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As nursing home costs soar in the United States, many families are opting instead to hire in-home caregivers to assist elderly family members.

Nancy Cole was working as a housekeeper at a local hospital in Seaford, Del., in 2003 when her 92-year-old grandmother fell and broke her hip. She cared for her grandmother while also continuing in her full-time job. When her grandmother passed away five years later, Cole started thinking about becoming a full-time senior care giver.

She enrolled in nursing school, moved to a nursing track at the hospital, and earned her certified nursing license in 2007. The following year, she decided to work for herself as an independent caregiver.

Cole now takes care of clients five days a week, and works overnight as well at times. It's hard and rewarding work, she said.

"To succeed at being a caregiver, you have to be compassionate, patient and kind," said Cole. "You also have to enjoy giving back to others."

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