An Exploration of the Experiences of Home Health Care Assistants working through the COVID-19 pandemic

McKeown, Aoibheann (2024) An Exploration of the Experiences of Home Health Care Assistants working through the COVID-19 pandemic. Masters thesis, Dundalk Institute of Technology.

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Abstract

Background: The number of older people living in Ireland and globally has grown in recent years. The demand for home care services in Ireland is predicted to rise exponentially. However, home care organisations face challenges with the recruitment and retention of Home Health Care Assistants. Job resources have been shown to positively influence an employee’s experience of their job whilst also positively impacting retention rates. Literature on the experiences of home health care assistants (HHCAs) working in Ireland is scarce, and the resources required by HHCAs to remain in post are predominantly unexplored. Aims: This study aimed to understand the lived experiences of HHCAS. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to; (1) To explore the experience of delivering care as a HHCA, (2) To establish how work demands affect HHCAs (3) To identify resources needed to support retention of HHCAs. Methods: A Qualitative explorative study consisting of online interviews with ten HHCAs who had a minimum of six months of experience working in home care settings. Thematic analysis was undertaken on the data. Results: HHCAs experienced challenges and demands within their role before the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these challenges were emphasised as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges within the HHCA's job. The challenges outlined by HHCAs included; time pressure, challenges to providing PCC and social isolation. Finally, this study identified that HHCAs require resources that enable them to provide PCC optimising their ability to make a difference in their clients’ lives. Conclusion: Participants explained that their jobs as HHCAs required more than completing tasks yet also a personal and emotional connection between them and their clients. Participants described this emotional connection also extended towards their co-workers as they described a sense of community support they experienced from their colleagues. A key area that participants identified was the need for social inclusion among HHCAs. Additional research is required to establish how the addition of these resources may influence the work experience of HHCAs. Given the current recruitment and retention issues faced by HCOs across Ireland, this research offers valuable insight into the resource needs identified by HHCAs, namely the recognition of the value and importance of HHCAs to establish a positive rapport with their clients through delivering PCC.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	Social Sciences > Older people
Research Centres:	UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Oonagh Giggins
Date Deposited:	17 Oct 2024 12:59
Last Modified:	17 Oct 2024 12:59
URI:	https://eprints.dkit.ie/id/eprint/896

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