Guide to Health Careers

Personal Support/Home Care Worker

from: http://www.communityhealthcareers.com/careers_personalsupport.htm

The Personal Support Worker (PSW) replaces the positions formerly known as Health Care Aide, Home Support Worker or Personal Attendant. PSWs have opportunities to work in long-term care facilities, group homes, retirement homes, supportive housing units, day away programs, respite care programs, some hospitals or in the community for providers of home care services.

Work may be with the elderly, persons with physical disabilities, and others who need support for everyday activities of daily living. Personal Support Workers use a combination of social and personal care skills to help clients be as healthy and independent as possible.

The Cool Things They Do:

Perform routine household activites such as housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping and meal preparation
Offer bedside and personal care to clients (e.g. assisting with bathing and personal hygiene)
Lift and mobilize patients who are disabled
Provide cognitive, emotional, and social support
Offer companionship and friendship

Working Conditions:

Personal Support Workers may work in a number of private home settings at one time and with a diverse number of patients. Because every client and household is different, they must be flexible and able to quickly adjust to different situations. No matter where the PSW works, physical strength is required to help transfer and maneuver clients and a positive, caring attitude is also necessary for providing emotional support. Part-time and casual hours are common for Personal Support Workers and shift work is also to be expected.

Most Personal Support Workers Work In:

long-term care facilities
in the community as home care providers
supportive housing settings and group homes
some hospitals

Personal Characteristics/Skills:

Maturity and a positive attitude
Patience and compassion
Hardworking with the ability to be flexible
Organizational skills
Teamwork skills combined with the ability to work independently
CPR and first aid certification

Education and Training Required:

Health Care Aide College Certificate

Length of Study/Training : One year

Certification (s): CPR and First Aid Training

Helpful High School Courses:

English
Biology
Math
Family Studies
Health Studies

Employment Prospects - GOOD

Our aging population will require extra assistance in the home and increase the demand for services provided by Home Care Workers. However, the number of qualified applicants will likely exceed the number of positions available.

Earnings:

Average annual income: $16,000 to $28,000. The salary for PSWs depends on the employer and setting. It ranges from approximately $9.00 to $15.00 per hour*. Many PSW positions are casual or part-time.

* Ontario Community Support Association

More Information:

Ontario Community Support Association
http://www.ocsa.on.ca/

Ontario Long-Term Care Association
http://www.oltca.com/

Hospice Association of Ontario
http://www.hospice.on.ca

Canadian Home Care Association
http://www.cdnhomecare.ca

Canadian Caregiver Coalition
http://www.ccc-ccan.ca

The Care Guide
http://www.thecareguide.com

Canadian Home Study
http://www.homecarestudy.com

The Canadian Association for Community Care
http://www.cacc-acssc.com

Canadian Health Network
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca

HOMECARE Online - National Association for Home Care (US)
http://www.nahc.org

Job Futures
Child Care and Home Support Workers
http://jobfutures.ca/noc/647.shtml