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From The Miami Herald — “The Need for In-Home Care Rises as Baby Boomers Age”

“We have agencies telling us, ‘We need this kind of worker, we need that kind,’” says Julie Northcutt, Caregiverlist.com founder and CEO. “Even in this economy, we’ve had a huge demand. Agencies are growing as fast as they can.”

Finding and training workers for these jobs will become increasingly important as the baby boomer generation, 78 million strong, ages. Studies have found that at-home care is more effective — and less expensive — than similar care in a nursing home or hospital.

From U.S. News & World Report — “How to Become a Savvy Nursing-Home Shopper”

Many so-called “private-pay” facilities do not accept Medicaid patients, but are included in the Caregiverlist ratings. “The staffing ratio is a real, real issue in the industry,” Northcutt advises, “and it’s going to affect the quality of care for your loved one.”

Caregiverlist identifies homes where access may be restricted — for veterans, people with certain acute needs, or patients of a specific hospital — and may include retirement communities with nursing facilities where access to nursing services may be limited to community residents.
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What Is Hepatitis A? Symptoms, Prevention, and Caregiver Tips

June 22, 2026 — Jennie

What Is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV).

The hepatitis A virus spreads when someone ingests it even in small amounts. This often happens through close contact with an infected person. It can also spread by consuming contaminated food or water.

While there is no specific treatment for HAV, people can prevent it with vaccination. According to the World Health Organization, unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease. However, the virus can cause mild to severe symptoms and, in rare instances, can lead to fatal acute liver failure. In 2023, about 35,569 people around the world died from hepatitis A.

Why Is This Important for Caregivers?

The CDC issued a travel advisory for Manitoba because of an ongoing hepatitis A outbreak. While the risk remains low for most people, caregivers should understand how the virus spreads and watch for symptoms.

People over the age of 60 years may experience more severe illness if they become infected. People with chronic liver disease or weakened immune systems also face a higher risk of complications.

What Are The Symptoms for Hepatitis A

Symptoms usually appear two to four weeks after initial exposure. Some people, particularly young children, may not have symptoms. 

Caregivers may notice:

  • Dark urine
  • Clay-colored stools
  • Fatigue or unusual tiredness
  • Fever
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach pain
  • Joint pain
  • Yellow skin or yellowing of the eyes, also called jaundice

Most people recover within two months. Some people may feel ill for up to six months.

What Can Caregivers Do?

Caregivers can help reduce the spread of infection through good hygiene practices. 

Practice Good Handwashing

Wash your hands thoroughly:

  • After using the restroom
  • Before and after preparing food
  • Before eating
  • After helping someone with personal care
  • After handling potentially contaminated items

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch emphasizes that proper handwashing remains one of the best ways to prevent the spread of hepatitis A.

Follow Infection Prevention Practices

  • Use gloves when appropriate
  • Follow agency infection control policies
  • Clean and disinfect shared surfaces
  • Handle food safely
  • Encourage good hygiene habits

Caregivers should not diagnose illness. If you notice symptoms that may be concerning, report them according to the care plan.

What Should Someone Do After Possible Exposure?

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Most people recover with rest and fluids.

Anyone who believes they were exposed should seek medical care immediately. Post-exposure treatment may help prevent infection if received within two weeks of exposure. Encourage clients and family members to contact their healthcare provider if they have questions about exposure or vaccination.

Caring for the Caregiver

Stay informed about public health updates and continue following your agency's infection prevention guidelines. Hepatitis A is one of many infection prevention topics covered in Basic Hygiene and Infection Control courses from the Caregiver Training University. These courses help caregivers build the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe care, reduce the spread of infection, and protect themselves while supporting others.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does hepatitis A spread?

The virus spreads when someone ingests it. This can happen through close contact with an infected person or through contaminated food or water.

Is there a treatment for hepatitis A?

There is no specific treatment that cures hepatitis A. Most people recover with rest, fluids, and supportive care.

What is the best way to prevent hepatitis A?

Vaccination provides strong protection. Proper handwashing also helps prevent the spread of the virus.

Stress Relief Photo of the Week

Summer Fruits for Stress Relief

June 22, 2026 — Barbara Calabrese

One of the joys of summer is the bounty of colorful and healthy fruits that are available to us. This week’s photo was taken at a farmer's market in Chicago, Illinois. This week's quote reminds us that sometimes it is worth taking a chance on trying or learning something new. Just like reaching for fruit, the valuable rewards can be found by stretching outside of our comfort zone. We invite you to take a moment to relax and enjoy our stress relief photo and inspirational quote and share them with loved ones. Thank you caregivers for the care you provide for our seniors. Consider starting a new career and learn more about becoming a senior caregiver. We hope you have a great week ahead.

"Why not go out on a limb? That's where the fruit is."
-Mark Twain

Summer Fruits for Stress Relief

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Caregiver Pay Rates Above Minimum Wage

May 2014 • Shanice Kelly • Background Checks, Caregiver Jobs & Caregiver Training

Senior caregivers assist seniors as companion caregivers and nursing aides in nursing homes, assisted living communities, and senior home care agencies. The pay rate has continued to rise and remains above minimum wage for all professional senior caregivers.

The Caregiverlist® pay survey records pay rates from 34,959 professional senior caregivers. More senior caregivers are needed — anyone with a caring personality may apply to a senior care job in their area on the Caregiverlist® Career Center.



Caregiver Job Growth

Job Growth Chart

Senior Home Care Agencies Continue to Grow Along with Demand

Senior care companies hire from 3 to 6 professional caregivers each week to keep up with demand. Most American seniors do not plan ahead for senior care, and when a sudden medical condition such as a stroke, heart attack, or early stages of memory loss occurs, they immediately need professional senior caregiving services.

The number of senior home care agencies has increased by 40% since 2008. The Caregiverlist® Career Center assists anyone with a caring personality to learn how to become a senior caregiver and submit a job application reaching multiple hiring companies in their area. As the only resource with an ongoing database of experienced, professional senior caregivers, Caregiverlist® allows companies to efficiently hire the most qualified caregivers in their area.