A Personal Support Worker (PSW) in Canada is a caregiver who assists people with daily personal care needs as they deal with the effects of aging, injury or illness. A Personal Support Worker works under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Practical Nurse (RPN).

It is important to differentiate between PSWs in health care facilities and home care. Positions in home care such as health care aides, home support workers, personal care workers and attendants (see “Similar titles“) are mostly unregulated.

In the course of remaking the health care system in Canada, Personal Support Workers are reported to be in growing demand.

Personal support workers (PSWs) care for people who are ill, elderly or need help with daily tasks. You make sure your clients are comfortable, safe and enjoy emotional and physical well-being. You may work for a long-term care facility or in your clients’ homes as an employee of a home care agency. You may also be self-employed and provide your services on a contract basis. This is considered an entry-level position in the healthcare field as it does not require a lot of training. People often say “PSW” when talking about this job. You may also be called a personal aide, home support worker, or personal care attendant.

Generally, PSWs:

Care for people and families during periods of illness or recovery.
Provide bedside and personal care to clients and help them move, bathe, groom and get dressed and undressed.
Plan and prepare meals.
Teach new parents to care for an infant.
Change non-sterile dressings and give oral medications as instructed by your home care agency or supervisor.
Help with light housekeeping – for example, do laundry, wash dishes and make beds.
Spend time talking with your clients.