Unveiling the Strains: A Qualitative Study on Work Stress among Health Care Aides in Assisted Living Facilities

Journal Title: Nursing & Healthcare International Journal - Year 2023, Vol 7, Issue 6

Abstract

Introduction: Health Care Aides (HCAs) are the primary caregivers for older adults in assisted living facilities (ALFs). However, they often experience work stress, which can affect their health and performance. The aim of this study was to explore the sources, impacts, and coping strategies of work stress among HCAs in ALFs. Methods: This was a descriptive, exploratory, qualitative study. Fourteen HCAs working in ALFs were recruited through purposive sampling. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted, and audio recorded. The data were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The study reveals HCAs’ experiences of work stress in ALFs. Stressors include high workloads, time pressure, lack of support, and emotional demands. Stress negatively affects HCAs’ health and personal lives. Coping strategies include seeking support, self-care, and finding meaning in work. Main themes are stress definition, contributing factors, consequences, and coping mechanisms. The study also identifies HCAs’ ideal workplace. Conclusion: This study offers valuable insights into the perception and coping of work stress among HCAs in ALFs. The themes and findings enhance the understanding of the challenges and coping mechanisms of HCAs. The results can help employers and service providers to identify stressors in the workplace and implement interventions to reduce work stress. Improving working conditions and supporting the well-being of HCAs will ultimately improve the quality of care provided to residents in ALFs. Recommendations: Future research on HCAs should delve deeper into their work stress experiences, exploring coping mechanisms and extending theories to a broader population. National-level studies are recommended to address the limited knowledge about HCAs in Canada, focusing on demographics, violence prevention, and support strategies.

Authors and Affiliations

Hassan MAI*

Keywords

Related Articles

Mistreatment during Facility Based Child-Birth Care in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Background: Globally, thousands of women die annually from complications during pregnancy or child-birth especially in developing countries. The experience of mistreatment by women during childbirth has been identified...

Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Vancouver Scar Scale - Baryza Version to Brazilian Portuguese

Objective: To perform the cross-cultural adaptation of the Vancouver Scar Scale - Baryza Version to the Brazilian population with burns. Method: Methodological study carried out in seven steps: 1) translation of the or...

Advance Directives and Advance Care Planning

There continues to be a growing trend toward providing life-prolonging therapy unless there are expressly and legally refused by a competent patient or their legal representatives [1]. Up to 76% of patients will be u...

Effects of Therapeutic Education on Adherence to Therapeutic Prescriptions in ADPKD Patients: A Quasi -Experimental Study Protocol

Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited renal disease and affects less than 5 people in 10000. There are many effective treatments, including blood pressure manageme...

The Importance of Maintaining Intergenerational and Community Links with Care Home Residents throughout Covid-19 Restrictions: A Commentary on the Change and Increase in Resident Socialisation and Well-Being through Reminiscence, Cognitive and Creative Stimulation

When Colten Care home residents found themselves isolated from their relatives, friends and outside communities during the first UK national lockdown in March 2020 no-one could have predicted that 10 months later, in...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP747260
  • DOI 10.23880/nhij-16000300
  • Views 30
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Hassan MAI* (2023). Unveiling the Strains: A Qualitative Study on Work Stress among Health Care Aides in Assisted Living Facilities. Nursing & Healthcare International Journal, 7(6), -. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-747260