Personal support workers are the backbone of the long-term care sector and the demand for the role continues to rise in Ontario and throughout many parts of Canada. Our aging population, staff shortages at nursing homes, and strong demand for home care have opened up plenty more opportunities for PSWs. If you’re looking for a stable health care career, becoming a PSW is an excellent choice.
The excellent employment outlook for a PSW is contributed by the following factors, as listed on the Government of Canada Job Bank report.
- Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
- Several positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
According to the Ontario portal, professions in long-term care are in high demand across Ontario as thousands of health care workers are needed in the sector to meet the province’s growing demands in senior care. On a day-to-day basis, they are able to make the biggest difference to the residents’ quality of life and are involved in every single aspect of care planning, including personal care, social and emotional well-being, and culturally-specific supports. It is also a much-in-demand role, with the long-term care sector alone looking to employ thousands of personal support workers over the next four years.
With relatively short training time, a personal support worker will be able to do what nurses, doctors, and even family can’t always do with the clients, such as helping their clients with daily tasks they can’t perform independently, providing companionship, and emotional support.
What is a personal support worker and what does a personal support worker do?
According to OPSWA, Personal Support Workers provide care to any person who requires personal assistance with activities of daily living (ADL). They may also provide additional care as delegated by a Registered Health Professional (RHP) as needed and when it can be performed safely and within Provincial legislation. PSW’s provide personal care and related paraprofessional services in accordance with an established plan of care. They are typically involved in both personal care tasks and incidental activities of daily living such as housekeeping, meal preparation, socialization, and companionship.
What is the role of a personal support worker?
The role and responsibilities of the PSW have increased slightly, with growth occurring yearly to meet the demands of the vulnerable sector. As a personal support worker, you will hold the life of another human being in your hands, and in the end, this responsibility comes with a great sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
Given the support they provide across a spectrum of needs, becoming a personal support worker is a great opportunity to develop a wide range of valued skills such as interpersonal communications, teamwork, adaptability, and collaboration.
How to be a personal support worker in Ontario?
For starters, enroll in our 42-week Personal Support Worker Certificate that will prepare you with the knowledge and skills to provide compassionate care when assisting individuals with broad-spectrum conditions and health care needs. Get in touch with our student advisor today, email us at [email protected] to learn more.