The role of supervisor, agency, and co-worker support for home care workers

Objectives This study investigates how home health aides (HHAs) experience the types and amount of support received from co-workers, supervisors, and agencies, and how those supports impact their workplace experiences. Methods We conducted six focus groups at four home care agencies in Massachusetts. Agencies were chosen to represent variations in HHA-reported job satisfaction. Results Among the factors influencing HHAs’ perceptions of support, relationships with office staff and nurse supervisors were identified as most important. Turnover among agency staff directly impacts HHA’s feelings of being supported and their ability to do their job. Discussion Compared to direct care workers in residential environments, HHAs work independently and have a more distant relationship with agencies, office staff, nurse supervisors, and co-workers; consequently, they have distinctive needs for instrumental and emotional workplace supports. Focusing on the aspects of support that matter most to HHAs will most effectively increase HHA job satisfaction and retention.