A recent survey conducted by Kare in collaboration with the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) has found that nearly three-quarters of frontline workers in senior housing and care communities are experiencing intermediate to high levels of toxic stress. This stress is a result of past traumas combined with the current working environment.
The survey, which included responses from over 1,400 certified healthcare professionals in long-term care, revealed that 34% of workers are at a high risk of toxic stress, which is double the rate of the general population. Another 39% are at an intermediate risk.
Toxic stress can have detrimental effects on mental health, brain development, and stress management skills. The survey used the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) methodology to assess the impact of past traumas on the workforce.
Registered nurses had the highest average ACES score of 3.2, indicating an intermediate risk of toxic stress. The survey aims to raise awareness about ACES and toxic stress among senior housing operators and provide resources for mental health support.
Future reports will delve further into the impact of traumatic events, such as the Covid pandemic, on the senior living workforce. The goal is to create better retention strategies and support for frontline staff who have dedicated their lives to caring for seniors.
