A recent New York Times article, A Graying Population, a Graying Work Force, talks about older workers comprising at least 30% of the elder care workforce by 2018.

At least 20% of Practical Care’s current employees are over the age of 55 and we hope to add more as our new homemaker program grows. In the past we have concentrated on caring for folks who need heavier care such as assistance with personal care but due to recent requests we are restarting our homemaker program to help those who just need a little bit of help to remain independent. This is the perfect job for a retiree as the hours are flexible and short.

And I can tell you from past experience that caregivers over 55 tend to have better work ethics. Not that I all my caregivers aren’t brilliant in their own way, older workers just seem to have more sympathy for elders. They go to work even on days when their joints hurt and they seem to develop friendships with their clients faster.

There are exceptions from the clients mentioned in the article though! My mother loves her younger caregiver. They talk about kids and school and life. The challenge of being a mother doesn’t change all that much over the years and my mother had lots of experience after having seven kids. I have thought of cutting back the caregivers hours but my mother looks forward to her visits so much that I don’t have the heart to cut her off from someone who has become a friend.

The are pluses and minuses to every generation but all elder caregivers tend to be caring and dedicated individuals who always work hard to help their clients remain independent and motivate them to find meaning in life.