What does a home care assistant do? – Tasks and work environment
A home care assistant works to provide support and care to elderly or disabled individuals in their homes. Tasks include assistance with personal care, cooking, cleaning, shopping, and accompanying to medical appointments. The profession involves close contact with clients and requires the ability to treat people with respect and sensitivity. The work is often performed independently, but collaboration with colleagues and other healthcare professionals is common. The work environment can be physically demanding and varies depending on the clients' needs and housing conditions.
Salary development over time
The salary for home care assistants has shown a stable and positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,700 SEK, which increased to 27 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 28 700 SEK in 2024. The total increase over the period is approximately 7.5%, reflecting a combination of increased wage agreements, high demand, and inflationary pressures. Salary development has been even between genders, which is uncommon in the healthcare sector and can be explained by industry efforts toward gender equality. The demand for labor has also led employers to offer more competitive conditions to attract new employees.
Home care assistant salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 28 700 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 26,900 SEK (men, municipal sector), 27,000 SEK (women)
- Highest salary: 30,200 SEK (both men and women, private sector employee)
- Hourly wage: 172 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
- Gender differences: None; men and women have the same average and top levels
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a home care assistant, usually no formal university education is required, but a secondary school healthcare and social care program is meritorious and preferred by employers. Practical skills, proficiency in Swedish, and a genuine interest in people are important qualities. Many employers also offer internal orientation programs and opportunities for further training.
- Secondary school healthcare and social care program: 3 years
- Internal orientation courses: Varies, often 1–4 weeks
- Training during education: Included in secondary school programs
- Prerequisites: Good Swedish language skills, spoken and written
- Further training: Possibility to specialize in dementia or palliative care
Home care assistants often work independently and encounter many different life stories, providing a unique insight into society’s diversity and challenges. A typical day can include both practical and emotional challenges – the variation makes the profession both rewarding and meaningful.
Common benefits and allowances
Among the most common benefits for home care assistants are on-call allowances for evening and weekend work, wellness contributions, work clothing, and sometimes further paid training. Occupational pension and insurance schemes are often included via collective agreements, and some employers offer subsidized meals or staff discounts. Flexible working hours are common, especially with hourly employment.
Competition and challenges
The profession as a home care assistant is characterized by high demand for labor but also challenges. Recruitment difficulties are common, partly due to the physical and mental demands of the job and its lower status compared to other healthcare roles. Many work part-time, which can offer flexibility but also insecurity. The workload can be high, especially during staff shortages, and requires good stress management and the ability to handle unexpected situations. At the same time, job opportunities are very good, with increasing needs due to an aging population.
Tips for those wanting to become a home care assistant
To succeed as a home care assistant, it is good to be attentive and empathetic, as the job involves meeting people in various life situations and adapting help to their individual needs. Patience and the ability to work independently are important, as the workday often involves many decisions and varied tasks. Good physical condition facilitates, as the profession can be physically demanding and requires helping out practically in homes. Being flexible and solution-oriented helps handle unexpected situations and adapt quickly to changing plans. Finally, good communication skills and the ability to collaborate with colleagues and relatives are advantages for creating security and continuity in care.
Key facts about home care assistants
- Educational level: Secondary school healthcare and social care education recommended
- Work environment: Independent work in clients’ homes
- Work form: Commonly full-time and part-time, often hourly employment
- Demand: Very high and increasing according to the Swedish Employment Agency
- Job vacancies: 375 current positions within the profession
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years as a home care assistant, there are opportunities to further qualify as an assistant nurse or specialize in areas such as dementia care, palliative care, or work management. Some choose to continue studies to become a registered nurse or work in training and mentoring new colleagues. Forecasts from the Swedish Employment Agency indicate that the job market for home care assistants is very good and expected to improve further over the next five years. The demand is driven by an aging population and increased needs for home-based services, making the profession a secure choice for those seeking stability and development opportunities.
Frequently asked questions about home care assistants
- What does a home care assistant earn?
- The average salary is 28 700 SEK per month, for both men and women.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- No, men and women earn the same within this profession.
- What education is required to become a home care assistant?
- A secondary school healthcare and social care program is recommended, but some employers offer internal training.
- What is the job market like for home care assistants?
- Job opportunities are very good, and demand is expected to increase in the coming years.
- How has salary development looked over the last few years?
- Salary development has been stable and positive, with an increase of about 7.5% over the past three years.
- What are common job tasks?
- Personal care, cleaning, cooking, shopping, and social support in the client's home.
- What benefits are common in the profession?
- On-call allowances, wellness contributions, work clothing, and sometimes further training are often included.
