BLURRING BOUNDARIES: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH ON DIRECT CARE WORKERS’ EXPERIENCES
2024
Experiences of Direct Care Workers
Sample size: 43
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Pond Brittney
Primary Institution: University of California San Francisco
Hypothesis
What is the nature of work and relationships with clients for paid direct care workers?
Conclusion
Direct care workers often face challenges due to the close relationships they form with clients, leading to blurred personal and professional boundaries.
Supporting Evidence
- There are 4.8 million direct care workers in the U.S.
- Direct care workers often form close, reciprocal relationships with non-family clients.
- These workers sometimes feel pressured to do additional labor beyond their work requirements.
Takeaway
Direct care workers help older people and sometimes feel like they have to do more than their job requires because they care about their clients.
Methodology
Semi-structured interviews with direct care workers.
Participant Demographics
Direct care workers providing care to older adults in the U.S.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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