Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

School

Psychology

Advisor

Derek Rohde

Abstract

AbstractMany individuals prefer to remain in their homes as they age instead of entering a long-term care facility. As the proportion of older Americans rapidly grows, the demand for delivery of nonmedical services by home healthcare aides (HHAs) is expected to increase. However, the national and local supply of HHAs is insufficient and must be rectified to meet a projected increase of older Americans by 2050. This research study involved exploring this problem for one small home healthcare organization in the Maryland suburbs outside of Washington, DC with an HHA workforce that was comprised predominantly of Black/African American and African women. Using a single case qualitative study design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with the organization’s behavioral health leaders and a review of organizational records. The study was grounded in the Baldrige Excellence Framework which describes concepts and behaviors that characterize high-performing organizations. Thematic qualitative analyses were conducted to describe practices the organization used to recruit and retain their HHA workforce and to compare these practices to effective strategies according to scholarly literature. Results showed the organization had a practical foundation upon which it can build successfully to improve its HHA recruitment and retention practices and reduce staff shortages and turnover. The study also addressed a literature gap involving how racial, ethnic, and culturally-based perspectives involving elder caregiving might be used to enhance HHA recruitment and retention. Actionable recommendations are presented to strengthen the organization and contribute to positive social change.

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