Divya Kuruvila is a Registered Nurse and a Personal Support Worker (PSW) Instructor. Divya has experience in various hospitals and departments such as Geriatrics, Rehab, Medical-Surgical, Labor and Delivery, and Post-partum. Divya strongly believes, practices, and trains students to practice with respect, compassion, care, dignity, empathy, excellent communication skills. She also trains the students to achieve practical skills and knowledge in order to become successful, competent Personal Support Workers. Today Divya provides new information on the Personal Support Worker profession and how the pandemic has caused it to expand. Eastern College has recently launched a Home Support Worker program in response to the increase in demand.

Providing care and support to individuals of all ages who need assistance with their day-to-day activities, personal care, family responsibilities, home management, or transferring clients is one of the many functions of a Personal Support Worker.

1. What is a Personal Support Worker?

A personal Support Worker (PSW) is someone who can make a difference in people’s lives. PSWs provide care and support to people of any age who require assistance with their day-to-day activities, personal care, family responsibilities, home management, transferring clients, etc. PSWs work in various settings such as long-term care facilities, group homes, private homes, retirement homes, respite care, hospitals, etc.

2. What is a Home Support Worker? Is the job title new?

Home Support Worker (HSW) would assist clients with daily activities, household management, companionship, coordinate transportation for medical appointments, assist clients based on their unique needs, etc. HSWs work in community settings such as private homes either through direct hire or health care agency, retirement homes, adult daycare centers, etc.
No, the job title is not new. As of now, I can trace it back to 2016 but HSW is trending currently due to the pandemic.

3. What are the major differences between these two job positions?

Even though PSWs and HSWs share similarities, there are differences in the scope of practice the differences in qualification and training received. PSWs can assist with medications, transfer using Hoyer lifts or mechanical lifts under the supervision of an authorized staff member, etc. PSWs work in long-term care facilities, hospitals, retirement homes, community care centers, hospices, etc. HSWs cannot assist with medications, transfer using Hoyer lifts or mechanical lifts. HSWs can only work in community settings such as retirement homes, private homes, agencies, etc.

4. What are the similarities between these two job positions?

Both PSWs and HSWs are someone who can make a difference in people’s lives. They provide assistance and support to clients as per client’s unique needs, assist with a range of motion exercises, household management, day-to-day activities, etc. Currently, PSWs and HSWs are in high demand.

5. How has the pandemic affected PSWs and HSWs and their role in the healthcare industry?

For the past few years, the demand for PSWs has been growing but currently, due to the pandemic, the demand is even greater. Our health care system is struggling and in distress due to the high number of aging populations requiring PSWs (this includes our grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, etc.). The Canadian Health Care System is showing signs of distress due to the high demand of elderly clients seeking health care. PSWs are the foundation of the Canadian Healthcare system. Therefore, the Ontario Government is financing/investing more and more to promote the PSW profession. Since October 1, 2020, Ontario Government has been providing a temporary wage increase to over 158,000 workers. This temporary wage increase will continue until Jun 30, 2021. (Source: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/60798/ontario-extending-temporary-wage-enhancement-for-personal-support-workers)

Future of PSW Jobs: The need for Personal Support workers is expected to double in the next five to ten years. Ontario Government has acknowledged that we are in dire need of PSWs and has taken steps in the right direction:

Two commendable changes that Ontario Government has already implemented are:
• A freeze on the total amount of compensation for doctors and to use that money to hire more Personal Support Workers.
• Increased home and community care funding by four percent over the next few years.
Thousands of clients are on the waitlist for long-term care facility placement which means these clients are not receiving the care they desperately need hence HSWs – the hidden gems are stepping in to help ease the strain on the health care system.

6. What are some misconceptions about the field?

PSWs only take care of elderly clients.
PSWs only work in long-term care facilities.
HSWs don’t need training or qualification.

7. What is the most rewarding part of this field?

Knowing that you have made someone smile and have made a difference in their life.
The gratitude we receive from our clients/residents is more than words can explain. I have experienced this many times in my profession as a health care provider – feels like I hit the jackpot every single time and this feeling never gets old.

8. What are the soft skills necessary for jobs in this field?

According to my knowledge, it is very important for both PSWs and HSWs to have passion and desire to help people in need. Every new batch I have, on the very first day of class, I usually go around the class and ask my students why they chose to become PSW/HSW. Believe me, the majority of my students have stated that they are passionate about helping people, some stated that they have experience taking care of their loved ones and enjoyed doing so, some stated that they know what it feels like to not be cared for or not being supported hence they want to make a difference and provide care.
I tell all my students throughout the program and even upon graduation “Please, do not let go of your passion.” If my students are reading this, they will vouch for me. If you have passion, you will love your job. It will be easy to put on a smile and work. When clients/ residents see you, they know they are going to have a good day. Hence, passion is on top of my list of soft skills necessary in this field. “Be patient with your patients” – hence patience is another key skill one needs to master. Other skills include empathy, time management, hardworking, positive attitude, team player, good communication skills, critical thinking, honesty.
Soft skills that I mentioned above – passion, patience, empathy, time management, hardworking, positive attitude, team player, good communication skills, critical thinking, and honesty are like the 10 fingers of our hands. We cannot function without the other as all of them are connected. Once all 10 are strong and efficiently functioning, then we are good to go.

9. What made you become an Instructor?

I have been an instructor for 6+ years and haven’t looked back since. I specialized as an Obstetrics RN and I trained student nurses on the unit. Students always provided positive feedback and they used to get excited to know that I am their trainer. This got me excited as well and motivated me to venture into the world of teaching full-time.

Learn more about the Personal Support Worker program here: Personal Support Worker

Learn more about the Home Support Worker program here: Home Support Worker