Maximizing Home Health Aide Retention: The Impact of Control and Support on the Job.

This study examined relationships between the level of control and support and Home Health Aide's (HHAs) job satisfaction and intent to leave the job.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Data derives from a survey of 512 HHAs in Massachusetts. Logistic regression using generalized estimating equations was employed for the analysis. Dependent variables included satisfaction and intent to leave the job as a home care aide generally and satisfaction and intent to leave the job at the aide's current agency.
RESULTS: The findings showed that greater control and support on the job were important predictors of positive work outcomes, controlling for job demands and other covariates. The odds of HHAs being satisfied with their job as a home care aide increased with the degree of control, whereas the odds of HHAs being satisfied with their job at their current agency increased with the extent of support. Control was negatively associated with HHAs' intent to leave the job as an aide; no relationship was found between control or support and HHAs' intent to leave their current agency.
DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The results from this study illustrate the importance for HHAs of having control and autonomy in their work, as well as the benefit of support from supervisors and the home care agency, on satisfaction and intent to leave. Expanding HHA's ability to maintain control over their day-to-day work, as well as enhancing the supports available to them, is likely to be...

Source: The Gerontologist - January 10, 2021 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Gleason HP, Miller EA Tags: Gerontologist Source Type: research