Key takeaways:

• Optum is a large employer for personal care careers. From caregivers and home health aides, to certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and skilled nursing providers, Optum offers meaningful roles that support individuals in their homes and communities.
• Flexible careers that require little to no experience. Whether you’re a student, career changer or experienced professional, personal care roles at Optum provide opportunities to advance in the health care field.
• Make a direct impact while building your future. Personal care professionals at Optum help individuals maintain independence while gaining hands‑on experience.

Whether you are just beginning your health care career journey or considering a meaningful change, personal care services offer a path rooted in compassion, flexibility and purpose. Careers in personal care continue to grow as more individuals seek support that allows them to live with dignity in familiar settings.

At Optum, part of the UnitedHealth Group family of businesses, personal care teams play a vital role in supporting individuals with daily needs while helping them remain connected to their homes and communities. These roles are essential to the broader health care system and provide opportunities for people who want to make a difference every day.

The demand for personal care services is rising steadily. As populations age and preferences shift toward home-based care, the need for caregivers, certified nursing assistants and home health aides continues to expand. These careers offer entry points into health care for students and newcomers, as well as meaningful work for experienced professionals seeking a rewarding career.

One of the greatest benefits of personal care services is the ability to support individuals in environments where they feel most comfortable. Receiving care at home or in a residential community allows people to maintain routines, independence and a sense of control over their daily lives.

This model of care supports both physical and emotional well-being. By focusing on personalized assistance, personal care professionals help individuals manage daily tasks while preserving dignity and quality of life. For families, these services provide reassurance that loved ones are supported with consistency and compassion.

Personal care services include a range of roles that support individuals in different ways, depending on their needs and level of care.

Personal care professionals support individuals through a combination of daily assistance and meaningful human connection. Responsibilities may vary by role and patient needs, but commonly include:

• Personal care such as bathing, dressing and grooming
• Household support, including meal preparation, light housekeeping and companionship
• Transportation and help running errands
• Medical support, such as medication reminders and skilled nursing services

These responsibilities contribute to a holistic approach to care that supports both health and independence.

Personal care careers are well-suited for individuals who value empathy, patience and adaptability. These roles require strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to meet people where they are, both physically and emotionally.

Optum offers tuition-reimbursement programs, continuing education opportunities and a robust learning library, making it possible to enter the field with little or no prior experience. This accessibility allows a wide range of people to explore careers in personal care, including:

• Individuals new to health care
• Career changers seeking meaningful work
• Students pursuing nursing or medical careers
• People looking for flexible shift options ranging from three to 24 hours

This flexibility makes personal care an attractive option for those balancing school, family or other commitments.

Working in personal care services is uniquely rewarding. Every day, you can make a meaningful difference in someone else’s life while also strengthening your own skills and advancing your long‑term career goals.

Rewarding work: Personal care professionals see the direct impact of their support, helping individuals manage daily needs and maintain independence.

Flexibility: A variety of shift options, including part-time, overnight and live-in roles, allow choices for what works best for you.

Career growth: Many professionals use personal care roles as pathways into nursing or specialized care positions.

Cost reduction: Personal care services help reduce overall costs for individuals and the broader health care system.

If you feel called to make a difference and want a career built on compassion and flexibility, personal care services may be the right path for you.

These roles offer opportunities to grow professionally while creating meaningful connections with the people you support.