Living assistants can earn high salaries, especially when they are working in senior living communities. American Senior Benefits and Ilitch Holdings pay their community living aids a median salary of $44,260. However, there are some basic requirements to become a living assistant.
Responsibilities of a Living Assistant
A living assistant performs a number of tasks to support residents in the comfort of their own homes. They provide personal services, monitor patient condition, and advise family members on proper housekeeping and nutrition. They also help the residents engage in group activities. As part of their job, living assistants participate in educational programs designed to increase the residents' socialization and interpersonal skills.
As a part of the healthcare team, a resident's living assistant helps with daily activities and takes them to appointments or supervised outings. Sometimes, they can also administer medication to residents. A living aid typically has a high school degree and reports to the supervisor who oversees all of his or her duties. He or she could have between 0 and 1 years of experience depending on the job.
Required education to become a living assistant
Living assistants usually need at least a high-school diploma. This job requires you to take courses in math, social studies, chemistry, biology and other related subjects. CNA training is offered by some community colleges as part of their diploma programs. If you're just starting out, this may be a great way to get the education you need to be a living assistant.
