Not Just ‘Maid Work’: How Life Circle Is Helping India’s Gen Z Turn Eldercare Into a Skilled, Dignified Career
India is ageing faster than ever. More than 150 million senior citizens now require support with mobility, chronic illnesses, and daily living — often far beyond what family members can manage alone.
At the same time, millions of young people from rural India are searching for steady incomes, Skills Training, and Career Paths that offer dignity and purpose.
CNA’s feature, “Not Just ‘Maid Work’: Can Elder Caregiving Be a Career For Gen Zs? | Changing Ageing in Asia: India,” shines a spotlight on this powerful intersection.
At its centre is Life Circle Health Services, a Hyderabad-based organisation proving that Elder Caregiving can be a respected profession not merely domestic work and a viable pathway for India’s Gen Z.
Why Eldercare Has Been Misunderstood in India
For decades, eldercare has been seen as “helping at home,” often lumped together with domestic chores. This perception has led many families to seek “maids” instead of Trained Caregivers, and many young workers to shy away from care roles due to social stigma.
But the reality is far more complex.
In the CNA video (01:12), we see a caregiver assisting an elder with severe joint inflammation — a task that requires skill, patience, and medical awareness.
Bathing assistance, mobility support, dementia-friendly communication, nutrition care, and monitoring chronic conditions are not maid tasks — they are professional competencies.
This stigma is exactly what Life Circle is challenging.
Inside India’s New Care Economy: Training Gen Z for Professional Care Roles
At Life Circle’s Training Centre (03:00), rural youth receive structured, hands-on training in:
- Safe mobility & transfer techniques
- Hygiene & bathing assistance
- Nutrition and feeding support
- Medication reminders
- Dementia & behavioural care
- Emergency response
- Communication skills with elders
These modules transform trainees from inexperienced job seekers into professional caregivers ready to support India’s growing elderly population.
This is the care economy — one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in Asia.
“I’m Proud of My Work”: Gen Z Caregivers Finding Meaning and Identity
At 04:33 in the film, we hear from Rahul, a young caregiver who shares the pride he feels in helping elders live with dignity.
For him — and thousands like him — Life Circle offers:
- A stable income
- A sense of purpose
- Professional skills
- Respect in the community
- A stepping stone to healthcare careers
This is not low-status work.
It is essential work, rooted in empathy and skill — and India’s Gen Z is embracing it.
A Launchpad for Nursing, Healthcare, and Overseas Opportunities
Many trainees, including Hemlata and Rahul, dream of pursuing:
- Nursing diplomas
- Advanced caregiving certifications
- Jobs overseas (especially in Japan, Germany, Singapore, and the Gulf)
At 07:30, the video highlights the global shortage of caregivers. With structured Training, Indian youth can step into international roles where eldercare is a formal, respected profession.
Life Circle has become a bridge to this future — offering India’s youth the skills and confidence to join the world’s expanding care workforce.
Changing Attitudes, Changing Lives: What’s Next for Life Circle
At 08:33, CNA explores the organisation’s next chapter:
- Expanding Caregiver Training to reach thousands of youth
- Creating Stronger Career Pathways into nursing and global healthcare
- Supporting families across India with reliable, compassionate eldercare
- Advocating for the recognition of caregiving as a skilled profession
This transformation is supported by the DBS Foundation Impact Beyond Award, which empowers social enterprises building solutions for Asia’s ageing population.
Eldercare Is Not Just ‘Maid Work.’ It Is the Future of Work.
CNA’s exploration of Life Circle reveals a profound truth:
- India does not just need more caregivers — it needs trained, respected, professional care workers.
- For seniors, this means ageing safely and with dignity.
- For young Indians, it means access to stable, meaningful careers in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.
- For India, it means building a care system that honours both its elders and its youth.
- Life Circle is proving that caregiving is not “maid work.”
- It is skilled work, purposeful work, future-ready work and Gen Z is ready to lead the way.
Life Circle’s Commitment to Building a Strong Care Workforce in India
As one of India’s leading home care and caregiver workforce organisations, Life Circle believes that expanding the care economy is essential for:
- Creating dignified Jobs for Women
- Providing reliable caregiving support for families
- Improving health outcomes for seniors
- Reducing the unpaid care burden on women
- Building a compassionate, gender equal society
Our participation in TCII AP strengthens our commitment to professionalising caregiving, Investing in Training, and advocating for policies that uplift caregivers across India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is elder caregiving not just 'maid work'
The cost of home care services in India varies depending on the type of support needed — whether it’s basic attendant care, professional nursing, or physiotherapy. On average, care attendants in India cost between ₹28,000–₹35,000 per month, while skilled nursing or specialized services may range from ₹2,400–₹3,000 per day. At Life Circle, we keep pricing transparent and affordable, with flexible hourly, daily, or monthly packages and discounted long term packages designed to fit family needs without compromising on quality.
Can Gen Z in India build a career in eldercare?
Home care includes a wide range of services designed to keep seniors and patients safe, healthy, and comfortable at home. Life Circle offers:
- Elder care attendants for daily living support (feeding, bathing, mobility help)
- Skilled nursing care for injections, IVs, wound dressing, and post-surgery recovery
- Physiotherapy at home for rehabilitation and mobility improvement
- Palliative and end-of-life care delivered with dignity and compassion
- Companionship services to reduce loneliness and improve emotional well-being
By choosing Life Circle, families receive personalized care at their doorstep, without the stress of frequent hospital visits.
What training does Life Circle provide to caregivers?
Life Circle trains caregivers in safe transfer techniques, hygiene care, nutrition support, dementia care, medication reminders, and emergency response. This prepares them for professional caregiving roles.
Are caregiver jobs in demand in India?
India’s ageing population and rise in chronic illnesses have led to strong demand for trained caregivers who can support elders at home.
Can Indian caregivers work abroad?
Countries like Japan, Germany, Singapore, and Gulf nations face caregiver shortages and offer opportunities to trained Indian caregivers who meet language and certification requirements.
