Home care staff, assistant nurse

What does an assistant nurse in home care do? – Tasks and work environment

Assistants in home care play a central role in caring for the elderly and people with disabilities living in their own homes. Tasks include everything from personal care, such as hygiene, dressing, and medication, to household services like cooking, cleaning, and shopping. Social support and being a trustworthy contact person for clients are often included. The work environment is characterized by mobility, as work takes place in clients’ homes, requiring both independent responsibility and close contact with colleagues, relatives, and other care providers. Flexibility, quick decision-making, and a high level of empathy are often necessary when meeting people in varied life situations.

Salary development over time

The salary for assistants in home care has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,700 SEK per month, rising to 31 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 32 800 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 6.8% over three years. The salary increase reflects union negotiations, increased focus on staff conditions, and the rising demand for trained home care personnel in line with an aging population. Gender differences are relatively small within the profession, with women earning slightly more on average. The development has also been influenced by increased competition in the labor market for assistant nurses and efforts to raise the profession’s status.

Home Care Worker, assistant nurse salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 32 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,100 SEK/month (female, private sector, upper secondary education)
• Highest salary: 35,800 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, upper secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 197 SEK/hour (hourly worker, average 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn 102% of men's salary (women: 32 900 SEK, men: 32 300 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region, employer, and collective agreement area

Education and qualifications

To work as an assistant nurse in home care, a upper secondary care and social services education is usually required, often combined with practical training. Some employers may also offer internal training or validate prior experience. Relevant certificates or proof of experience in healthcare and social services increase employability.

• Upper secondary care and social services education: 3 years (care and social services program or equivalent adult education)
• Practical training: Included in education, often several weeks in home care
• Certifications: Some employers require certificates from the College of Care and Social Services
• Prerequisites: Passing grades in Swedish and mathematics from compulsory school
• Tips for choosing: Summer jobs in elderly care are advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Assistants in home care are often covered by collective agreements and offered benefits such as evening and weekend shift allowances, occupational pension, wellness contributions, and compensation for work clothing. Some employers also provide skills development, subsidized travel, and extra vacation days depending on employment duration and agreements.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for assistants in home care is characterized by high demand, providing many employment opportunities but also challenges. Many employers struggle to recruit trained staff, and a large proportion work part-time or on temporary contracts. The work demands flexibility, independence, and the ability to handle stressful situations. Physically demanding tasks, time pressure, and emotional responsibility can be challenging but also rewarding for those who enjoy working closely with people and making a difference in their daily lives.

Tips for aspiring assistants in home care

To succeed as an assistant in home care, it is important to be empathetic and attentive, as the work involves close contact with people in various life situations. Good teamwork skills are essential, as it is often necessary to switch quickly between independent work and collaboration with colleagues and other professionals. Resilience to stress helps when the pace is high and situations can change rapidly. Practical skills and initiative facilitate handling varied tasks and unexpected challenges in clients’ homes. Showing respect and integrity towards clients is crucial to building trust and security. Finally, good physical health and flexibility in working hours are advantageous, as shifts often vary between day, evening, and weekends.

Key facts about Home Care Worker, assistant nurse

• Education level: Upper secondary care and social services education
• Work environment: Mobile, work in clients’ homes
• Demand: Very high, 375 job openings nationwide
• Work form: Commonly part-time or shift work
• Special skills: Personal care, medication management

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an assistant nurse in home care, there are opportunities to further train as, for example, a specialist assistant nurse, coordinator, or supervisor within elderly care. Some choose to continue studies in healthcare, such as becoming a registered nurse or occupational therapist. According to the latest prognosis from the Employment Service, the future outlook is very good: employment opportunities are considered strong, and demand is expected to increase further over the next five years, driven by demographic developments with a growing elderly population. At the same time, recruitment challenges and a high number of part-time employees in the sector remain ongoing issues.

Frequently asked questions about Home Care Workers, assistant nurses

• What does a Home Care Worker, assistant nurse, earn?
  - The average salary is 32 800 SEK per month, with some variation depending on experience and employer.
• How does the salary difference between men and women look?
  - Women earn an average of 32 900 SEK, which is 102% of men's salary (32 300 SEK).
• What education is required to work as an assistant nurse in home care?
  - Upper secondary care and social services education is the most common requirement.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The Employment Service assesses the job opportunities as very good and demand is expected to increase.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
  - The highest salary is 35,800 SEK and the lowest is 30,100 SEK per month, depending on gender, sector, and education.
• What tasks are included in the profession?
  - Personal care, medication management, household services, and social support.
• Are there opportunities for further education?
  - Yes, for example to specialist assistant nurse, coordinator, or further studies within healthcare and social services.