Admissions Requirement:

Program Outline:
Modules      Course Code
Individuality of the Person   PSW 101
Role of Personal Support Worker   PSW 102
Interpersonal Skills  PSW 103
Safety  PSW 104
Assisting a Person with Mobility  PSW 105
Abuse    PSW 106
Household Management & Meal Preparation   PSW 107
Optimal Support and Care Planning    PSW 108
Personal Hygiene    PSW 109
Assisting the Family    PSW 110
Cognitive Impairment and Mental Health Issues  PSW 111
Assisting to Manage Ongoing Conditions  PSW 112
Assisting with Medications  PSW 113
Assisting a Person who is Dying  PSW 114
CPR and First Aid Training    PSW 115
NACC exam  PSW 116
Clinical Placement (Practicum)  PSW 117

Course Outline Details:

1.Individuality of the Person ( PSW 101 )

This module introduces students to the concept of individuality of all persons, their experiences, rights, interests and needs.  Students will be given the opportunity to identify and examine their own beliefs, values and attitudes about ageing, disability, independence and interdependence.  The module encourages students to assume the consumer/client wishes to be involved, unless there are specific indications that she/he does not.  The concepts of harassment and discrimination are also discussed.

2.Role of the Worker ( PSW 102 )

3.Interpersonal Skills  ( PSW 103 )

This module introduces students to the importance of communication and interpersonal skills essential to establishing and maintaining effective relationships with consumers/clients.  The components of messages, the ways in which they are given, and factors affecting communication are discussed.  Problem solving and conflict resolution skills will be presented.  Students will be provided with opportunity to practice these skill
       
4. Safety  ( PSW 104 )

This module deals with aspects of safety as they relate to the consumer/client, the worker and Occupational Health and Safety legislation.  One of the fundamental activities of the Personal Support Worker/Personal Attendant is assisting the consumer/client with routine activities of living.  It is essential that the PSW/PA provide assistance in a manner which is effective, safe and provides for the consumer’s/client’s comfort.  As part of this, the PSW/PA must be aware of potential risks posed by unsafe equipment or settings and the appropriate actions to take if unsafe situations are identified.

Infection control methods will be taught as infections can cause distress for both the consumer/client and the worker.

5.Assisting a Person with Mobility  ( PSW 105 )

The Personal Support Worker/Personal Attendant practices good body mechanics in many aspects of the work she/he performs to ensure safety and comfort for her/himself and the consumer/client.  It is recognized that workers in this field are at risk for developing back injuries from improper use of body mechanics.  Consistency in transferring, lifting techniques and the use of equipment increases safety and reduces consumer/client anxiety, confusion and dependency.

This module also discusses promoting proper positioning in a bed or chair for the comfort and safety of the consumer/client.

6.Abuse  ( PSW 106 )

Family violence (incorporating child abuse, spousal abuse and elder abuse) is a significant aspect of current society.  As well, research indicates an increased awareness among support workers of abusive behaviour toward consumers/clients.  This module introduces students to the concepts of family violence and abuse, including its possible signs, as well as appropriate actions to be taken (including legal requirements) if abuse is suspected.  Personal beliefs and attitudes about family violence and abuse are examined, as is the concept of worker abuse of the consumer/client.  Finally, abuse of the worker is discussed.

7.Household Management and Meal Preparation   ( PSW 107 )

In this module students will learn to assist the consumer/client with their nutritional needs, household activities and household management according to consumer/client preferences, comfort and safety, within employer guidelines as required.  Nutritional needs include planning balanced nutritious menus, preparing shopping lists, shopping, safe handling of food, storage and specific cooking techniques.  Special dietary needs of infants, pregnant and nursing mothers, persons with specific conditions (diabetes, feeding tubes, etc.) as well as persons with specific cultural and religious preferences will be addressed.

8.Providing Optimal Support/Care Planning  ( PSW 108 )

Support of various types is the main function of the PSW.  The word appears in the program title.  Yet, support is more than providing help - it relies on a number of factors, not the least of which are skill and sensitivity.  Optimal support refers to the ability to provide sufficient support to assist clients to do what they wish without inhibiting them.  This module builds on the materials presented in the introductory module “Interpersonal Skills”.  It identifies the support to be provided and the significance of the support (and of the need for the support) to the client.  Supporting the client to relearn/regain routine abilities and issues of the rights of the client as a receiver of support will be presented.

