If you’re considering homecare for a loved one, you may be wondering what a Personal Support Worker (PSW) actually does during a shift. It can be a bit of a mystery if you haven’t worked with a caregiver before—which services are included, how often a caregiver should be booked, how long is each shift and how they can help your family. If you ever find yourself searching "PSW agency near me" or "what does a PSW provide," this guide will help you understand what is usually included. We get it, and we’re here to help.
While each family’s needs are unique, there are a number of services that are commonly requested in order to optimize your loved one’s quality of life, ensure their safety and provide peace of mind. Here’s a brief overview of the in-home care provided by Living Assistance Services. Please contact us to learn more or schedule a free assessment—we’d be glad to speak with you!
Personalized care that makes a difference
Homecare can be provided once a week, several times per week, daily or 24/hrs a day. Most shifts are 8-12 hours but shorter shifts are possible upon request. Respite and convalescent care options are also available.
No two clients are exactly alike, so every caregiver shift looks a little different—that’s the benefit of high quality, personalized homecare. Our skilled, reliable Personal Support Workers can support families a number of ways, but many shifts include the following tasks:
- Helping your aging loved one bathe and get dressed in clean clothes
- Preparing nutritious meals for your loved one and cleaning up afterwards
- Ensuring that all medications are taken properly and on time
- Encouraging your loved one to drink water and other fluids in order to maintain a healthy level of hydration
- Accompanying your loved one to appointments, social events and/or shopping trips
- Helping your loved one gently exercise (taking indoor or outdoor walks, stretching, performing seated exercises, etc) and supporting their mobility needs
- Assisting your loved one with oral hygiene, haircare, skincare, etc
- Doing laundry, changing bed sheets, tidying up, vacuuming and performing other light housekeeping duties (sweeping, mopping, wiping down counters, dusting, etc)
- Flagging any health concerns that may require medical attention (this will be communicated to family members) and/or ensuring that your loved one receives emergency care if required
- Providing joyful companionship throughout the day or evening
If your loved one requires a high level of care, our caregivers can also assist with ambulation, feeding, toileting and other Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). All of our services are highly personalized to reflect the needs and preferences of the client, and we strive to match each client with a caregiver who is the right fit.
It is also important to know how PSW's fit within the larger circle of care. PSW's assist with essential daily support, and when the needs of the care receiver become more complicated, they are able to flag any concerns to ensure the right professional guidance is involved. At Living Assistance Services, all of our PSW's are carefully screened, trained and supervised by nursing professionals, providing families with added confidence in the care their loved one receives.
PSW's can also provide support for those living with dementia by assisting with daily routines, personal care, companionship and safety at home.
If the needs go beyond the regular duties of a PSW, we can help families access additional support, such as:
- Professional nursing support for wound care, injections or other clinical needs
- Guidance from Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses when care needs change
- Physiotherapy support for mobility, strength or recovery needs as part of a broader care plan
Contact us to learn more
If you’d like to know more about high quality homecare services in Toronto, Mississauga and the surrounding communities, please contact us. A member of our care team would be glad to answer your questions and make personalized recommendations. Thanks for reading—we look forward to speaking with you soon.