Ontario's Personal Support Worker (PSW) training program is a single program that consolidates and replaces the former Health Care Aide, Home Support Worker.
Observes and report's clinical and treatment information, behavioral changes
Assists with range of motion exercises, and other rehabilitative measures
Takes and records blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, bodyweight and height
Assists with ambulating and mobilization of patient
Collects specimens for required medical tests
Provides emotional and support services to care-receivers and families
Assists with personal hygiene
Assists with meal preparation, grocery shopping, dietary planning, food and fluid intake
Quality Care Comes from Quality Training
Although each school will have their own unique admission requirements, the Ontario government requires all personal support students to complete the following before begin taking part in their training placement.;
Immunization record;
Hepatitis B vaccine;
Criminal Reference Check;
Students will be required to complete Standard First Aid and Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) prior to PSW Field Practicum
Students doing a practicum may be required to meet the same physical assessment and immunization requirements as those for the staff employed by the agency where the practicum is taking place.
Shockingly, some volunteer groups are training PSWs. There are no regulations and no registration for training, and yet they are governed by the Health Regulations Act. Strangers providing intimate care for our loved ones who are guilty of elder abuse, theft, and put our frail seniors at risk.
Training: Outcomes and Module Outlines” which was published by the Ontario Community Support Association. (OCSA) in January 1997. If you complete all 14 modules you are given the designation of PSW.
The Ontario Government has had a big push on to provide more support for seniors in their homes. This is a fine idea, but one that requires careful homework, whether on the part of the senior, or their families who may be bearing the weight of the support required.
Tuition fees vary, but typically a learning centre course costs approximately $1000 and a college course costs around $2500. This may or may not include supplies such as text books, shoes, scrubs, etc.
Below is a pay table for a personal support worker taken from Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
Employers are getting pretty ignorant of the law and responsibilities. PSWs are often asked to work that is not part of their job description: administering medications, writing in family report logs, and in home care the relationship is fairly casual. In small towns people all know each other. PSWs are told to hand their meds to the client, and this allows them to ensure that the client gets the medication, and no nurse is needed. I have been in a volunteer hospice placement where I have seen this occur.
This job ad came from the official governmental site the Canadian Job Bank (via psw jobs).
PSW Course Description
Ontario's Personal Support Worker (PSW) training program is a single program that consolidates and replaces the former Health Care Aide, Home Support Worker.Shockingly, some volunteer groups are training PSWs. There are no regulations and no registration for training, and yet they are governed by the Health Regulations Act. Strangers providing intimate care for our loved ones who are guilty of elder abuse, theft, and put our frail seniors at risk.
Personal Support Worker Training Backgrounder [PDF]
Training: Outcomes and Module Outlines” which was published by the Ontario Community Support Association. (OCSA) in January 1997. If you complete all 14 modules you are given the designation of PSW.Wages for Home Support Workers (Canada Averages)
Employers are getting pretty ignorant of the law and responsibilities. PSWs are often asked to work that is not part of their job description: administering medications, writing in family report logs, and in home care the relationship is fairly casual. In small towns people all know each other. PSWs are told to hand their meds to the client, and this allows them to ensure that the client gets the medication, and no nurse is needed. I have been in a volunteer hospice placement where I have seen this occur.
This job ad came from the official governmental site the Canadian Job Bank (via psw jobs).
Other links:
Personal Support Network of Ontario | Ontario
Network of Ontario provides Personal Support Workers in Ontario with training, news and benefits