Employment and jobs

Working as a caregiver in Luxembourg: wages, requirements, documents

A career as a caregiver is a noble endeavor and a vital contribution to society. Among healthcare professionals, caregivers stand closest to patients in hospitals, ensuring hygiene, comfort, and assistance with daily tasks for the dependent.

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Caregiver jobs in Luxembourg play a crucial role in healthcare, often intertwined with nursing roles. However, distinctions between caregivers and nurses are vital. While both are present in hospitals and clinics, they differ significantly in the scope of their responsibilities and qualifications, making it essential to understand the nuances when seeking opportunities in this field.

Which positions are most demanded in Luxembourg?

Due to the constant population growth, aging demographics, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and other health issues, the demand for healthcare professionals in Luxembourg is substantial and continues to increase.

To examine the demand for caregivers in detail, we'll refer to the sectoral study conducted by the Ministry of Labor (MT) and the Employment Development Agency (ADEM) on the healthcare sector from 2020 to 2022.

This study is based on vacant positions reported to ADEM. According to the study, 13.2% of the declared positions in the healthcare sector correspond to caregivers, placing this profession second after nursing, which represents 22.1% of the positions. Following are senior aides and family support aides, accounting for 6.6% of the demand.

It's important to note that physician positions are rarely declared to ADEM, so their reported proportion of 1.7% does not accurately reflect the real market demand. Physicians are actually highly sought after, potentially even more than caregivers.

Source: ADEM

13.2%

of the most sought-after positions correspond to the caregiver profession

22.1%

of the most sought-after positions correspond to the nursing profession

6.6%

of the most sought-after positions correspond to the senior aide and family support aide professions

Overview of the caregiver jobs in Luxembourg

Caregivers are pivotal in the healthcare system, as they support nurses, doctors, and patients. It's important to distinguish this profession from nursing, as they differ significantly in both scope and required qualifications.

A caregiver, often working under the supervision of a nurse, is responsible for providing hygiene and comfort care to individuals who are ill or dependent. They assist those who have undergone illness, hospitalization, or permanent conditions, helping them maintain independence. Caregiving tasks include changing dressings, taking vital signs, measuring blood glucose levels, assisting with bathing and dressing, aiding in feeding and hydration, observing and reporting changes in patients, and handling patient movement and transportation.

Caregivers can operate in various settings, both public and private, including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, retirement homes, convalescent homes, centers for people with disabilities, or in-home care services for the elderly.

Pros and cons

Caregivers in Luxembourg enjoy a wide range of tasks across various hospital departments throughout their careers. While standard tasks are associated with the role, they can evolve or change depending on the type of care provided and the patient demographics in different departments. For instance, differences exist between surgical units and more traditional medical departments or nursing homes

This profession allows collaboration with diverse healthcare professionals, fostering continuous career development

With experience, caregivers can access additional training, such as nursing courses, paving the way for advancement to positions of responsibility

Caregiving is inherently rewarding, centered around improving individuals' well-being and quality of life

Recruitment for caregivers is frequent due to high demand and retirement turnover. Few caregivers are unemployed, a trend likely to continue with an aging population and sustained demand

Caregivers may require significant availability and may be required to work night shifts, weekends, and holidays according to patient needs

The proximity to illness, death, and social hardship can be emotionally challenging. Psychological resilience is essential for those considering this profession

In certain settings like hospital emergency departments, work can be particularly stressful, especially during staffing shortages

Despite their essential role, caregivers often face undervaluation and inadequate compensation

Caregivers may be exposed to diseases and infections due to direct patient contact

Training and skills required to work as a caregiver

How to become a caregiver?

If you're wondering how to become a caregiver in Luxembourg, the answer lies in pursuing a DAP (Diplôme d’Aptitude Professionnelle) training in the field of caregiving. This diploma qualifies individuals for employment as skilled workers and typically spans three years under an apprenticeship or internship contract, with a minimum of 12 weeks of practical training.

