Nursing assistant, elderly

What does a care assistant within elderly care do? – Tasks and work environment

A care assistant within elderly care works closely with seniors to provide support and assistance in daily life, both at home and in specialized residences. Tasks include personal care, help with meals, dressing, hygiene, and mobility. Practical chores such as cleaning, laundry, and accompanying residents to walks or doctor visits are also common. The work environment involves social interaction, physical activity, and often irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. Working as a care assistant requires attentiveness, patience, and the ability to adapt to individual needs and preferences.

Salary development over time

The salary for care assistants, elderly has shown steady and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,700 SEK per month, increasing to 27 900 SEK in 2023. Most recently, in 2024, the average salary has increased further to 28 700 SEK per month, representing a total increase of approximately 7.5% over three years. This trend is linked to increased demand for workforce in elderly care, driven by an aging population and growing need for care services. Salary trends have also been influenced by political investments in welfare and collective bargaining agreements benefiting the profession. Despite positive development, salaries still remain on the lower end within the healthcare sector, but a balanced gender distribution and equal pay between women and men are clearly observed.

Care assistant within elderly care – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 28 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 26,900 SEK/month (male, municipal sector), 27,000 SEK/month (female)
• Highest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (private sector employee, both men and women)
• Hourly wage: 172 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: None – women and men earn equally
• Regional differences: Salary variations may occur, but detailed statistics are lacking

Education and qualifications

To work as a care assistant within elderly care, no formal vocational certification is usually required, but employers prefer applicants who have completed the Care and Welfare program in secondary school or have equivalent experience. Introductory training or internal courses are often offered upon employment, and practical experience is highly valued. Many employers also appreciate personal qualities such as empathy and responsibility.

• Care and Welfare program: Secondary school education, 3 years
• Internal courses/certifications: Introductory training is often provided upon hiring
• Internship: Workplace-based learning (APL) is common within secondary education
• Prerequisites: No formal certification required, but education or experience is advantageous
• Tips for choosing: Commitment to care work and good Swedish skills in speaking and writing facilitate employment

Common benefits and compensations

The profession often includes benefits such as overtime pay for work during unsociable hours, wellness allowances, and sometimes opportunities for skill development through training. Occupational pension and collective agreements are standard in both municipal and private sectors, and insurance and extra vacation days are common depending on employment terms.

Competition and challenges

The job market for care assistants within elderly care is characterized by high demand and good employment opportunities, but the profession faces challenges such as high pace, risk of physical injuries, and sometimes resource shortages. Recruitment difficulties occur partly because many work part-time and working conditions can be demanding. High staff turnover and workload variation depending on the workplace and region are also common. Meeting the individual needs of elderly persons requires flexibility and patience, which place high demands on the professional.

Tips for those wanting to become a care assistant within elderly care

To succeed as a care assistant within elderly care, it is good to be attentive and empathetic, which makes it easier to meet and understand the needs of the elderly in daily life. Demonstrating responsibility, such as punctuality and thoroughness in tasks, is appreciated by colleagues and care recipients. Good teamwork skills facilitate communication within the team and contribute to a safe and pleasant work environment. Flexibility is also important, as working hours often vary and tasks can change quickly. Being proactive and willing to make independent decisions in unexpected situations can be crucial for creating security for the elderly. Patience and stress resilience are qualities that help handle challenging days and provide good service even under pressure. Continuously seeking development and participating in training or new methods enhances both personal competence and job satisfaction.

Key facts about Care Assistant, Elderly

• Average salary: 28 700 SEK/month
• Salary range: 26,900–30,200 SEK/month
• Education level: Secondary education (Care and Welfare program) recommended
• Work environment: Physically active, close contact with elderly, varied working hours
• Demand: Very high – 375 available jobs and increasing needs according to forecasts

Career paths and future prospects

A care assistant within elderly care can, after a few years of experience, advance to more qualified roles such as assistant nurse or supervisor in home care and special residences. Further training and internal courses can enable specialization in dementia care, rehabilitation, or administrative tasks. According to the Employment Service’s forecast, job opportunities are expected to be very good over the next five years, with increasing demand due to an aging population and a growing need for care personnel. The profession thus offers stable future prospects and good opportunities for further development within healthcare and social care.

Frequently asked questions about Care Assistant, Elderly

• What does a Care Assistant, Elderly, earn?
  - The average salary is 28 700 SEK/month, with a range between 26,900 and 30,200 SEK/month.
• How do gender differences in salaries look within elderly care?
  - There are no gender differences; women and men earn equally.
• What education is required to become a care assistant within elderly care?
  - The Care and Welfare program in secondary school is recommended, but formal certification is not always necessary.
• What does the job market look like for care assistants within elderly care?
  - Demand is very high, with 375 available jobs and an outlook of increased need in the future.
• What is the typical hourly wage for a care assistant within elderly care?
  - The average hourly wage is 172 SEK.
• Are there opportunities for career development?
  - Yes, further training can lead to roles such as assistant nurse or supervisor.
• What workplace risks exist?
  - Physical strain injuries and stress occur, especially during high pace and staff shortages.