Geriatric Assistants support the certified nursing assistants with a wide variety of tasks. Training requirements and advancement opportunities are generally the same as for certified nursing assistants. This is the entry-level position most commonly found in assisted living residences and retirement communities. This is the entry-level position for individuals interested in food service. Dietary aides help prepare and serve nutritionally balanced foods to frail elders and disabled individuals.
Many dietary aides go on to become food service managers.
This is the entry-level position critical to ensuring the cleanliness and comfort of long term care facility residents. Many of those who start out in the housekeeping and laundry departments either go on to become department heads or decide to enter direct patient care positions as certified nursing assistants or licensed nursing staff. This is an entry-level position for individuals who are interested in rehabilitation services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Rehabilitation aides are certified nursing assistants who work under the supervision of a licensed therapist to assist elderly and disabled individuals in regaining their strength and function after an illness or operation. Many rehabilitation aides go on to become licensed physical, occupational, or speech therapists.