PSWs provide personal care (aka care where the patient/client/resident requires physical touch, lift/transfers, feeding, bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene)
Companions provide assistance with everyday tasks. They cannot touch the patient/client/resident, perform lifts/transfers, feeding, bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene)
For further information on the PSW roles and responsibilities, please visit ontariopswassociation.com/psw-roles-and-responsibilities/
ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/health-food-and-medical/personal-support-worker-psw
This resource is for those interested in becoming a PSW, who are looking for additional information on PSW programs with an accredited college and application pathways.
https://www.conestogac.on.ca/fulltime/supportive-care
For those interested in working in healthcare but not ready to take the full plunge into a college program, there is The Supportive Care Program offered by Conestoga College that is fully-funded and delivered online, with opportunities for in-person/virtual labs.
This program allows you to work as a supportive caregiver and is a gateway to the PSW program. This program offers paid placement and support through the hiring process. Completing this program results in actual employment and will allow graduates to accelerate their completion of the PSW Program.
NACC is a recognized and respected voice of regulated career colleges across Canada. NACC is involved in a number of activities that support the career college industry and specifically its members and their students. NACC develops and offers curriculum packages to members who are committed to maintaining the program standards set by NACC, including Personal Support Worker Programs.
New to the immigration world? Not sure what all is entailed with hiring international talent? Let us walk you through the journey!
In partnership with OPSWA, Synergy Lab – a best-in-class market-entry service provider, has built a program for Canadian employers. Working directly with companies interested in hiring international talent (specifically Personal Support Workers), TalentTrack helps alleviate labour shortages across the country while promoting and educating on fostering a culture-centric, diverse workplace.
Through specialized programming backed by years of experience, Synergy Lab helps guide employers through the often-cumbersome process of hiring foreign workers. International program participants are enrolled in sessions to build on their existing skillset and educate them on Canadian culture to ensure they’re contributing to the success of the hiring organization.
Learn how we can help at synergylab.ca/talent-track
At Discerning Seniors we provide guidance and recommendations to families to get you from “I don’t know where to start” to “Mom and Dad are going to be fine” We believe our loved ones deserve to live their best lives everyday under any circumstances with supported independence.
Learn how we can help at www.discerningseniorsinc.com
How do I verify my OPSWA PSW on Backcheck?
How do I become an OPSWA member?
OPSWA memberships are available at ontariopswassociation.com/memberships
How can I access/apply for funded care? (Please note this is a third-party application and is not run by/associated with the OPSWA)
Who do I call for emergency support?
Unfortunately, there are no emergency PSW support systems. If you or your loved one is in a medical emergency, please call 911.
Where can I report elder abuse?
Seniors Safety Line (24/7) 1-866-299-1011. The Women’s Helpline operates this line. Visit eapon.ca for more information.
What is a care-plan?
A care-plan outlines the needs of the person/persons requiring care. This can include a multitude of tasks such as: bathing, feeding, personal hygiene, dressing, ADLs (Activities of Daily Living).
This document is useful for establishing boundaries early on. It provides clarity for both parties involved and is legally binding.
Where Do I find incontinence pads, PPE, lifting tools, scrubs etc.?
Shoppers home health (lifting tools, PPE), Walmart (scrubs, PPE), Superstore, Marks Work Wearhouse and Giant Tiger (Scrubs).
The availability of lifting supplies and assistive devices varies from region to region. Looking up your local medical supplies store is the best course of action.
Have another question?
If you are looking for more information on OPSWA or becoming a PSW, please email us at info@opswa.com.
