“It Hits Me Right Here at my Heart”: Promoting Emotional Health of Home Care Workers

Janssen, Leah; Abbott, Katherine

doi:10.1177/07334648221127690

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…9,11,27 This finding is consistent with other recent studies but offers a post-COVID-19 perspective on how these conditions have had lasting outcomes. [39][40][41] It should be noted that HHAs may be coping with stress and poor mood in a variety of ways.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Additionally, we found that aspects of the job itself (lack of safety, challenging communication practices, etc) influenced participants’ mood and stress which have been reported as worsening during the COVID-19 pandemic . This finding is consistent with other recent studies but offers a post–COVID-19 perspective on how these conditions have had lasting outcomes …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Mental Health and Well-Being Among Home Health Aides

Yanez Hernandez,

Kuo,

Henriquez Taveras

et al. 2024

JAMA Netw Open

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ImportanceHome health aides and attendants (HHAs) provide essential care to older adults and those with chronic conditions in the home. However, some HHAs struggle with poor mood and stress, which may have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.ObjectiveTo elicit HHAs’ perspectives toward mental health and well-being, including how their job influences both and how to better support the workforce in the future.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsFor this qualitative study, focus groups and interviews with HHAs were facilitated in English and Spanish from August 17, 2022, to February 9, 2023, in partnership with the 1199SEIU Training and Employment Fund, a benefit fund of the 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and the largest health care union in the US. Included were HHAs at risk for poor mental health and well-being, which were defined as having at least mild or more symptoms on either the 8-item Personal Health Questionnaire depression scale, the 4-item Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, or the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale.ExposureMental health and well-being of HHAs.Main Outcomes and MeasuresFocus groups and interviews were audio recorded, professionally transcribed, and translated. A thematic analysis was performed that was informed by Pender’s Health Promotion Model and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Total Worker Health model.ResultsA total of 28 HHAs from 14 different agencies participated (mean [SD] age, 54.3 [10.8] years; 26 female [93%]). Seventeen participants (61%) spoke Spanish at home. Five key themes emerged: (1) HHAs’ attitudes toward mental health and well-being were influenced by a variety of personal and cultural factors; (2) HHAs’ relationships with their patients impacted their mood in both positive and negative ways; (3) structural and organizational aspects of the job, alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, impacted HHAs’ mood and stress levels; (4) HHAs used a variety of strategies to cope with their emotions; and (5) HHAs were eager for interventions that can improve their mood, particularly those that bring them closer to their colleagues.Conclusions and RelevanceThese findings suggest that HHAs’ mental health and well-being may be influenced by both personal and occupational factors. Interventions and policies to better support their emotional well-being on the job are warranted.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mental Health and Well-Being Among Home Health Aides

Yanez Hernandez,

Kuo,

Henriquez Taveras

et al. 2024

JAMA Netw Open

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Increased demand for in-home aged care impeded by a lack of HRM supports for in-home care workers: a scoping review

Cavanagh,

Meacham,

Pariona-Cabrera

et al. 2024

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PurposeThe purpose of the scoping review is to develop understandings around the high demand for in-home healthcare for the aged and how to find ways to better support declining numbers of in-home care workers and healthcare professionals. The scoping review highlights the role of human resource management (HRM) in this sector.Design/methodology/approachThis scoping review of literature takes a systematic approach to identify themes on the aged care sector and levels of support for in-home care. We map the literature from specific databases to find themes.FindingsIt is important for HRM of aged care service providers to understand the key issues around homecare workers and healthcare professionals. There are key issues for stakeholders, such as clients’ health needs, organizations struggling to recruit and retain healthcare workers, and it is critical to know how such issues impact on clients and the healthcare workforce.Originality/valueThere is a dearth of literature on in-home care for the aged, and therefore, we contribute to understandings about the competing pressures surrounding the demand for in-home care versus the declining number of homecare workers and professional healthcare workers in this sector. We highlight the lack of HRM support from aged care providers and the impact on homecare workers.

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Sustaining a Workforce: Reflections on Work from Home and Community Care Nurses Transitioning out of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nizzer,

Baliga,

McKay

et al. 2024

SAGE Open Nursing

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Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on nurses’ well-being and desire to practice; however, the experience of Canadian home and community care nurses remains less well understood. As the health human resources crisis in this sector persists, understanding these nurses’ experiences may be vital in creating more effective retention strategies. Objective The aim of this study was to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic shaped the working experiences, motivations, and attitudes of home and community care nurses in the Greater Toronto Area. Methods Using an exploratory, descriptive, qualitative approach, 16 home and community care nurses participated in semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using collaborative thematic analysis. Participants shared their reflections on work by detailing their experiences prepandemic, during crisis, transitioning out of crisis, and regarding pandemic recovery. Results During the COVID-19 pandemic inadequate staffing resources during and beyond the crisis period disrupted many desirable facets of work for home and community care nurses such as stable, balanced, and flexible work conditions, and exacerbated the unfavorable aspects such as isolation and inconsistent support. Many nurses were reevaluating their careers: for some, this meant stronger professional attachment and for others, it meant intentions to leave. Improved sector preparedness, wages, and workplace support were identified as strategies to sustain this workforce beyond the pandemic. Conclusion Home care organizations must consider ways to address the root cause of concerns expressed by nurses who wish to practice in a supportive environment that is sufficiently staffed and sensitive to workload expectations.

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“It Hits Me Right Here at my Heart”: Promoting Emotional Health of Home Care Workers

Cited by 4 publications

References 37 publications

Mental Health and Well-Being Among Home Health Aides

Mental Health and Well-Being Among Home Health Aides

Increased demand for in-home aged care impeded by a lack of HRM supports for in-home care workers: a scoping review

Sustaining a Workforce: Reflections on Work from Home and Community Care Nurses Transitioning out of the COVID-19 Pandemic

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