The following outlines the modules of study in the Personal Support Worker diploma program. If you require further information please drop us a line, or alternatively, you can enroll online now.

- life experience
- interests
- basic needs
- attitude toward aging
- disability and aging
- need for care

Introduce the scope of practice for a PSW.

- variety of work settings
- work relationships
- levels of supervision
- stress and time management
- legislation of the worker, work  setting and client rights

Communication and related skills essential for establishing and maintaining relationships with clients, families and coworkers.

- problem solving and conflict  resolution/management
- factors affecting communication

Introduce aspects of safety related to both client and worker providing assistance in a safe, effective and comfortable manner.

- potential risks posed by unsafe  equipment or settings
- appropriate actions to take
- infection control
- knowledge of occupation Health and Safety legislation
- WHMIS overview

Introduce anatomy and physiology, musculoskeletal system related to the normal aging process.

- transferring, lifting and positioning/safe body mechanics
- range of motion exercises
- proper use of equipment
- adaptive devices/prosthesis

Introduce the concept of family violence, child abuse, spousal abuse, and abuse of the elderly.

- signs and symptoms and appropriate actions to take
- personal beliefs and attitudes about violence and abuse
- worker abuse of the client
- abuse of the worker

- housekeeping/laundry guidelines
- nutritional needs in keeping with Canada’s Food Guide
- preparing shopping lists
- shopping-economical/practical
- safe handling and food storage
- specific cooking techniques
- specific diets: infants, pregnant/nursing mothers, religious, cultural
- bowel elimination

Introduce students to the significance of the phrase “optimal support” i.e. the ability to provide sufficient support to assist clients to maintain independence

- care plans
- how plans are developed, people involved, and implementation
- communicate in a non-judgmental and objective manner with other members of the support team.

The anatomy / physiology of the integumentary system, aging changes, common conditions.

- personal care and grooming
- nail care
- pressure areas
- occupied/unoccupied bed making vital signs

Examines the issues of death and dying including personal beliefs about life-threatening illnesses and support to the dying person, their family and friends.

- physiological, social and spiritual needs of the client and family
- consent to treatment
- living wills
- care of the person at the time of death
- personal reactions to the death of a client

To explore the characteristics of today’s families in terms of structure functions, roles, life styles, and relationships.

- assisting the family to balance care giving and rest
- infant and child care
- growth and development children with special needs

Understand basic mental health issues.

- behavioural changes in psychiatry, Cognitive impairment, substance abuse
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- depression/delirium/dementia
- suicidal risk factors
- observation, documentation and reporting
- factors affecting achievement of and maintaining mental health of client and caregiver

Develop an understanding of normal anatomy and physiology and common disease processes.

- normal systematic anatomy and physiology
- normal aging/response to disease
- cancer, AIDS/HIV, HEB B
- provision of support/care
- rehab/maintenance restoration

Assist client with maintaining safe medication therapy.

- purpose/safe administration of medication and storage
- oral/topical
- eye, ear, nose drops
- accurate measurement of meds
- following medication prescription directions
- recognize adverse reactions
- PSW limitations