Personal Support Workers (PSWs) are healthcare professionals that provide support, care, and assistance to people who are mostly experiencing various types of incapacities. Their clients include the elderly and those suffering from physical and mental illnesses, as well as other forms of prolonged illnesses. Because of how crucial the support provided by the PSWs is to the personal welfare of their clients, a “Plan of Care” is a requirement for their job.Â
Here, we discuss some of the details included in a typical plan of care in a bid to help PSWs understand how best to meet the specific needs of their clients. If you’re considering PSW training, read on to learn more.
Plan Of Care in a Personal Support Worker Career
After Personal Support Worker training, PSWs develop a plan of care for their clients as a means to provide the regular support their clients need in their everyday lives. This plan of care provides a detailed description of the activities they partake in and the services they offer as part of the support they give their clients. They may include important details like personal care assistance, medication assistance, mental and emotional support, and other factors needed for their daily sustenance.
Below is a description of some key components that go into a plan of care program as administered by PSWs to people in palliative care homes, support housing and other long-term care facilities.
Client Assessment
PSWs start by evaluating each of their clients to know what specific needs they have and what conditions they are currently experiencing. They go through the medical histories of their clients and take notes from physical examinations undertaken to identify any challenges they may face. They may also consult the family of their client to gather any relevant information. The information gathered from this process helps them determine what plan of care is suited for each client.
Development of the Care Plan
PSWs are responsible for creating a care plan that guides them while attending to their clients. This care plan will shape the nature and quality of their client interactions. It may include a physical examination routine, a dietary regimen, cognitive assessments, and other support schedules. Drawing inspiration from their PSW training, this plan will establish targets and milestones while setting timeframes and defining each point of call in their care schedule.Â
Personal Care Assistance
Personal care assistance is an essential part of the plan of care activities that PSWs line up for their clients. The activities include those everyday exercises that contribute to their upkeep. PSWs may help clients in bathing, grooming, dressing up, and in navigating their surroundings.Â
The care plan will also cover the feeding needs of each client. PSWs plan and prepare the meals each client will receive daily, and they do this while considering their eating habits and any dietary constraints unique to each client.Â
Medication Assistance
PSWs also help in administering medication according to set prescriptions. They gain important medical knowledge and experience over the course of their Personal Support Worker career. And so they know what dosage to use and when the medication should be given to the clients.Â
After clients take their required medication, PSWs must watch them closely for signs of any side effects or undesirable outcomes. If they observe any unexpected reactions to medications, the PSWs will report them to the resident medical director or healthcare administrator.Â
Are you considering earning your Personal Support Worker diploma?Â
Contact Medix College to learn how you can get started.
FAQ
What is a personal support worker?
A personal support worker is a healthcare professional who provides assistance and support to individuals who require help with their daily activities due to physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. They work closely with clients to ensure their well-being and promote independence.
How to become a personal support worker
To become a Personal Support Worker (PSW), complete a recognized PSW program, which typically takes about 6-12 months. Obtain the required certifications, such as First Aid and CPR, and gain practical experience through internships or volunteer work. Apply for PSW positions in healthcare facilities or home care agencies.
