Job Stress and Job Satisfaction: Home Care Workers in a Consumer‐Directed Model of Care

Abstract

Objective. To investigate determinants of job satisfaction among home care workers in a consumer‐directed model. Data Sources/Setting. Analysis of data collected from telephone interviews with 1,614 Los Angeles home care workers on the state payroll in 2003. Data Collection and Analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the odds of job satisfaction using job stress model domains of demands, control, and support. Principal Findings. Abuse from consumers, unpaid overtime hours, and caring for more than one consumer as well as work‐health demands predict less satisfaction. Some physical and emotional demands of the dyadic care relationship are unexpectedly associated with greater job satisfaction. Social support and control, indicated by job security and union involvement, have a direct positive effect on job satisfaction. Conclusions. Policies that enhance the relational component of care may improve workers' ability to transform the demands of their job into dignified and satisfying labor. Adequate benefits and sufficient authorized hours of care can minimize the stress of unpaid overtime work, caring for multiple consumers, job insecurity, and the financial constraints to seeking health care. Results have implications for the structure of consumer‐directed models of care and efforts to retain long‐term care workers.

Personal service assistance: Musculoskeletal disorders and injuries in consumer‐directed home care

“…Our findings about social support reinforce reports by others that formal training that fosters the working relationship between the provider and the recipient may be beneficial (Baron & Habes, 2004;Delp et al, 2010;Menne et al, 2007). Examples of such training might include sections on communication, role negotiation, conflict resolution, and assertiveness (Baron & Habes, 2004;Menne et al, 2007).…”

“…The alternative, that painful WRMSDs reduce social support is possible, but logically less likely. Social support from work peers, friends, and the spouse of the home care provider has previously been associated with lower work stress, better health, and higher job satisfaction (Delp et al, 2010;Denton et al, 2002). To our knowledge, however, so-cial support from the care recipient has not been quantitatively investigated for its impact on PAS provider reports of injury or MSD symptoms.…”

A Path Analysis of Mental Health Among Thai Immigrant Employees in Pranakron Si Ayutthaya Province

“…Immigrant employees who were housekeepers in the U.S.A. found that job characteristics, organisation, social support, social economic status, low education and occupation characteristics influenced their job pleasure and mental health problems [16][17][18]. This was similar to a study done in China, and Chinese immigrant employees who worked in Canada, which found that working hours, income, family support, housing conditions, age, job characteristics, income, and social support related to mental health [19][20][21].…”

Symptom Assessment Solutions for In-Home Supportive Services and Diverse Older Adults: A Roadmap for Change

“…[5][6][7][8] Yet, little is known about whether or how an IHSS program could support home assessment of common symptoms. To our knowledge, no prior study has explored the use of IHSS programs to assess symptoms for vulnerable older adults.…”

“…Lack of confidence in addressing symptoms and insufficient training are sources of stress for in-home care workers. 6,25,39 Addressing these concerns could benefit IHSS providers as studies show that self-confidence and training improve job satisfaction and retention of home health workers; crucial for this workforce and the elderly population. 40,41 IHSS symptom assessment may also act as a bridge for consumers to primary care and palliative care services.…”