Grey Bruce Boomers Fall 2021

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HEALTH & WELLNESS by Kylie Pike Tasks that are usually carried out by regulated health care professionals such as nurses and physiotherapists are now the responsibility of PSWs. Yet the demand for PSWs is at an all-time high, so many home support workers are forced to perform PSWs’ duties. In addition, the role of PSWs has expanded to include care activities previously performed by other various registered health care professionals. The field and careers of PSWs is not currently regulated and yet the need and demand for this profession to become regulated is evident. The role of a PSW PSWs are considered unregulated health care providers who perform personal and supportive care for a wide variety of clients under the supervision of their regulated employers. As an unregulated position, PSWs have no clear-cut scope of practice, so duties will vary amongst home care placements. Examples of typical duties and responsibilities for PSWs may include: • Assisting with activities of daily living (dressing, hygiene, showering, toileting). • Mobility assistance (help with transfers and walking assistance to help ensure safety and reduce the risk of falls). • Basic wound and skin integrity care. • Light housekeeping. • Psychosocial care (i.e. respite, companionship). • Basic medication assistance, prosthetic and brace care. New PSW responsibilities include: • Range-of-motion and home exercise programs. • Bowel and bladder care (ostomy and catheterization). • Tube feeding. • Oxygen administration. • Application of topical medical creams. • Assistance with inhalers and drops. • Skilled wound care. • Donning/doffing compression stockings. • More in-depth prosthetic and brace application. PSWs are expected to complete the duties for which they’ve been trained during their certification courses. In order for PSWs to legally and ethically take on additional tasks, which are usually assigned to regulated health professionals, there needs to be a specific form of delegation of these services. Delegated services are to be highly routine, repetitive activities that can be completed with training and appropriate supervision. However, it is becoming more commonplace for PSWs in certain home care placements to take on non-traditional client care activities. This is typical of those working with individuals who have extremely complicated plans of care and medical histories. Although it may be costeffective and save time to push these additional activities onto the PSWs, there needs to be a consideration for intervention effectiveness and safety of the patients, as well as the PSW. The roles of home care workers encompass individuals who typically have years of experience as a health care aide or nurses’ aide (both professional titles that do not currently exist, however they did a few decades ago) or experience as a primary caregiver for a loved one (child with complex medical needs and/or a spouse, friend, neighbour, aging parent, etc.). Attempting to navigate the health care system can be overwhelming. Trying to advocate for yourself or a loved one, when there are numerous agencies and individuals to communicate with, is daunting. Having so many questions and concerns that tend to multiply the more we learn can be emotionally draining and completely encompassing. It can be terrifying emotionally, and physically draining, and completely encompassing. There needs to be a better way, no matter how complex. This does not overshadow the need for celebration. By almost any standard, there is no better place to live than Canada. Few countries make outstanding health care available to all. Even fewer seek to accommodate so much diversity, whether it be language, ethnicity, faith, creed and sexuality. It is why millions stand in line for the chance to become Canadian. They choose Canada because we are open, tolerant, curious, and humble. Is there room for improvement in the home care sector – absolutely. As Canadians, I hope we humbly appreciate all that we have and yet work together to provide solutions and rally to help those in need and those that tend to not be able to advocate for themselves. 16 • GREYBRUCEBOOMERS.COM
y Kylie Pike HEALTH & WELLNESS How to get home support The place in life where someone needs home care support can vary significantly, so whenever possible, speak to your family physician or call Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS), which was previously known as the Local Health and Integration Network (LHIN) and the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC). If you feel that you or your family member needs health care support at home, school or in the community, HCCSS can open the door to a world of options and opportunities. Anyone can make a referral on your behalf – a family doctor, friend, family member, even you. The first step is to call 310-2222, which will automatically direct you to your local home and community care office (no area code required) – or you can call the number for an office close to you by visiting healthcareathome.ca/southwest/en/ Contact-Us or calling 1-800-811-5146. Let them know you are making a referral for services. Their helpful staff may ask some questions to better understand your needs. Then, you will either be connected with a Care Coordinator, or they will refer you to the program or service that may be right for your needs. Resources southwesthealthline.ca ontario.ca/page/homecare-seniors healthcareathome.ca/southwest/en cno.org ontariopswassociation.com Do you know a friend or loved one facing a health crisis? • Spread the task of caregiving among many people so that no one person is alone, overwhelmed or compromised • Family, friends, relatives, neighbours, co-workers pool their talents to help • Makes caregiving a meaningful, loving experience replacing stress, fear and loneliness with teamwork, courage and friendship Kylie Pike owns Rural Home Care and lives in Ripley with her family. She has worked in both the frontline and administrative avenues of home health care for over 20 years. Learn more at www. ruralhomecare.ca. For information on this caregiving model contact: Share the Care Promoter located at the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce 519-376-7230 or 1-800-265-9013 HARD TO INSURE? THERE MAY BE AN EASY SOLUTION Canada Protection Plan’s No Medical Life Insurance Payments start in the second month! No Medical Exams | No Needles Final expense plans Up to $500,000 in coverage Quick & Easy to Apply | Ages 18 – 80 For the financial security your loved ones deserve. Call today for a free no-obligation quote. * Applicable on monthly payment plans only. Jim Barnard 519-378-6779 barnardfinancial@outlook.com www.barnardfinancial.ca CANADA PROTECTION PLAN and the logo are trademarks of Canada Protection Plan Inc. Used under licence. Underwritten by Foresters Life Insurance Company. ADMAT-HardToInsure-10x5-1018EN-A www.cpp.ca FALL 2021 • 17
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Page 11 and 12: y Stephanie McMullen HISTORY of 13
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Page 29 and 30: A tireless volunteer Joan Crowe, 93
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