Geriatric Aide

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Work Tasks

GERIATRIC AIDES help care for physically ill, injured, disabled, or infirm elderly people who are confined to nursing or residential care facilities. Aides do routine tasks under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors. Geriatric aides serve meals, make beds, and help residents eat, dress, and bathe. They help residents to get in and out of bed and to walk. Aides keep patients' rooms neat and tidy. Aides watch residents' physical, mental, and emotional condition and report any change to the nursing or medical staff. Geriatric aides assist the elderly in individual and group activities such as exercising, games, and discussions.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $27,500 average per year ($13.25 per hour)
• A very large occupation (1,451,100 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.9% per year)

Entry Requirements

GERIATRIC AIDES need no license or certificate. Employers prefer applicants with a high school diploma. Nursing homes usually hire aides with no experience, but they must do seventy-five hours of training and pass a written exam within four months of working. Aides who complete the program are placed on the state registry of nursing aides.