Relationship between system-level characteristics of assisted living facilities and the health and safety of unlicensed staff

Abstract

This study examined system-level characteristics of assisted living facilities and the association between these characteristics and the health and safety outcomes of unlicensed staff. Forty-two unlicensed direct care workers completed a survey related to system-level stressors and the individual stress responses of staff. Measurement tools included the Work Stressor Inventory (WSI), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). High levels of emotional exhaustion, psychiatric distress, and work-related injuries were reported by unlicensed staff. Providing care to residents with dementia-related behaviors and supporting families were the most frequently reported work stressors. System-level factors were significantly associated with staff role competence, job commitment, and emotional exhaustion. These results support the need for continued exploration, development, and evaluation of strategies to reduce occupational stressors at multiple levels in assisted living facilities.