Updated January 2023

Personal support workers (PSWs) play a crucial role in helping vulnerable people live their best lives. They usually work with seniors who need extra support with daily living tasks.

PSWs work in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, retirement residences, hospitals, and for companies that deliver support to seniors in their own homes. They help clients maintain their dignity, stay safe, and remain as independent as possible.

Wondering if this career path is right for you? Want to know what you'd be doing at work?

In this post, we take you through the day-to-day duties of personal support workers and explain their role in client care.

Find out what becoming a PSW is all about, and if this occupation is your true calling.

Residents of Hillel Lodge, the only charitable, Jewish, faith-based long-term care facility in Eastern Ontario

As most people know, the COVID-19 crisis has been particularly stressful and dangerous for elderly citizens in long-term care facilities. 

Older people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable to the novel coronavirus.  

Meanwhile, social distancing rules have also taken a toll, isolating seniors from family and friends, and restricting their participation in community activities. 

Never have we relied so heavily on the dedication, skill, and compassion of long-term health care professionals to keep our loved ones safe and well. Nurses, care home staff, and personal support workers are on the front lines of this struggle.

Personal Support Worker students pose for a class photo at Herzing College in Ottawa (2019)

Updated January 2023

Looking for a health care career that doesn't require years of training, but allows you to make a huge difference in people's lives? Becoming a personal support worker (PSW) could be your ideal choice.

You can earn a PSW diploma in just nine months. By the time you graduate, you'll have all the skills needed to get hired at a hospital, long-term care facility, or home-care company.

Photo: Personal Support Worker students pose for a class picture at Herzing College (2019)

Updated January 2023

What's inspiring you to become a personal support worker (PSW)? In our experience working with PSW students, there's usually a couple of key reasons people gravitate toward this career.

One is the high demand for PSWs in Ontario and throughout many parts of Canada. If you're looking for a stable health care career, this is an excellent choice. Our aging population is expected to continue creating jobs for PSWs well into the future.

Another top motivator is the one-to-one time personal support workers get to spend with clients. If you're looking for more than "just a job" and want to make a real connection with people, PSW is the obvious choice.

But, like all careers, becoming a personal support worker comes with certain challenges. What should you know before you invest in training, and start down this path?

Take a look at the most common pros and cons of working as a personal support worker, and see if this role is right for you.

Updated January 2023

We've all heard the news and read the stats. Canada's health care system is stretched to the limit. We don't have enough long-term care beds, there aren't enough medical professionals, and we don't know how we'll care for our growing population of seniors.

It's no surprise that in the middle of this challenge, we've seen demand for personal support workers skyrocket.

Updated January 2023

Enrolled in PSW training and nearing the end of your diploma? It's likely you're looking ahead to your employment options after graduation, and for support systems to help get your career rolling.

If you live in Ontario, you've probably heard of the Ontario Personal Support Worker Association—OPSWA.  It's an organization new grads and experienced PSWs can join to get professional support, and push for greater recognition for PSWs across the province.

But what exactly does OPSWA do, how might you benefit from joining the network, and what does it take to get a membership?

Updated January 2023

Looking ahead to your job options after PSW college? Still deciding which kind of healthcare setting would best suit your particular preferences and skillset?

Two of the most common employers for PSWs are nursing homes and home care companies. While personal support workers provide similar services in both work environments, there are some unique differences students should be aware of. 

Updated January 2023

What is elder abuse? The World Health Organization (WHO) defines elder abuse as "an intentional act, or failure to act, by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust that causes harm to an adult 60 years and older."

Elder abuse comes in many forms, including physical, psychological, financial, sexual, and even spiritual. Seniors may also experience abuse through neglect.