industry, and we’ve been a leader in it for 35+ years. We’re known for innovating in our industry and offering safe, inclusive, team-honoring programs.

Find out more about careers with Senior Lifestyle today.