Assistant nurse, elderly care at an institution

What does a healthcare assistant in elderly care at an institution do? – Tasks and work environment

A healthcare assistant in elderly care at an institution works to support and care for older individuals living in special housing. Tasks include personal care, medication management, support during meals, and assistance with daily activities such as mobility and hygiene. Contact with the elderly often occurs in close collaboration with nurses, occupational therapists, and relatives. The work environment is characterized by varied workdays, involving both physical and emotional challenges. Work often follows a schedule that may include evenings, nights, and weekends.

Salary development over time

The salary for a healthcare assistant in elderly care at an institution has shown a clear positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,700 SEK per month, increasing to 31 900 in 2023 and reaching 32 800 in 2024. This corresponds to an increase of about 7% over three years. The salary increase can be explained by an increased need for healthcare assistants as the population ages, as well as efforts to improve working conditions and wages within elderly care. The demand for trained staff has also led employers to compete for workforce, further driving up salary levels. Women have experienced slightly higher salary growth than men during this period.

Healthcare assistant in elderly care salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 32 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,100 SEK/month (female, private sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 35,800 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 197 SEK
• Women earn: 32 900 SEK/month (102% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 32 300 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To work as a healthcare assistant in elderly care at an institution, a secondary school vocational education in health and social care is usually required. The education provides knowledge about care, support, and medical fundamentals, as well as practical skills to handle job tasks. Employers prefer candidates with experience from internships or work within elderly care, and sometimes specific courses in dementia care or palliative support are requested.

• Secondary school vocational education: 3 years
• Adult education (Komvux): 1–2 years
• Internships: Included in education, often at least 15 weeks
• Further training: Courses in dementia, palliative care, medication management
• Prerequisites: Basic education

Common benefits and compensations

Healthcare assistants in elderly care at an institution often have access to collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, and shift allowances for evenings, nights, and weekends. Some employers also offer wellness grants, work clothing, and opportunities for skill development and further education.

Competition and challenges

The profession of healthcare assistant in elderly care at an institution is characterized by high demand for labor, resulting in relatively low competition for available positions. At the same time, challenges include high work pace, physically demanding tasks, and emotional stress. Many work part-time, partly due to working conditions and scheduling. There is a paradoxical situation where there is a shortage of trained staff, yet some employers find it difficult to offer full-time positions. Employers often seek individuals with the right education and experience, which can make it difficult for recent graduates to quickly secure permanent jobs.

Tips for those who want to become a healthcare assistant in elderly care

To succeed as a healthcare assistant in elderly care at an institution, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in people and a high degree of empathy, which facilitates contact with the elderly and their relatives. Being flexible and resilient to stress is important, as workdays are often unpredictable and the pace can be high. Accuracy is required in medication management and documentation, so practicing following routines and instructions is wise. Being communicative and attentive helps both in teamwork and in contact with residents. Finally, being solution-oriented and able to see opportunities even in challenging situations is highly valued by employers.

Key facts about healthcare assistants in elderly care

• Education level: Secondary school vocational education in health and social care
• Work form: Shift work with evening and weekend shifts
• Demand: Very high, especially in the municipal sector
• Gender distribution: Predominantly women, but the share of men is increasing
• Work environment: Close contact with residents and interdisciplinary teams

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a healthcare assistant in elderly care at an institution, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as supervisor, coordinator, or specialist healthcare assistant, especially if further education in areas like dementia care or palliative support is pursued. According to the Employment Service, job opportunities within the profession are very good, and demand is expected to increase further over the next five years, partly due to an aging population. There are also opportunities to work in other parts of healthcare, such as home care or medical facilities, and for those interested in further studies, training to become a nurse or healthcare educator can be a natural next step. Currently, there are 375 job openings in the field, indicating a strong job market.

Common questions about healthcare assistants in elderly care

• What does a healthcare assistant earn in elderly care at an institution?
  - The average salary is 32 800 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and employer.
• How does the salary development look for healthcare assistants in elderly care?
  - Salaries have increased by approximately 7% over the past three years, from 30,700 SEK to 32 800.
• Are there differences in salary between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 32 900 SEK and men 32 300 SEK, meaning women earn 102% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a healthcare assistant in elderly care?
  - Secondary school vocational education or equivalent adult education is required.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Demand is high and expected to increase further in the coming years according to the Employment Service.
• What are the most common job tasks?
  - Personal care, medication management, support during meals, and assistance with daily activities.
• What career opportunities are available?
  - Opportunities to advance to supervisor, coordinator, or further training to become a nurse.