Personal support workers (PSWs) have been described as the heavy lifters of the health care system. Their work is essential to the day to day operations of Ontario’s health care system and the Personal Support Network of Ontario has designated May 19 as PSW Day to celebrate this indispensable work done by PSWs across the province.

PSWs provide services and direct care to individuals in SJHCs supportive housing programs, at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and in clients’ own homes. They work with clients who have a broad spectrum of conditions and health care needs, whether needs are temporary or on a continuing basis.

Some of the functional tasks performed by PSWs are:

Activities of daily living (ADL) – personal care like bathing, feeding, dressing, toileting; lifting, transferring and/or repositioning; light housekeeping; and medication reminders.

Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) – menu planning, shopping, and meal preparation; accompanying clients to appointments; and educational and recreational assistance.

Delegated tasks –under the direction and instruction of a Regulated Health Care Professional, PSWs may administer suppositories, colonic irrigations, enemas (for bowel disimpaction), or medications; maintain inventories; and supervise exercise routines.

Another important element of the service provided by PSWs is caregiver relief. We know that people with Alzheimer’s, dementia and a number of other illnesses are often cared at home by family members and loved ones.  PSWs are trained to care for people with these types of ailments and can provide help with ADLs, IADLs, or delegated tasks for these individuals.

Personal Support Workers enhance the quality or life of their clients and oftentimes their family members and loved ones by providing valuable compassionate care in the form of home management and personal care assistance. The work of a Personal Support Worker significantly assists in enabling individuals to continue living in their homes.