What does a care assistant in elderly care do? – Tasks and work environment
A care assistant in elderly care is responsible for providing daily support and care to older adults living in specialized housing. Tasks include assistance with personal hygiene, dressing, meals, mobility, as well as offering social support and creating a sense of security for residents. Often, simpler health and medical interventions delegated by nurses are included, along with cleaning rooms and common areas, and documenting care activities. The work environment involves close contact with people, varied tasks, and sometimes heavy lifting, requiring both physical and mental endurance. Irregular working hours, including evenings and weekends, are common in the profession.
Salary development over time
The salary for a care assistant in elderly care has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,700 SEK, which increased to 27 900 SEK in 2023 and reached 28 700 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 7.5% over three years, slightly above the general salary trend on the labor market for similar professions. This trend can be explained by the increasing demand for workforce in elderly care, driven both by an aging population and difficulties in recruiting staff. The profession’s societal importance and the rising skill requirements have also contributed to gradually improving wages.
Care assistant in elderly care salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 28 700 SEK/month
- Lowest salary (men): 26,900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary (women): 27,000 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 30,200 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 172 SEK
- Gender differences: None, men and women have the same average and top salaries
- Regional differences: Slight variations, but generally higher salaries in metropolitan areas
Many care assistants in elderly care report that it is the human interactions and strong relationships with residents that make the profession particularly meaningful – a dimension often valued more than the salary itself.
Education and qualifications
To work as a care assistant in elderly care, usually no formal university education is required, but a high school diploma in health and social care is highly meritorious and often a prerequisite for employment. Employers value practical experience and personal suitability highly. There are also opportunities to supplement knowledge through short courses, validation, or on-the-job training.
- High school diploma: Health and social care program, 3 years
- Adult education (Komvux/Vuxenutbildning): Adult education in health and social care, duration varies
- Certifications: Courses in dementia care, transfer techniques, etc.
- Practical training: Workplace-based learning during education or as an introduction
- Prerequisites: Often Swedish at basic school level
Common benefits and compensations
Care assistants in elderly care are usually offered overtime pay for evening and weekend work, wellness allowances, work clothing, and opportunities for skills development through internal training. Some employers also provide extra vacation days, pension contributions, and insurance via collective agreements.
Competition and challenges
The labor market for care assistants in elderly care is characterized by high demand and recruitment challenges, especially for part-time and night shifts. Many employers report difficulties finding staff with the right skills and engagement, which can lead to high workload for existing staff. Physically demanding tasks and psychologically challenging situations, such as dealing with residents with dementia, are common. At the same time, there are good opportunities for motivated individuals to develop within the care sector.
Tips for those who want to become a care assistant in elderly care
To succeed as a care assistant in elderly care, it is beneficial to have genuine compassion for others and a desire to make a difference in everyday life. Good teamwork skills facilitate problem-solving within the team, and flexibility is important since tasks can vary greatly. Patience and attentiveness are crucial when meeting older people with special needs, and a positive attitude contributes to a pleasant work environment for colleagues and residents. Taking the initiative to pursue further education or additional courses, such as dementia care, can provide increased confidence and career opportunities. Finally, being resilient and able to handle unexpected situations with calmness and professionalism is valuable, as the work often involves quick adjustments and complex care scenarios.
Key facts about Care Assistant, elderly care
- Salary range: 26,900–30,200 SEK/month
- Educational level: High school diploma or equivalent adult education
- Hourly wage: 172 SEK
- Work environment: Shift work, close contact with elderly, physically and mentally demanding
- Demand: Very high, especially with an aging population
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a care assistant in elderly care, there are opportunities to advance to assistant nurse through further education or validation of work experience. Other career options include specializing in dementia care or taking on supervisory roles such as coordinator. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that job opportunities in the care assistant profession are very good nationwide, and demand is expected to increase further over the next five years, especially due to the rapidly growing elderly population. At the beginning of 2024, there were a total of 375 job openings in the field, highlighting the strong job market for those interested in working in elderly care.
Frequently asked questions about Care Assistant, elderly care
- What does a Care Assistant, elderly care, earn?
- The average salary is 28 700 SEK per month, with a range between 26,900 and 30,200 SEK.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- No, both men and women have the same average and top salaries within the profession.
- What is the job market like for care assistants in elderly care?
- Demand is very high and expected to increase further in the coming years.
- What education is required to work as a care assistant in elderly care?
- High school education in health and social care is advantageous and often a requirement for employment, but adult education options are also available.
- What are the most common tasks?
- Personal care, assistance with meals, social support, and basic health interventions.
- Are there opportunities for further education?
- Yes, many advance to assistant nurse or specialize in areas such as dementia care.
- What are the working hours like?
- Often shift work with evenings, nights, and weekends.
