What is a Personal Support Worker?
By Daemon Legarde - Published on Sunday, 29 May 2011 10:15
PSW MISSION STATMENT
Personal Support Workers contribute to the quality of life of individuals of any age, who live in care facilities, such as long term care homes or in their own homes in the community. We will do this by promoting their dignity, independence, and preferred choice. Privacy and Safety come first at all points throughout the day. As Personal support workers we will provide the care and assistance that individuals may require. We are willing to assist with tasks of life such as assistance with mobility, personal hygiene care, or upkeep of personal appearances. As we provide comfort, we also assist the client with feeling emotional and physical satisfaction. Our main goal is to make the individual feel comfortable.
PSW INDUSTRY FUTURE
“In 2008-09, the government of Ontario is investing $11.1 billion more into health care then in 2003-04
From that budget:
$107 million over the next three years to be moved towards 2,500 personal support workers for long term care facilities
More than $700 million over the next three years to implement the aging at home strategy to provide additional community services such as home care, supportive housing and other community supports
$20 million to support children with complex special needs, bringing total provincial spending on children’s mental health to over $440 million annually
AND
The number of seniors aged 65 and over is projected to more than double from 1.8 million, or 13.7 per cent of population, in 2009 to 4.2 million, or 23.4 per cent, by 2036. The growth in the share and number of seniors will accelerate over the 2011–2031 period as baby boomers begin to turn age 65. After 2031, the growth in seniors will slow significantly.”
Source: Ontario Ministry of Finance, http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/economy/demographics/projections/