According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2009), there are more than 2.3 million home health workers (e.g., home health aide and home care attendant) in the United States. Home health services have played a crucial role in reducing institutionalization, lowering healthcare expenditure, and improving the quality life of older individuals and their families. With population aging, the demand for home health workers continues to grow. However, home health workforce has historically been challenged with low wages, physical and emotional work stress, and high injury and turnover rates.
The proposed study aims to explore how job stress impacts well-being of home care attendants. As a pilot project, the proposed study will use one local nonprofit agency, Helping the Aging, Needy and Disabled, Inc. (H.A.N.D.). Established in 1972, H.A.N.D has provided personal attendant services for older individuals in need in the Greater Austin area. Currently, H.A.N.D. has over 270 personal care attendants and agreed to serve as a research site. Data collection will be based on mail surveys. Using multivariate analyses, the study will identify factors that modify the relations between job stress and well-being. Findings from the study will serve as a basis for developing intervention programs to enhance the health and well-being of the members of home health workforce.