Toward Better Policy: A Study of Healthcare Aides' Well-being and Working Conditions in Alberta's Long-Term Care Sector
Abstract
In the backdrop of Alberta's Long-Term Care (LTC) sector, Health Care Aides (HCAs) play a pivotal role, often facing multifaceted challenges. This research provided a comprehensive understanding of these challenges by reviewing a combination of academic journals and grey literature. The methodology integrates qualitative and quantitative findings to provide a holistic view. Two dominant categories of challenges emerged: work environment challenges and relational processes. Regarding the work environment, HCAs grapple with staffing shortages, substantial workloads, financial strains, and compensation disparities. Meanwhile, relational processes reveal issues in resident-staff interactions and underscore systemic inequities and workplace discrimination. These challenges are further magnified by occupational marginalization and the intricate dynamics of workplace relationships. Drawing from these insights, this research proposed policy recommendations. For structural challenges, the research suggested standardizing care parameters and enhancing workers' rights to improve job security and working conditions. To address relational issues, recommendations include implementing strategies to improve resident-staff interactions and promoting diversity and inclusion using data-driven decision-making. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of recognizing and integrating the perspectives of HCAs to address structural and relational challenges, intending to optimize the LTC sector in Alberta.
Description
Keywords
Long-term care, COVID-19, Staffing, Health care aides, Well-being, Working conditions, happy-productive worker theory
Citation
Wong Yi Nei, E. (2023). Toward Better Policy: A Study of Healthcare Aides' Well-being and Working Conditions in Alberta's Long-Term Care Sector (Unpublished master's project). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.