An exploratory study of burnout, coping, and social support in home care staff working with older people

An investigation into burnout, psychological disturbance, coping and social support among 67 Social Service Home Carers working with older people was conducted. The aim of the study was to explore the nature of stress, and level of psychological disturbance experienced by this previously scarcely studied group who are in the 'frontline' in working with older people. Quantitative data was collected using standardised questionnaires for burnout (MBI), psychological disturbance (GHQ-28), coping (WCQ- R) and social support (SSQ-R). Qualitative data was collected from a specifically designed questionnaire and from discussion groups. The Home Carers in the study reported lower levels of burnout and psychological disturbance than is found in the normal population or in similar occupational groups. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed