Seniors get help; Unemployed get jobs

AUSTIN (KXAN) - With the unemployment rate reaching record highs earlier this year, many are looking for work.
As a result, a career choice most did not think about is getting many off the unemployment line.
Home care giver businesses are seeing a boost in the number of applicants and the number of people needing the service.
Wilma Vanlondon worked hard to raise her children and help run a company, but in her later years, she needs a little help. So, she hired the help of a home care worker.

"When I started falling all over the house,” said Wilma Vanlondon. “I would fall and couldn't get up and that I had to have somebody."

She needed the companionship while her children live busy lives. Nicole Henry recently graduated and needed a job.

“I just graduated in December,” said Nicole Henry. “I wanted to do something I could still use my degree while studying for the boards. That takes care of people. That's what I love to do is make people smile."

Henry is joining a group of people who are assisting seniors. The home care industry is seeing a boost in applicants and there are jobs to be filled.

"It's mainly due to the growth of the senior population here and it's proven that the demographics with the seniors is going to increase with the baby boomers reaching age 65 by the year 2020," said Moire Hayes, with Senior Helpers.

She says most applicants are young or mothers wanting flexible schedules. They want people who have a patient demeanor to help around the house, with appointments and to be a companion.
To get a job as a home health caregiver does require some level of experience. You will receive training and the pay is anywhere between $9 and $11 an hour.
Vanlondon and Henry say this job is worth the money and the time.