Direct Care & Support:
* Geriatric Care Manager: Assisting older adults and their families in navigating healthcare, housing, and financial needs.
* Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Home Health Aide: Providing direct personal care to elderly individuals. (Often requires additional certification.)
* Social Worker (with further education): Working with families and older adults facing challenges such as aging in place, elder abuse, or end-of-life care.
* Activities Director (in senior living facilities): Planning and implementing recreational and social activities for residents.
* Residential Counselor (in group homes or assisted living): Providing support and supervision to older adults living in communal settings.
Program Development & Administration:
* Program Coordinator (for senior centers, adult day care, etc.): Managing and overseeing programs and services for older adults.
* Case Manager (in healthcare or social services): Coordinating care and services for clients, including older adults and their families.
* Grant Writer (with further experience): Securing funding for programs serving older adults and families.
* Director of Senior Services (in a municipality or non-profit): Overseeing a department dedicated to the well-being of older adults in a community.
Research & Education:
* Research Assistant or Associate (with further education): Conducting research on aging, family dynamics, and related topics.
* Professor or Teacher (with further education): Teaching family studies and gerontology courses at the college or university level.
Other Related Roles:
* Family Therapist (with further education): Providing therapy to families experiencing various challenges.
* Financial Planner (with further education/certification): Specializing in elder financial planning.
* Advocate for the elderly: Working with organizations to protect the rights and well-being of older adults.
Important Considerations:
* Further Education: Many of the higher-paying and more specialized roles listed above often require a Master's degree (e.g., MSW for social work, M.Ed for teaching) or additional certifications (e.g., CNA).
* Experience: Entry-level positions may require some experience through internships or volunteer work.
* Networking: Building connections in the field through internships, volunteer work, and professional organizations is crucial for career advancement.
A Family Studies and Gerontology degree provides a solid foundation, but further education, training, and experience are often necessary to progress in this field. The specific career paths available will also depend on the individual's interests, skills, and location.