Senior caregiving is often seen as tough, emotionally draining work. What people don’t realize is how much joy, purpose, and fulfillment come with it.
That’s exactly why Care.com featured Peter Murphy Lewis in their latest article, written by Meg St-Esprit, highlighting the realities, challenges, and rewards of a career in senior care.
Peter, a long-term care advocate, CNA, and executive producer of People Worth Caring About, has spent years bringing real stories of senior caregivers to the forefront. And in February, the documentary series expands to Ohio, followed by three more states throughout the year.
“In America, we’re afraid to talk about the last stages of life, which creates a misconception that working in senior care is depressing,” he told Care.com. “What I’ve learned is that it’s the opposite; this work is about celebrating life and creating moments of joy.”
So, what does it actually mean to build a career in senior caregiving?
A Growing Need for Senior Care Professionals
As America’s Baby Boomer population ages, the demand for senior caregivers is skyrocketing. According to the Institute on Aging, by 2030, the U.S. will have 78 million people over the age of 65—and that number is only going up.
This means caregiving isn’t just rewarding; it’s also a career with real job stability.
“It’s not always what people imagine,” said Jalene Carpenter, president and CEO of the Nebraska Healthcare Association. “It’s about connection, passion, and taking care of our loved ones.”
The Many Paths in Senior Care
One of the biggest misconceptions about senior caregiving? That it’s just about medical care. The reality is there are multiple ways to build a fulfilling career in senior care. Meg St-Esprit highlighted a few in the Care.com feature:
- Companion Caregiving – Providing emotional support, helping with errands, and preventing isolation. No certifications required.
- Personal Care Aides – A more hands-on role assisting with dressing, bathing, toileting, and medication reminders. Still unlicensed, but a stepping stone to more advanced roles.
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) – A short 4–8 week training program opens doors to higher-paying positions in hospitals, private homes, and long-term care facilities.
- Certified Home Health Aides (CHHAs) – A step beyond CNAs, CHHAs work in private homes and require 120 hours of training and certification by the National Association of Home Care and Hospice.
- Specialized roles – Senior transportation, recreation coordinators, and positions in assisted living facilities all play a very important role in senior care.
Why People Choose Caregiving
Early mornings, long shifts, and the emotional weight of looking after people who rely on you. Not everyone is built for senior caregiving. But for many, the moments of connection make it all worth it.
Chris (in the pictures below), a medication aide in Nebraska, is one of them. In People Worth Caring About, he takes Peter through his daily routine at Brookestone View, showing what caregiving looks like up close.
“The smiles say it all,” Chris shared. “You walk into a room, and when someone is happy to see you, it makes you feel appreciated.”
It’s why People Worth Caring About exists: to show the heart behind this work and challenge the way people think about senior care.
Photo credit: Amber Lihs
What’s Next for People Worth Caring About
The journey doesn’t stop in Nebraska. The first season of People Worth Caring About is available to watch for free here, and the response has been incredible. Amazon Prime has invited the series for submission, which means even more people may soon see the real stories behind senior caregiving.
Next up? Ohio in February.
We’re expanding the series to capture more voices, highlight different caregiving challenges, and show what senior care looks like in another part of the country. Three more states are set to follow this year. Alongside the series, we’ve also developed workbooks for staff, high schoolers, and residents to help educate, recruit, and inspire the next generation of caregivers.
A Big Thank You to Care.com and Meg St-Esprit
A huge thank you to Meg St-Esprit and Care.com for highlighting this important work. Senior caregiving deserves real conversations, real recognition, and real support. This feature helps push that forward.
Every caregiver has a story. Thanks to platforms like Care.com and projects like People Worth Caring About, more people are finally starting to understand what this work truly means.
Care providers who want to tell these stories themselves can explore storytelling built for senior care and long-term care brands.
Want to feature the docuseries or learn more about the project? Book a time with Peter!
Communities and ownership groups that want this kind of story told properly can read how we work on our senior living marketing agency page. This builds on our guide to how organizations tell their story.
This Care.com feature is one of Peter’s press and podcast features.
