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.

Figure 1

Conceptual Model—Social, Cultural, Economic, and Political Factors That Shape Home Care Work