Careers in caring:
home health care therapists

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment opportunities for speech pathologists will increase by 23 percent between 2010 and 2020. Opportunities for occupational therapists are predicted to increase by 33 percent over the same time period while physical therapy opportunities will increase 39 percent. "This demand for these services will come, in large part, from the aging baby boomers, who are much more active later in life than previous generations were.  There will also be more instances of health conditions that cause impairments, such as strokes, brain injuries, and hearing loss."

While there are many areas to apply your skills as a therapist, home health care can be a unique and rewarding choice.  

Home health care employs:

• Physical therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Speech language pathologists
• Rehabilitation managers

Here are five reasons to help you decide if a home health care therapist career is right for you:

1. It is a continually growing industry
   The aging baby boomer population means an increase in demand for health care services. With the technologies available, physical and occupational therapists, as well as speech pathologists, can see their clients in the comfort of home.
2. There’s room for autonomy
   As a home health care therapist, you are in charge.  Approaching client care holistically, you will partner with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians to ensure your clients receive the best possible care.
3. All your skills are in demand
   There are several areas in home health care where therapists can apply their skills. This also includes adult and pediatric care with a variety of cases and challenges in which to lend your expertise.
4. More flexibility
   Home health care lends itself to a much more flexible schedule with choices between full-time, part-time, per diem, and even weekend positions.  A full-service agency will be able to offer you assignments that match your expertise and preferences.
5. It is truly rewarding work
   One of the greatest rewards of working in home health care is the opportunity you have to focus on your client one-on-one in the comfort of their home. This can help you learn much more about your client and how to treat them more effectively. Practicing your passion in the home environment lets you see firsthand the impact you have on your clients’ lives.

For more information about beginning your own career as a home health care therapist, visit careers.bayada.com.

You can also contact us at careers@bayada.com, or contact the BAYADA office nearest you.