Home Support Worker

The introductory module provides an overview of the scope of responsibilities of HSWs in a variety of
settings. Students will learn about client-centered versus client-directed care; and emphasizing the
individuality of the client and his/her relationship with family, friends and others. Key topics include
work relationships, stress and time management, interpersonal skills and communications, including
conflict resolution and problem solving, and applicable legislation.
This class will be a combination of labs and lectures.

The second module covers safety as it relates to both the client and the worker. One of the fundamental
activities of the HSW is that of assisting the client with routine activities of living. Students will learn
about risks of unsafe equipment or settings and appropriate actions to take when unsafe situations are
identified. Topics include infection control methods, body mechanics, and transferring and lifting
techniques using equipment to increase safety and reduce client anxiety.

This module will introduce the student to the basics of anatomy and physiology. Students will gain an
understanding of human body systems in order to apply that knowledge in their daily work as a Personal
Support Worker. These body systems are the musculoskeletal, digestive, urinary, integumentary,
reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and endocrine. Common disorders and age-related
changes for each body system will also be covered.

HSW’s assist clients with all activities or routines of daily living. Students will learn how to care for the
ill, disabled, injured and/or confused client. Frailness, dignity and levels of dependence will be
considered. Personal hygiene includes oral care, perineal care, bathing, grooming, dressing, bed making,
shaving, hair care, and skin care. It includes mobility considerations and involves personal safety, self esteem and dignity. The foundation of this module is humanistic health care.

This module introduces students to the concepts of violence and abuse, including its possible signs, and
the appropriate actions and 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 client and, abuse of the
worker. HSW will learn to recognize both indicators and causes, and the requirements of legislation,
employer policy, and provisions of the service contract or support plan.

In this module students learn about hospice, palliative and end-of-life care, the integration of a
palliative approach to care, ways of being, communication and practical strategies to provide
psychosocial support and physical comfort care for both the person and their family. This
module addresses provincial palliative care competencies (2018-2020) including competencies
for caring for First Nation, Inuit, Metis and urban Indigenous peoples.

Students will learn to assist the client with their nutritional needs, household activities, and household
management according to client preferences, comfort and safety within employer guidelines as required.
Nutritional needs include planning balanced menus, preparing shopping lists and shopping, safe handling
of food, and storage and specific cooking techniques. The special dietary needs of certain clients and their
cultural and religious preferences will all be addressed.

This module identifies the support provided through the care plan or service contract to the client to
relearn or regain routine abilities. They will understand its significance, and the rights of the client as a
receiver of support and the purpose, methods, and persons involved in its creation. Student will also be introduced to working in the community health care environment, providing support to patients and
families in communities, conducted in accordance with employer guidelines.

This module introduces students to common psychiatric conditions such as affective disorders,
schizophrenia, substance abuse, cognitive impairment, and brain injury. The possibility of multiple
conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression will be discussed along with the role of the family
caregiver and the importance of observation, documentation, and reporting in order to recognize changes in behaviour that can be related to psychiatric conditions or an increased risk of suicide.

Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) is a multi-disciplinary program designed for everyone who interacts
with older adults in the workplace. Participants are guided to fully understand responsive behaviors in
order to be able to respond effectively and appropriately in a workplace setting.

Comprehensive 16 hour course offering first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills for those
who need training due to work requirements or who want more knowledge to respond to emergencies at
home. Course meets legislation requirements for provincial/territorial worker safety and insurance boards
and includes the latest first aid and CPR guidelines.

This module will introduce the student to some of the foundation skills valued in the workplace.
Communication, teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking are discussed and explored with
professional techniques highlighted and practiced. Successfully working with diverse populations is a
key focus of this course.

Clinical placement provides students with an opportunity to practice their new skills in a work setting.
While on placement, students gain experience in a wider range of HSW skills, become more self confidant, and may receive offers of employment from the placement site. In this module the students will spend time working in a community setting under the supervision of a preceptor provided by the host site. The instructor will be available by phone and email at all times.