Does Perceived Respect Influence the Intention to Quit the Job among Home Health Aides Working in Patients’ Homes in the U.S.?

Abstract

Introduction: The changing concept of institutional care giving in the home environment in long-term care is getting more popular. On the other hand, the high turnover rate of caregivers is challenging in long-term care facilities. This research explored the effect of perceived respect from agency, patient, supervisor and society on intention to quit the job among home health aides.

Methods: This quantitative study is a secondary data analysis. The data is subset of National Home and Hospice Care Survey. The home health aides working in patient’s homes were taken as a sample with size 1657 people. Descriptive statistics were used. Chi-square tests were used for bivariate analysis and logistic regression was used for multivariable analysis.

Results: Approximately one in four home health aides have intention to quit the job. The model for logistic regression approximately explains 10% of variability in intention to leave among home health aides working in patient’s home. The model depicts age, race and education as significant predictors for intention to leave the job in socio-demographic variables. The odds ratio for respect from agency and appreciation from supervisor was found significant and infers that less perceived respect from agency and appreciation from supervisor leads to higher intentions to leave the job among home health aides.

Conclusion: The turnover of home health aides can be reduced by planning and implementing programs to increase respect and appreciation for their work, and to help assure a conducive working environment.