Promoting Dignity and Independence: The Role of Personal Support Workers in Senior Care
September 09, 2024
According to Statistics Canada, the senior citizen population in Canada is projected to increase by over 15% between 2021 and 2026. As the population ages, the role of a personal support worker (PSW) becomes increasingly vital. PSWs are crucial to this care, ensuring that elderly individuals maintain their dignity and independence.
This blog explores the role of personal support workers in senior care, particularly dementia care and the development of care plans, and highlights the most important aspects of their responsibilities.
Exploring the Role of a Personal Support WorkerÂ
PSWs help clients struggling with mental health by providing essential emotional, physical, and cognitive support. In dementia care, PSWs develop and implement tailored care plans to meet each individual’s needs. Personal support worker roles and responsibilities are multifaceted and crucial for the well-being of patients in senior cognitive care.
- Personalized Care: PSWs provide care tailored to the individual needs of dementia patients. They help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating, ensuring that these tasks are performed respectfully and patiently.
- Emotional Support: PSWs offer emotional support, which is crucial for dementia patients who may experience confusion, anxiety, and frustration.Â
- Cognitive Engagement: PSWs engage patients with impaired cognitive abilities in activities that stimulate cognitive function and memory, such as interactive games, trivia, puzzles, music, music therapy, and reminiscence therapy. These activities can improve the patient’s quality of life and slow cognitive decline.
- Safety and Monitoring: Ensuring the safety of dementia and other cognitively impaired patients is a top priority. PSWs monitor signs of distress or potential hazards and implement measures to prevent wandering and accidents.
Hands-on experience is essential to effectively preparing for these multifaceted roles. A 300-hour externship is a key component of the Personal Support Worker Program at Medix College, allowing students to gain invaluable hands-on experience. Our Personal Support Worker Externship students at Serenity Blenheim Retirement Living are pictured below.
Developing a Care Plan After a Personal Support Worker Program
What is the support worker’s role in developing a care plan? The support worker conducts thorough assessments, implements the care plan, and keeps detailed records and documentation to monitor the senior’s condition.
- Assessment: PSWs conduct physical, emotional, and cognitive health assessments to understand the specific needs and preferences of the senior.
- Collaboration: They work closely with the interprofessional healthcare team, family members, and seniors to develop a holistic and individualized care plan.
- Implementation: PSWs are responsible for implementing the care plan activities of daily living, providing support, and making necessary adjustments.
- Documentation: Keeping detailed records and documentation of the senior’s condition and any changes is critical to the PSW’s role.
The Most Important Role of a Support Worker
While PSWs have numerous responsibilities, you may be wondering, what is the most important role of a support worker? The most important role of a support worker is to promote the dignity and independence of the seniors they care for.
- Respect and Compassion: Treating seniors with respect and compassion is fundamental. PSWs ensure that seniors feel valued and respected.
- Empowerment: Encouraging seniors to perform tasks they can perform, even if it takes more time, promotes independence.Â
- Advocacy: PSWs advocate for the needs and rights of the seniors in their care.
Comprehensive training is crucial to enhancing these skills and responsibilities. At Medix, we focus on your practical skills and personal growth. Our programs include mindset development with Thought Patterns for High Performance® and Mindsetting for Success. Plus, The Enriched Academy teaches financial literacy to help you manage your money. Let Medix College guide your journey to success.
Are you interested in personal support worker training?
Contact Medix College for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the support worker’s role in developing a care plan?
Answer: The support worker’s role is to conduct thorough assessments, implement the care plan, and keep detailed records and documentation to monitor the senior’s condition.
Question: What is the most important role of a support worker?
Answer: The most important role of a support worker is to promote the dignity and independence of the seniors they care for while following the 5 dimensions of health.
