There is now more than ever a need for professional care services for older individuals, not only for treatment, but also to maintain their quality of life, support their independence, and enable them to live with dignity.
Geriatric care, one of the most important healthcare fields of today and the future, is not just a profession; it is a specialized field that directly touches human lives, combining scientific knowledge with strong human values.
Atlas University's Elderly Care Program aims not only to equip its students with technical knowledge but also to train them as healthcare professionals who can assess the physical, psychological, and social needs of elderly individuals with a holistic approach, adhere to ethical values, possess strong communication skills, and effectively utilize technology.
On this page, you will discover not only our department but also the present, future, and career opportunities in elderly care from the perspective of leading figures in the sector.
Why Elderly Care?
Türkiye and the world are aging rapidly.
With increasing life expectancy, rising chronic diseases, the prevalence of nuclear families, and the growing need for professional care services, geriatric care is becoming one of the fastest-growing areas of the healthcare sector.
Older people no longer want only basic care.
Staying independent…
Being involved in social life…
Taking advantage of technology…
Participating in decision-making processes…
To feel valued…
All of these have become integral parts of modern elderly care.
This change is increasing the need for qualified geriatric care professionals every day.
What does the industry say?
Extensive interviews with leading representatives of the aged care sector highlight a common theme:
The greatest need of the future will be well-trained elderly care professionals.
Burç ÖZERGÜL / Founder of bakimevinden.com Platform
“The greatest need is for qualified care personnel with specialized knowledge and skills in elderly care. In addition, nurses, gerontologists, psychologists, and social workers who can coordinate care processes are also a significant necessity. In elderly care, the need is growing every day for human resources specializing not only in basic care skills but also in areas such as dementia, Alzheimer's, chronic disease management, communication, and family counseling.”
Dr. Gaye ESMERAY, Assistant Professor / Chairperson of the Board of Directors of GAYA Nursing Units
“With the aging population, the need for geriatric nurses, care staff, psychologists, social workers, and rehabilitation teams is increasing every day. The importance of professionals specializing in dementia and Alzheimer's disease is growing, in particular. In addition, there is a need for employees who are proficient in using technology, adept at teamwork, and exhibit a person-centered approach.”
Gerontologist Meryem CEYHAN / Beşiktaş Municipality Local Government
“The most critical shortage in the sector is in certified geriatric care technicians and caregivers who are knowledgeable about the biology and psychology of the elderly and respect individual autonomy. In addition, there is a growing need for specialists who can implement cognitive and psychosocial programs for individuals in the early stages of dementia, as well as gerontologists who can holistically coordinate all health, social, and legal processes for the elderly.”
What will be the biggest need of the sector in the next 5 years?
Süleyman TUNA / Chairman of the Board of Directors of ÇAREM Care Centers
“In the next 5 years, the biggest need in the sector will be qualified human resources who can not only provide care but also understand the physical, social, and emotional needs of elderly individuals. Because the future of care is not just about providing services, but about providing quality and trustworthy life support.”
What kind of career path awaits geriatric care technicians in the next 10 years?
Teoman Serdar BAYRAK / Owner of Asude Life and Health Center
“With the increasing aging population, the need for qualified personnel in elderly care will further increase. Home care services, day care centers, nursing homes, palliative care centers, and technological care systems will develop. Technicians who can use digital health applications (we are also developing software for this in our organization), have strong communication skills, and can work in multidisciplinary teams will provide a significant advantage.”
What would you say to young people considering choosing this field of study?
Gerontologist Melik Emre YAŞAR / Darülaceze Presidency
“This is a profession that will continue as long as there are people. Sometimes it's a way to earn money, sometimes it's a way for our loved ones to consult us. It's a profession where you can constantly find job opportunities in the private and public sectors, both domestically and internationally. It's a profession where your own knowledge and experience are your capital.”
What makes geriatric care one of the professions of the future?
Prof. Dr. Melih BULUT / Founder of the Healthcare Cooperation Platform
“Due to demographic and economic realities, the whole world is aging rapidly. Moreover, people are aging with at least one chronic disease after the age of 58.”
What are the benefits of the Atlas University Elderly Care Program?
Success in elderly care is not limited to knowing technical applications alone.
Professionals working in this field;
* You must be able to understand human behavior,
* Must be able to communicate effectively,
* They should be able to develop empathy.
* Must be able to use technology,
* Must be able to work in coordination with the healthcare team,
* They must be able to act in accordance with ethical values.
Atlas University's Elderly Care Program also builds its educational process entirely on this approach.
Throughout the program, students combine theoretical knowledge with practical application, learning to assess the physical, psychological, and social needs of older adults from a holistic perspective.
Competencies Expected from Recent Graduates
Today, in the healthcare sector, personal skills are just as important as diplomas.
According to industry representatives, a successful geriatric care technician;
* Possesses strong communication skills,
* able to empathize,
* committed to ethical values
* good at teamwork,
* responsible,
* open to learning,
* adaptable to technology
He/She must be a professional.
Program Head Lecturer Meliha Akpınar Alaoğlu's assessment also supports this approach:
“Graduates of the Geriatric Care Program possess not only technical knowledge but also strong communication, empathy, and patience as their most important competencies. A successful technician should be a healthcare professional who respects the privacy of the elderly, can quickly recognize changes in their health status, is responsible, and absolutely committed to ethical values. Today, graduates who are adept at teamwork, have strong problem-solving skills, and can adapt to technology are more preferred in the job market. In short, a good geriatric care technician is not just a caregiver, but a holistic healthcare professional who aims to improve the quality of life of the elderly and inspires confidence.”