The support/care plan or service contract is the framework within which the worker provides support to the consumer/client.  The worker must know the purpose of planning, the ways in which planning is done and the persons (consumer/client, support workers, caregivers and professionals) who are involved.  PSWs will learn about implementing parts of the plan and communicating information including charting and computer documentation, accurately and without judgment, as members of the support team.  These activities are conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the employers (agency or consumer/client).

9.Assisting a Person with Personal Hygiene  ( PSW 109 )

The PSW is required to have knowledge, skill and sensitivity to provide appropriate assistance to another person, since a significant number of clients for whom the Personal Support Worker provides service have disabilities which affect their ability to look after their personal hygiene.  Sufficient knowledge about the structure, function, ageing changes and common conditions of the skin is covered in this module to enable the PSW to understand why specific personal hygiene methods are recommended.  The necessity of a positive attitude and sound interpersonal skills when working with clients experiencing a disability is discussed.  The importance of supporting the client’s control over their own personal hygiene to the extent possible/desired is also covered, as is the need to respect the client’s right to make choices as to how they wish assistance to be given.  Throughout the module, sensitivity and respect for the client’s dignity and privacy while providing assistance is stressed.

10.Assisting the Family  ( PSW 110 )

This module assists students to understand the characteristics of today’s families in terms of structure, functions, roles, lifestyles and relationships.  An understanding of the influence of cultural values, practices, religious beliefs as well as the effects of illness, stress, disability, on family relationships will be emphasized as central to the PSW’s ability to provide effective support.  This module also explores the PSW’s role in providing respite to and assisting families/significant others and their children, including those with special needs.

11.Cognitive Impairment and Mental Health Issues  ( PSW 111 )

This module will introduce the student to common psychiatric conditions (affective disorders and schizophrenia), substance abuse, cognitive impairment, acquired brain injury and stroke.  The possibility of multiple conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease and depression will be discussed.  The role of the family caregiver will be reviewed (Module: Assisting the Family) as well as the importance of observation, documentation and reporting (Module: Interpersonal Skills).

12.Assisting a Person to Manage Ongoing Conditions   ( PSW 112 )

This module introduces the student to basic concepts of assistance as well as the general effects on the person of common disabilities, ongoing conditions and diseases.  Focusing on the importance of providing support safely, effectively and comfortably, the student has the opportunity to gain skill in necessary techniques.  Concepts of maintenance, rehabilitation and restoration are discussed, as is the importance of the support team in providing assistance.

13.Assisting a Person with Medications  ( PSW 113 )

The PSW’s ability to assist a client with medication may be essential in supporting the client’s independence, or in supporting a family caregiver to attend to tasks or take needed respite.  Students will identify purposes of medication, required instruction/information about medications to be administered, and cautions with regard to medications.  Students will develop and demonstrate skill in reading and interpreting information on prescription containers, and demonstrate assistance with oral/topical medications as well as eye, ear, and nose drops.  The importance of observation for both desired and undesired outcomes will be described.  Finally, procedures to be followed in the event of concern about or problems with medications will be discussed.

14.Assisting the Person Who is Dying   ( PSW 114 )

This module allows students to discuss the concept of dying as a part of life and the possible impact of life-threatening illness on the person and their family.  They will also have the opportunity to examine personal beliefs about life-threatening illness, dying and the provision of support to the dying person, her/his family and friends.  Assisting the dying person to maintain a desired lifestyle and respecting her/his right to make decisions with regard to support are also discussed.  Specific approaches within the scope of the support worker to reduce discomfort or pain (within the context of a plan of support or care) are covered.  Care of the person at the time of death, care of the body after death, as well as any procedures which must be followed are discussed.  Finally students will have the opportunity to examine personal reactions to the death of a client and to learn and demonstrate ways in which they may assist grieving family members.

• CPR and First Aid Training ( PSW 105 )

You will attend two full days CPR and First Aid Training arranged by the college. After successfully complete the two day training, you will receive a CPR certificate which will be valid for a year and a certificate for First Aid which will last for three years. You can always come back to the college to renew it after before it is expired.

• NACC exam  ( PSW 106 )
The PSW program is accredited by the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC). We are a proud member of NACC. All PSW students are required to write NACC PSW exam at the end of the program. Once you pass NACC exam, you will be receiving a PSW diploma and NACC PSW certificate which will enable you to work anywhere in Canada.

• Clinical Placement ( PSW 107 )

The college will arrange all the students to do their clinical placement in Nursing Home Long Term care Facility and Community Centre after the students have successfully completed the theory study inside the college.