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.

Personal support workers help clients maintain their dignity, stay safe, and remain as independent as possible.

Demand for personal support workers is higher than ever in Ontario and across Canada.

The need is so great that the Ontario government is investing tens of millions of dollars to train thousands of new PSWs.

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 June, 2021.

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 9 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 Ottawa (2019)

Updated June, 2021

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 November, 2020.

Considering a career in healthcare, but don't want to invest time and money in a university degree? What are your training options?

Actually, there are many alternatives in Ottawa. The city is home to several colleges, offering a range of quick, practical healthcare diploma programs.

Finding a program isn't difficult. The real challenge is deciding which healthcare program best fits your personality, natural strengths, and career goals.

Which path should you take?

Updated May 2021.

Are you considering becoming a personal support worker (PSW)? What's drawing you to a career in this field?

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 sky-rocket.

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?

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

What is elder abuse? The World Health Organization (WHO) defines elder abuse as "a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, which causes harm or distress to an older person."

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