An example of caregiver training in Luxembourg is the DAP Aide-Soignant offered by the Lycée Technique pour les Professsionels de Santé.

One important thing to consider, before working as a caregiver, you will need to obtain a record of no criminal offense. You can read more about it in our dedicated article in Blog in Documents section.

In addition to training and excluding the competencies specific to the profession, there are multiple soft skills necessary to exercise this profession:

Empathy

Compassion towards patients is paramount, requiring the ability to understand and identify their emotions easily

Assertive Communication

Social skills such as communication, assertiveness, and empathy facilitate the development of soft skills, fostering effective connections with patients and colleagues

Positive Attitude

While a healthcare career can be rewarding, it comes with challenges that require a positive outlook to overcome

Flexibility

Many healthcare roles don't adhere to a traditional 9-to-5 schedule. Being adaptable and prepared for rotating shifts or sacrificing weekends is essential for success in this field

How to get a caregiver job in Luxembourg?

Now we will venture into the world of caregiver jobs in Luxembourg, exploring the various employment opportunities available in different sectors and assessing the demand for these professionals in the country.

Different positions to work as a caregiver in Luxembourg

As a caregiver, there are various environments to work in, ranging from public to private settings, including people's homes. So, let's explore some of the available job positions in each environment.

Caregiver in Hospital or Clinic

Caregivers in hospitals or clinics have a multifaceted role. They ensure patients' comfort by making beds, maintaining cleanliness, and upholding hygiene standards. Additionally, they monitor patients' health status and provide hygiene and comfort care as per medical recommendations and instructions from the healthcare team. Caregivers work as part of the healthcare team, under the authority of the director of nursing services, and collaborate closely with nurses.

Caregiver in Rehabilitation Center

Caregivers in rehabilitation centers work with a specific population: individuals with disabilities resulting from congenital conditions, accidents, illnesses, or aging. Patients may have experienced conditions like stroke, amputation, Parkinson's disease, among others. Caregivers provide care, support, and assistance tailored to the needs of each individual, helping them regain or maintain independence and physical and psychological well-being.

Caregiver in Nursing Home

Caregivers in nursing homes focus on ensuring residents' hygiene, comfort, and well-being. They assist dependent individuals with daily activities, promote autonomy, measure health parameters, aid nurses in providing care, maintain the residents' immediate environment, and provide support and information to residents and their families. Caregivers in nursing homes play a crucial role in enhancing residents' quality of life and ensuring their overall welfare.

Caregiver at Home

Caregivers who work in home care are part of the Home Nursing Care Service. They assist individuals in their homes, helping them regain or maintain autonomy and collaborating with nurses to provide certain medical treatments. Home caregivers possess a wide range of skills beyond medical care; they build trust with clients, listen to their needs, respect their routines, and adapt their care approach accordingly. They may provide services such as maintaining hygiene, ensuring proper posture, preventing bedsores, and alerting nurses to any changes in the client's health condition.

Luxembourg establishments recruiting caregivers

If you're interested in the healthcare field and wondering where to find caregiver jobs in Luxembourg, we've got you covered. In this section, we'll explore the top job portals and examine the best places to find employment opportunities in Luxembourg.

Luxembourg establishments recruiting caregivers

Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL)

As the primary hospital center in the capital, CHL comprises four major poles: CHL Centre, CHL Maternity, CHL KannerKlinik, and CHL Eich. Regularly in need of professionals across various healthcare areas, CHL offers a wide range of medical services and specialties.

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Centre Hospitalier Neuro-Psychiatrique (CHNP)

This is the largest psychiatric hospital in Luxembourg, structured into three entities: Rehaklinik, Centre Pontalize, and De Park, each dedicated to specific patient populations.

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Luxembourg Red Cross (Croix-Rouge luxembourgeoise)

As the Luxembourg branch of the global Red Cross, this organization boasts a 160-year history and a network of 192 national organizations worldwide, providing humanitarian aid and healthcare services.

