Personal Support Worker

This module will introduce the student to the basics of anatomy and physiology. Students will gain an understanding of human body systems in order to apply the knowledge in their daily work as a Personal Support Worker (PSW)/Home Support Worker (HSW). The following body systems will be covered in the module: the muscular-skeletal, digestive, urinary, integumentary, reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and endocrine. This module will also address the common disorders and age-related changes for each body system.

Support of various types is the main function of the PSW/HSW. Yet, support is more than providing help. It relies on a number of factors not the least of which are skill and sensitivity. This module builds on the materials presented in the introductory module, PSW/HSW fundamentals. It identifies the support to be provided, the significance of the support to the client and of the need for the support. Supporting the client to regain routine abilities by relearning and issues of rights of the client as a receiver of support will be presented. The care plan or service contract is the framework within which the worker provides support to the client. The worker must know the purpose of planning, the ways in which planning is done and the persons who are involved, including client, support worker, care givers and professionals. As members of the support team, PSWs/HSWs will learn about implementing parts of the care plan and communicating information accurately and without judgement. These activities are conducted in accordance with employer guidelines [agency or client]. Students will also be introduced to working in a community health care environment, providing support to patients and families in communities including individual homes, Retirement Homes, Long Term Care Facilities, Acute Care settings and Acquired Brain Injury Programs.

Our Career Management program introduces students to the strategies and components of an effective job search, including self-marketing and awareness, skills inventory, job search tools and the job market. The Career Management course is delivered by our on-campus Career Services Team who are there throughout the job search to assist and mentor students towards achieving their ultimate goal of employment in their field of study. Our Team of Career Services Professionals maintain relationships in their communities with key employers and organizations that recognize the value triOS graduates have to offer. The skills learned throughout Career Management at triOS will continue to serve students in their job search as they navigate their new careers.

Personal Support Workers/Home Support Workers recognize that behaviors or changes in behavior can be related to illness or other conditions such as cognitive impairment, brain injuries, substance abuse, or mental illness. They use approaches and techniques to assist clients with these conditions in keeping with the care/support plan and report observations to the appropriate team member. They also identify factors that can increase the risk of suicide and recognize signs of possible suicidal behavior. This module introduces students to common psychiatric conditions [affective disorders and schizophrenia], substance abuse, cognitive impairment and brain injuries. The possibility of multiple conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease and depression will be discussed. The role of the family caregiver as well as the importance of observation, documentation and reporting will be reviewed.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will achieve the Standard Level First Aid and Healthcare Provider (BLS-Basic Life Support) Level CPR. Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) is a multi-disciplinary workshop designed for everyone who interacts with older adults in the workplace. Participants are guided to fully understand responsive behaviours in order to be able to respond effectively and appropriately in a workplace setting.

In this module, students discuss the concept of dying as a part of life and the possible impact of life- threatening illness on the person and family. Students will also examine personal beliefs about life threatening illness, dying, and the provision of support to the dying person and their family and friends. Assisting the dying person to maintain a desired lifestyle and respecting their right to make decisions with regard to support are also discussed. Specific approaches within the scope of the support worker to reduce discomfort or pain within the context of a plan of support /care are covered. Care of the person at the time of death, care of the body after death, as well as any procedures that must be followed are discussed.

Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) is a multi-disciplinary workshop designed for everyone who interacts with older adults in the workplace. Participants are guided to fully understand responsive behaviours in order to be able to respond effectively and appropriately in a workplace setting.

This module introduces students to the basic concepts of assistance as well as the general effects on the person of common disabilities, ongoing conditions and diseases. Focusing on the importance of providing support safely, effectively and comfortably, students will gain skill in necessary techniques, concepts of maintenance, rehabilitation, and restoration and the importance of the support team in providing assistance. Activities will be discussed that require additional training. It will be discussed whose responsibility it is for providing the training and transferability of the additional skills.

The PSW’s ability to assist a client with medication is essential in supporting independence or in supporting a family caregiver to attend to tasks or take needed respite. Students gain basic knowledge of the drugs used in the treatment of common diseases and disorders, including drug classification, use, therapeutic effects, side/adverse effects, brand/generic names, dosage forms, rules of administration, and directions for use of these meds. Students will identify purposes of medications, required instruction/information about medications to be administered, and cautions regarding medications. Students will develop and demonstrate skill in reading and interpreting information on prescription labels and demonstrate assistance with oral/topical, eye, ear, and nose drops, as well as learn to administer Intramuscular/Subcutaneous Insulin injections. The importance of observation for both desired and undesired outcomes, and procedures to be followed in the event of a problem with medications, will be discussed. PSWs can provide specific assistance with medications to the client in keeping with the directions stated in the care/support plan and under the direction and monitoring of an appropriate person, whether health professional, caregiver, or family member. It is understood that this assistance is provided on a case-by-case instruction by the appropriate person and cannot be generalized among clients or between support workers. Intramuscular/Subcutaneous Insulin Administration component is a practical, hands-on training designed to prepare students with a background in the healthcare profession to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to perform Intramuscular/Subcutaneous Insulin injection procedures. Students are guided to fully understand Intramuscular/Subcutaneous Insulin injections and the importance of administration, abbreviations related to medication and prescriptions, accurately read prescriptions and calculate medication dosage, understand injection landmarks, safe medication preparation, pain management techniques, risk and safety factors associated with Intramuscular/Subcutaneous Insulin injections. Students will be trained by a Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse.

