When a caregiver leaves suddenly, it’s easy to assume it’s for personal reasons, a new opportunity, or even a higher wage. But sometimes, the truth is more difficult: They may have felt unsafe on the job and didn’t know how (or were scared) to speak up.
This reality is more common than many realize, and it’s one of the most urgent challenges facing home care today.
A Growing Safety Concern Across the Home Care Industry
Studies show that up to 87% of home healthcare workers have experienced workplace violence during their careers, with:
- 65% reporting verbal abuse;
- 44% reporting physical abuse; and,
- 41% reporting sexual harassment or assault
Even more alarming is that, according to OSHA, 75% of these incidents go unreported. That means three out of four caregivers who experience harm never report it to their employer.
Caregivers often work alone in unpredictable environments. They can’t control the home, family dynamics, or neighborhood conditions. When something goes wrong, the silence that follows can mask serious safety and retention issues.
Instead of showing up as a report, the warning signs often appear as:
- Sudden resignations with vague explanations
- More callouts or sick days
- Quiet requests for reassignment
Why Caregivers Stay Silent About Workplace Violence
Every agency wants its employees to feel supported. Despite all the efforts providers make to ensure this, it’s clear that far too many caregivers hesitate to report unsafe situations. Common reasons include:
- Fear of Retaliation: Some caregivers worry that reporting an incident could lead to fewer hours or lost assignments, especially if they’ve seen it happen before.
- Financial Pressure: When every shift matters, risking income can feel harder than risking discomfort or danger.
- Lack of Follow-Through: If past reports didn’t lead to action, caregivers lose trust that speaking up will make a difference.
- Unclear Reporting Process: Without clear policies or easy ways to report incidents, even serious concerns may go unshared.
- Self-Doubt: Many question whether an incident “counts.” This uncertainty often leads to silence.
Recognizing the Warning Signs Early
When workplace violence isn’t addressed, the signs compound over time:
- Increased staff turnover
- Difficulty filling shifts
- Declining caregiver engagement
Eventually, one major incident can expose systemic gaps that could have been prevented. Listening early, documenting clearly, and acting quickly can make all the difference.
The Cost of Silence for Agencies
Turnover in home care remains near 80%, according to PHI (2024). Replacing one caregiver can cost between $2,500 and $5,000, not to mention the emotional and operational toll.
But the cost of unreported workplace violence extends beyond staffing, including:
- Legal and regulatory risk if incidents surface later
- Reputation damage within caregiver networks
- Lower quality of care due to stress and fear
- Lost revenue from missed shifts and dissatisfied clients
When caregivers feel unsafe, everyone feels the impact, from clients to administrators.
What Home Care Agencies Can Control
You can’t control every home environment your caregivers enter. But you can build systems that keep caregivers safe and supported.
Here’s where to start:
- Screen client homes for risk before assigning caregivers
- Provide scenario-based safety training relevant to home environments
- Respond quickly and compassionately when incidents are reported
- Create a culture of trust where reporting is encouraged and protected
Agencies that invest in these areas often see fewer resignations, stronger morale, and better care outcomes.
Building a Safer Future for Caregivers
Creating a safer workplace doesn’t happen overnight, but progress starts with awareness and action.
Ask yourself:
- When was the last time a caregiver raised a safety concern?
- Does “no reports” really mean “no problems”?
- Would your team feel protected if they spoke up today?
The answers reveal where your agency stands — and where there’s room to grow.
Supporting Caregiver Safety Through Training
Protecting caregivers isn’t just a moral obligation; it’s a strategic one. A strong safety culture leads to higher retention, better client satisfaction, and a more resilient workforce.
At Showd.me, we help post-acute care organizations deliver training programs that address real-world risks facing home care providers and their caregivers, including workplace safety. We’ll work with you to develop a program that aligns with your federal, state, and organizational goals, deliver it straight to your employees, monitor progress, and follow up to ensure deadlines are met.
Ready to bring your employees the training they need to deliver high-quality care and ensure their safety? Click here to learn more about how we’re supporting home care and home health providers.
