“Anything that Benefits the Workers Should Benefit the Client”: Opportunities and Constraints in Self-Directed Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Applied Gerontology. 

Citation: Wendel, C. L., LaPierre, T. A., Sullivan, D. L., Babitzke, J., Swartzendruber, L., Barta, T., & Olds, D. M. (2023). “Anything that Benefits the Workers Should Benefit the Client”: Opportunities and Constraints in Self-Directed Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of applied gerontology: the Official Journal of the Southern Gerontological Society, 42(4), 524–535. https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648221143604  

Summary: This qualitative study explores the perspectives of workers and clients in self-directed care arrangements. Through interviews, the authors identify opportunities for improving worker conditions and compensation while maintaining program flexibility and client autonomy. The research highlights the interdependence of worker satisfaction and client outcomes, arguing that investments in the direct-care workforce benefit both parties in self-directed relationships.