PSWs/HSWs must have the knowledge skill, sensitivity to provide appropriate assistance to another person since significant number of clients for whom they provide service have disabilities that affect their ability to look after their personal hygiene. The PSW/HSW will assist clients with all activities or routines of daily living. These tasks include bathing, grooming, mobility considerations, toileting, and skin care. This module will consider caring for the ill, disabled, injured, and or confused patient, frailness, dignity levels of independence will be considered. Personal hygiene involves personal safety, self-esteem and dignity considerations. Knowledge about the structure, function, aging changes, and common conditions of the skin are reinforced. Personal Care measures around the clock will be considered. A focus on humanistic health care will build the foundation of this module. Oral care, perineal care, infection control, bathing techniques, grooming, dressing, bed making, shaving, hair care, skin care and much more will be covered.

This module introduces students to the concepts of family violence and abuse including its possible signs, as well as appropriate actions to be taken if abuse is suspected, including legal requirements. Personal beliefs and attitudes about family violence and abuse are examined as is the concept of worker abuse of the client. Finally abuse of the worker is discussed. PSWs/HSWs identify the concept of abuse and are able to recognize both causes and indicators. They are able to identify the requirements of legislation and to respond in accordance with legislation, employer policies and provisions of the service contract or support plan. They also recognize that the PSW/HSW may also be the focus of abuse.

This module builds on the foundation for students to understand family characteristics, in terms of structure and functions, roles, lifestyles and relationships. The influence of cultural values, practices, religious beliefs as well as the effects of illness, stress, disability, or family relationships will be emphasized as central to the PSW ability to provide effective support. It also explores the role of the PSW in providing respite and assistance to families and their children including those with special needs. Observation of some selected commonly occurring conditions related to family function and life cycle events are included. A central focus is the need for awareness of and sensitivity to family reactions to the presence of the PSW, family routines, preferences and involvement in decision making. Assisting the family with specific practical approaches in balancing caregiving and rest, skills related to infant and child care as well as assisting a child with special needs are addressed. The stages of growth and development throughout the lifecycle are discussed.

This module provides an overview of the Personal Support Worker (PSW)/Home Support Worker (HSW) role in a variety of settings. Students will learn the principles of client-centered versus client-directed care, emphasizing the individuality of the client and his/her relationship with family, friends, and others. This module introduces the concept of individuality of all persons, their experiences, rights, interests, beliefs, and needs. Students will be introduced to the role and scope of responsibilities of PSWs/HSWs, including the variety of settings, work relationships, stress and time management, and applicable legislation. Consequences of exceeding the scope of the PSW/HSW role will also be covered. This module will also introduce students to interpersonal skills and communications, including conflict resolution and problem solving.

In this module the students will learn to assist clients with their nutritional needs, household activities and household management according to client preferences, comfort, safety, within employer guidelines. Nutritional needs including planned balanced nutrition, menus, preparation of shopping lists shopping, safe handling of food, storage, and specific cooking techniques. Special dietary needs of infants, pregnant and nursing mothers, persons with specific conditions [diabetes, feeding tubes, etc.] as well as persons with specific cultural and religious preferences will be addressed. Students will have the opportunity to practice and demonstrate skills.

This module deals with aspects of safety as they relate to both the consumer/client and the worker. One of the fundamental activities of the Personal Support Worker/Home Support Worker is assisting the consumer/client with routine activities of living. It is essential that the PSW/HSW provide assistance in a manner that is effective, safe, and provides for client comfort. As part of this, the PSW/HSW must be aware of potential risks posed by unsafe equipment or settings and the appropriate actions to take if unsafe situations are identified. Infection control methods will be taught, as infections can cause distress for both the consumer/client and the worker. This module will also discuss body mechanics as well as consistency in transferring, lifting techniques, and the use of equipment to increase safety and reduce client anxiety, confusion, and dependency. Students will also learn the importance of proper positioning in a bed or chair for the comfort and safety of the client.

This course stresses the importance of developing non-technical skills to enhance personal, academic and career success. This includes understanding learning styles and honing practical study skills, such as memory, reading, note- and test-taking techniques. Personal exercises will focus on teamwork, decision making and problem solving skills, setting goals and maintaining a positive attitude techniques for managing change, stress and conflict will also be explored.