Personal care aides held about 1.8 million jobs in 2014. The industries that employed the most personal care aides were as follows:
Services for the elderly and persons with disabilities
43%
Home healthcare services
17
Residential intellectual and developmental disability, mental health, and substance abuse facilities
9
Most personal care aides work in clients' homes; others work in small group homes or larger care communities. Some are hired directly by the client or the client's family, but many are employed by organizations or agencies that provide in-home services or support.
Some aides work in many facilities or homes during the day, whereas others may work with a single client. Personal care aides may help people in hospice and day service programs or may help people with disabilities go to work and stay engaged in their communities.
Work Schedules
Most personal care aides worked full time in 2014, although 2 out of 5 worked part time. They may be required to work evening and weekend hours to attend to their clients' needs.
Injuries and Illnesses
Personal care aides have a higher rate of injuries and illnesses than the national average. Work as an aide can be physically and emotionally demanding. Aides may become injured when lifting clients or transferring them into and out of beds or wheelchairs. Aides often work with clients who have mental health issues or cognitive impairments and who may become difficult or violent at times. There are also dangers when working with clients who have communicable diseases or infections. Personal care aides can guard against many injuries and illnesses by following proper procedures.