Personal Support Worker(PSW) :-

Priorities of the Personal Support Worker

PSW’s and their role with Disabled Children and Adults

Personal Support Workers provide care to all members of society.

From New born to Elderly, PSWs work with people who suffer from all different types of chronic and acute conditions/diseases, affecting the individual both physically and mentally.

One specific group of people a PSW may provide care to, are disabled children and adults. Such clients may live in their own homes, a home of a family member, a group home, retirement home or LTC facility. Disabled children are usually at home with their parents or guardians, some more severe cases may be living in a group home if the families are unable to cope. A PSW plays an important role with the care and support of these individuals.

Depending on the severity of the persons disability or condition, a PSW may assist with or complete such tasks or ADL’s (if trained) as personal care, mouth care, feeding and or preparation of meals. Medication administration, catheter care if needed, simple G tube care if needed, socialization –such as visual and audio stimulation. Range of Motion (ROM) exercises, assisting with transfers and proper scheduled repositioning of the client.

Many clients have special and or custom-made equipment/mobility aids to assist them with being as independent as possible. Such as ceiling lifts, shower benches, shower chairs/loungers, standers etc. Many have safety harnesses, straps or fasteners of some kind. A PSW will be aware of and use them to ensure the equipment is being used properly and is safe at all times. PSW’s are also a support for the family or caregivers.

Being a caregiver to a disabled child or adult is a stressful and lifelong commitment. PSW’s work beside other health care professionals, such as Nurses, EA’s, DSW’s, Physio-Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Therapists and Doctors. These other health care professionals may be present in all the same settings as a PSW. PSWs work with these other Health Care Professionals to ensure the best care for the Client/Resident.