Caregivers’ Impact on Patient Health Is Leading Motivator

New York—Most professional caregivers are motivated by the positive impact they have on their patients’ health and well-being, according to a new survey conducted by HHAeXchange.

HHAeXchange surveyed more than 1,400 caregivers across the nation to better understand how caregivers are feeling amidst the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry, as well as the growing aging population and a greater desire to receive care at home, increasing the demand for homecare. It also highlighted what motivates them the most about their work, despite new challenges and demands, and how technology empowers them to do their jobs.

Recent estimates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) show that homecare expenditures will likely reach $201 billion by 2028. Despite the recent growth and demand for homecare services, the industry—and caregivers in particular—face several new challenges, with caregivers stating low compensation, COVID-19 concerns, and having to use technology that is outdated or hard to work as their top hurdles, according to the survey. However, 78% of caregivers said they agree or strongly agree that the relationships they form with the people they care for increase their job satisfaction as a caregiver—despite the challenges they face.

Caregivers are also more committed to their work than ever, the survey found. Eighty percent of surveyed caregivers said making a positive impact on their patient’s health and well-being is what motivates them the most about their work, followed by having a flexible schedule (9%) and wages and benefits (6%).

“Over the past year, caregivers have had to quickly adapt to ever-evolving needs and demands from the homecare industry and their clients, in addition to new technology implementations,” said Stephen Vaccaro, president of HHAeXchange. “Yet caregivers remain inspired by their roles, seeking daily to improve the lives of their clients. As a result, it’s critical that the entire industry comes together to provide homecare agencies and their staff with the tools and resources required to improve patient care, reduce burnout and ultimately fulfill value-based care requirements. HHAeXchange will continue our mission in 2023, seeking to provide our clients with these critical resources to enable better efficiency, communication, transparency and compliance.”

Survey results also showed that having access to innovative technology, such as mobile apps that record patient observations, is another important aspect for caregivers as it relates to delivering better outcomes. About two-thirds of caregivers said they would spend an extra 3-5 minutes during their visit recording patient observations into the mobile app if they knew it could ultimately improve their clients’ care,

This survey was conducted by HHAeXchange from Nov. 16 to Dec. 7, 2022, among more than 1,400 caregivers across a variety of the company’s homecare agency clients.