Time for Good Care and Job Quality: Managing Stress among Older Workers in the Aged Care Sector. Issue 2 (4th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hart, Aaron; Bowman, Dina; Mallett, Shelley
• Is Part Of: Journal of aging & social policy. Volume 35:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 179
• Page End: 196
• Publication Date: 2023-03-04
• Subjects: Aged care -- older workers -- retirement -- job quality -- staffing -- policy; Older people -- United States -- Periodicals; Older people -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- Medical care -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.605
• DOI: 10.1080/08959420.2021.1926202
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0895-9420

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Improved job quality will make longer working lives in the aged care sector more sustainable. We interviewed 20 older aged care workers to identify which job characteristics are significant for health and to identify policy remedies. Workers take pleasure and pride in responding autonomously to a care recipient's situation, developing understanding, maintaining morale and performing intimate bodily care with dignity. However, a shortage of staff time requires workers to take a task-oriented approach. This causes worker stress and diminishes their desire and capacity to delay retirement. In the Australian context, regulating minimum staffing is the most suitable policy response.