The Cultivation of Home Care Provider-Client Relationship to Increase Job Satisfaction and Retention

Home care providers experience a range of challenges in the workplace such as low pay, stress management, and burnout. According to the HCP benchmark report, 85% of home care agencies said they had to turn down client cases due to a shortage of care providers. The shortage is not from a lack of staffing but from home care providers leaving the industry.

Low wage is the biggest factor for job dissatisfaction according to a survey conducted by HHAeXchange. 37% of care providers struggle to stay in their jobs if heavy workloads are not compensated accordingly.

Care providers are more inclined to receive training on how to manage stress with 24% of respondents with this interest. If they understand what particularly gives them stress and how to efficiently manage it, they can provide the care their clients need.

If these challenges aren’t addressed, caregivers are more likely to get burnout and would be demotivated altogether to the job. 42% of respondents stated that better pay would benefit them in doing their jobs better in addition to accessible support.

In spite of these, 91% of caregivers continue to believe that the relationships they build with their clients significantly increase their job satisfaction and retention. The survey shows exactly what matters to caregivers and that is their sense of purpose and committed bond with their clients.

In an interview with HHAeXchange President Stephen Vaccaro, he mentions that caregivers enter the industry because they are passionate about helping people and the impact it has on clients. They recognize the challenges but find fulfillment despite this—a true vocation to simply put.

Caregivers are driven by tangible impact on their client’s physical and mental well-being. This remains true to be their biggest motivator when they see that their work makes a difference in the lives of their client and their families.

This article can be a guiding tool to your home care agency by understanding that with your caregivers providing care to your clients, business would exist. By acknowledging and addressing the challenges of low wages, workplace stress, and burnout, you know what action steps to take for your clients’ awesome aging experience working with you.

What is one way you take care of your caregivers? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments!