Why is the senior care industry dominated by women? Is it because the caregiver role has historically fallen to women, so it has continued this path thru the growth and professionalization of the industry?
The wife has always cared for the children and the elderly parents, and beyond that, the nursing industry has always been dominated by women, so rather in home or in a senior care setting, the elderly are bound to be cared for mostly by women.
As the industry has grown, we have seen more men included, mostly on the corporate and business side of things, plus thru the services like dining, maintenance, transportation, etc… which are offered at many retirement & assisted living communities. And the influx of men into the field of nursing continues to grow.
Will the aging care industry continue to be dominated by women or will it one day even out? Does our society expect to be cared for by women? Does it make them more comfortable? Would a change be accepted?
With changes in the economy and also in the social acceptance of men in parenting and caregiving roles, it will be interesting to watch the shift in caregiver demographics, which, I think will occur in some degree. Another question if this does happen: With the women residents outnumbering men by a great number in most cases, will they be accepting of having more male caregivers, or will this create insecurities?