Week 1

Week 1: Role of the PSW at Centennial College

  • Transforming lives and communities through learning.

Objectives

  • Define the term support worker and explain how this title can vary throughout Canada.

  • Describe the five (5) main responsibilities of the Personal Support Worker.

What is a Support Worker?

  • Definition: A support worker provides personal care and support services.

  • Services Provided:

    • Assistance to clients at any age.

    • Care for individuals with defined health needs.

    • Support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

    • Work settings include facilities or community environments.

Goals of a Support Worker

  • Primary Goal: To affect a positive change in clients' lives.

  • Key Approaches:

    • Deliver care in a compassionate, sensitive manner.

    • Utilize discretion in judgment and actions.

    • Respect client confidentiality.

    • Demonstrate empathy, understanding client emotions.

Support Work Across Canada

  • Variability of Support Work: The nature of support workers differs across provinces, cities, and territories.

    • Differences include:

      • Educational programs.

      • Work settings.

      • Job responsibilities.

      • Terminology used to describe support workers.

  • Client-Centric Focus: Regardless of region, all roles prioritize meeting the client’s needs.

Different Titles for Support Workers in Canada

  • Various Designations:

    • Personal Support Worker (Ontario).

    • Developmental Service Worker (Ontario).

    • Assisted Living Worker.

    • Personal Attendant.

    • Health Care Aide.

    • Nursing Attendant.

    • Community Health Worker.

  • An appendix in the resource may outline titles used in different provinces and territories.

Responsibilities of a Support Worker

  1. Personal Care:

    • Support with ADLs (e.g., eating, bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, moving, walking).

    • Ensure client safety and physical comfort.

    • Handle Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) such as:

      • Finances, medication management, transportation, shopping, meal prep, communication devices, basic maintenance.

    • Role of observation: Report any changes in client’s behavior or health.

  2. Support for Health Care Providers:

    • Assist by following care plans.

    • Clean equipment, measure and report vital signs, assist in basic wound care, oxygen therapy, heat/cold applications, and ROM exercises.

    • Act as the “eyes and ears” for the healthcare team.

  3. Consultation:

    • Collaborate with:

      • Nurses.

      • Social Workers.

      • Physiotherapists.

      • Occupational Therapists.

      • Other professionals based on the client’s care plan.

  4. Family Support:

    • Facility settings: Assist with admissions, discharges, and family introductions.

    • Private homes: Aid in caregiving, ADL assistance, meal prep, household chores, childcare, respite care.

  5. Social Support:

    • Facilitate client participation in activities, promote enjoyment and recreation.

    • Teach skills for independent living (cooking, shopping, cleaning).

  6. Housekeeping/Home Management:

    • In Facilities:

      • Tasks include making beds, delivering meals, tidying living areas, maintaining supplies.

    • In Private Homes:

      • Services tailored to client needs and resources available: includes IADLs, light housekeeping, laundry, nutritious meal prep and serving.

A Day in the Life of a Support Worker

  • Reference: Chapter 1 (pg 5-9) covers a detailed narrative of daily activities and responsibilities.

References

  • Sorrentino, S.A., Remmert, L., Wilk, M.J., Newmaster, R. (2013). Mosby Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker, (3rd Canadian ed.). Toronto: Elsevier.