While social restrictions and negative news headlines can create discouragement during these unprecedented times, it is important to remember that there are countless people who are committed to helping mitigate the consequences of COVID-19.
As many Canadians have spent the past few months in the safety of their homes, many personal support workers (PSWs) have continued to go out and help those in need. Yes, PSWs are putting themselves at risk, but it is a risk they are willing to take. Those who choose this career path are dedicated to their clients and continue to provide invaluable care even during difficult times such as these.
If you share this passion for helping others, you would likely make an excellent personal support worker. Read on to learn about what people like you have been doing to help those impacted by COVID-19 in Canada.
1. PSW Training Graduates are Safely Conducting Home Visits
The care that personal support workers provide is invaluable. Those who struggle to move, eat, or maintain personal hygiene on their own rely on personal support workers to help them meet these needs. As a result, PSWs must still provide direct client care – albeit with extra precautions.
For the safety of personal support workers and their clients, PSWs are recommended to wear surgical masks and gloves during all home visits. If the client has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or shows symptoms of it, personal support workers should wear full PPE. This includes N-95 masks, eye shields, and medical gowns. If you are interested in PSW training, it is important to prioritize your own well-being in order to provide the best care possible.
2. Personal Support Workers Go Through Rigorous Screening Processes
To ensure that these home visits do not further the spread of COVID-19, PSWs are taking extra steps to monitor for COVID-19. At their own homes, PSWs are self-monitoring by paying close attention to any indication of symptoms such as a fever or dry cough.
The Ontario government also recommends that long term care facilities have someone at the entrance who is able to screen personal support workers for symptoms and perform temperature checks before they enter and after their shift is finished. As you will learn in personal support worker training, it is important to adhere to government regulations regarding home care – especially during times such as these.
3. Those with Personal Support Worker Training are Seeking PPE
In order for PSWs to safely care for those affected by COVID-19, adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential. Unfortunately, it has been difficult for many personal support worker businesses to get the necessary equipment.
As a result, PSWs and business owners alike are vocalizing their need for PPE through social media and interviews with news outlets. Luckily, many Canadian companies are helping fill the void. For instance, the owners of Timeless Tattoo Company in Whitby, Ontario, donated boxes of masks, disinfectants, gloves, and gowns to Oakwood Home Healthcare.
While this support is greatly appreciated, personal support workers are still desperately in need of PPE, and will continue searching for the equipment necessary to continue caring for their clients.
Could a personal support worker course be for you?
Contact Oxford College to find out!