Characteristics of Elderly Care Work That Influence Care Workers' Turnover Intentions

Turnover and retention of care workers in long-term care (LTC) settings is an important issue. However, much research about turnover in LTC settings has focused on licensed nurses or nurse assistants. Moreover, many studies have utilized quantitative methods. The purpose of this study was to understand the characteristics of elderly care work that influence the turnover intentions of care workers in LTC. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 care workers and analyzed using the content analysis method. As a result, seven categories were extracted as the characteristics of the elderly care work associated with turnover, including low social appreciation about care work, precarious employment, unprotected labor rights and safety, an unfair wage system, unclear scope and role of work, absence of training and supervision to enhance professionalism, and emotional labor. For the turnover prevention and retention of care workers, it is necessary to resolve the insecurity of care work. In particular, guidelines for improving the wage level and working conditions of care workers should be instituted, and at the same time, government supervision is required. Education is necessary to strengthen the professionalism of care workers and ensure skilled care work.