Home Health Violence: Culture Shift Needed
Uncover the alarming reality: Over half of home health aides face home health workplace violence, yet many incidents go unreported. This study highlights a critical disconnect between the prevalence of violence and the use of workplace violence procedures.Researchers found that fear of reprisal and a lack of management support contribute to the underreporting, demanding an immediate culture shift. Agencies must prioritize the safety and well-being of their workers, fostering an environment where reporting is encouraged, not discouraged. News Directory 3 supports these findings, shedding light on the urgent need for change. Increased regulatory oversight is on the horizon. Discover what’s next in the fight for safer workplaces.
Home Health Aides Face Workplace Violence, Reporting Lags
Updated June 17, 2025
More than half of home health aides have experienced physical violence on the job, yet these incidents ofen go unreported, according to a recent study in Home Healthcare Now.the research highlights a notable disconnect between the prevalence of home health workplace violence and the number of incidents actually reported to management.
University of Cincinnati researchers surveyed home health workers from seven agencies in OH and OR. The survey assessed thier knowledge of agency policies,workplace violence procedures,and personal experiences with violence. The agencies included two small firms (25-100 employees) and five mid-sized companies (100-500 employees).
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines workplace violence as any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other disruptive behavior at the worksite. This includes verbal abuse, emotional abuse, and physical or sexual assault.
The study revealed that 37% of home health workers experience verbal or emotional violence daily, while 20% face physical violence monthly. 57% reported experiencing physical violence at least once while working for their current agency.
Despite 100% of surveyed workers knowing about reporting procedures, the study found that incidents were not being reported to management. Forty percent of workers said management did not encourage reporting, and 33% felt uncomfortable reporting their concerns.
researchers suggest that agencies may have implemented policies to meet corporate requirements without gaining the support of home health aides. They also raised concerns about potential retaliation or victim-blaming by management.
The study authors emphasized the need for a culture change within organizations to encourage home health aides to report workplace violence without fear of reprisal.
A previous study by Transcend Strategy Group indicated that over 50% of caregivers have experienced or witnessed workplace violence or harassment.
What’s next
Increased scrutiny from OSHA is expected in the home-based care space.Experts suggest that as home-based care gains importance and funding, it will also face greater oversight, potentially leading to stricter enforcement of workplace safety regulations.