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Médecins du Monde Luxembourg

Médecins du Monde is an international medical humanitarian organization that delivers healthcare to vulnerable populations globally and in Luxembourg, advocating for health access and rights.

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SERVIOR

Is the national leader in comprehensive elderly care in Luxembourg, offering various services across 15 centers and frequently recruiting caregivers to bolster their teams.

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Päiperléck

Providing a wide range of home care services 24/7 throughout Luxembourg, Päiperléck is committed to assisting clients with diverse needs.

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Elysis

Elysis provides a supportive living environment for elderly individuals with physical and/or cognitive impairments, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives despite their dependency.

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Stëftung Hëllef Doheem

With over 2,000 highly skilled employees, Stëftung Hëllef Doheem is the largest network for home care services in Luxembourg.

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Fondation Jean-Pierre Pescatore

This more than century-old institution, a pioneer in nursing homes, was established based on Jean-Pierre Pescatore's testamentary provisions, aimed at providing charitable care in Luxembourg City.

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Job portals

For comprehensive market research on job opportunities, the internet proves to be an invaluable resource. Numerous job portals host thousands of job listings, allowing users to filter by industry, location, educational requirements, or necessary work experience.

Among the international portals are eures.europa.eu (the European Union's portal), eurojobs.com, eurojobsites.com, experteer.com, indeed.com, page.com and LinkedIn.com.

For local opportunities in Luxembourg, prominent portals include jobfinder.lu, jobs.lu, monster.lu, and moovijob.com. Each portal offers a unique set of opportunities, allowing you to tailor your job search to your preferences and career goals.

Freelance and interim work as a caregiver in Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, freelance opportunities for caregivers are primarily available in certain instances, such as providing home care services. This flexibility allows caregivers to work independently and tailor their services to individual clients' needs.

Additionally, caregivers in Luxembourg can also engage in temporary employment contracts. These arrangements are common due to fluctuating demand in healthcare settings, allowing caregivers to fill short-term staffing needs or cover for absences, providing them with flexibility in their work schedules.

Some advantages and disadvantages of working through temporary agencies include:

Flexibility in scheduling allows employees to accommodate personal commitments

Exposure to diverse work environments enhances skill development and industry knowledge

Opportunity to earn additional income through overtime or weekend shifts

Potential for networking and career advancement by gaining experience in various establishments

Lack of job security and stability, leading to uncertainty about future employment

Limited access to benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off

Potential for inconsistent income due to fluctuations in work availability

Limited opportunities for professional development and advancement within the organization

What else can you read on the topic of employment in Luxembourg?

You will find a variety of articles on job search, career development, and workplace culture in our dedicated section of the Blog. Check it out.

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Salaries for caregivers in Luxembourg in 2024

Having explored various aspects of the caregiving profession, we now turn to a crucial point: caregiver salaries in Luxembourg. Luxembourg generally fares well in terms of salaries, with rates often exceeding the European average, and caregiver salaries are no exception. However, actual earnings depend on the specific role and individual experience.

According to Paylab, the salary for a caregiver ranges between 1600 euros and 4239 euros gross per month, which gives a first idea of the remuneration levels in the caregiver field in Luxembourg.

Wage one can count on

The salary range for caregivers professionals in Luxembourg typically spans from 1,600 euros (average minimum wage) to 4,239 euros (average highest median salary).

What papers do you need as a foreigner?

For European nationals, the process of working in Luxembourg is relatively straightforward, given the freedom to live and work in any European country. However, navigating the paperwork becomes essential if you are not a European national.

The requirements vary based on your circumstances, distinguishing between employed and self-employed roles. Additionally, familial situations, such as having a Luxembourgish or European partner, can impact the process.

Common documents and prerequisites typically include:Common documents and prerequisites typically include: