British Journal of Social Work, 40(1), January 2010, pp.188-206.
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
This paper provides empirical evidence from original research, which investigated the impact on the support relationship of the direct employment of workers, by direct payment users. The study used a grounded theory approach, with questionnaires to measure job satisfaction and stress, and in-depth interviews with respondents. It explored and compared the experiences of eight direct payment relationships with eight traditional service delivery homecare relationships. The research reveals the importance of the concept of power in helping us to understand the effect of direct employment and, based on this research, makes some suggestions for policy and practice.
This paper provides empirical evidence from original research, which investigated the impact on the support relationship of the direct employment of workers, by direct payment users. The study used a grounded theory approach, with questionnaires to measure job satisfaction and stress, and in-depth interviews with respondents. It explored and compared the experiences of eight direct payment relationships with eight traditional service delivery homecare relationships. The research reveals the importance of the concept of power in helping us to understand the effect of direct employment and, based on this research, makes some suggestions for policy and practice.
Subject terms:
home care, interpersonal relationships, job satisfaction, personalisation, physical disabilities, self-directed support, stress, staff-user relationships, adults, care workers, conditions of employment, direct payments, disabilities, empowerment, friendship;