I received an email today – asking me why OPSWA is not around the table for discussion on the new and upcoming registry….this shocked us as we were a vital part of the Ministry deciding to launch a registry…This makes me and everyone else at OPSWA mad! And rightfully so!!

Just because we are not controlled by a Union, Organization or government, Just because we are PSWs with our own MINDs, we cannot speak on behalf of PSWs in Ontario around the table? Why? What are they afraid of ? That we speak the TRUTH – that the system is in need of HELP NOW?  That certain “people” have IGNORED the proof we have laid before them – PROOF of PSWs being taken advantage of! PROOF that people are graduating from the private sector with criminal records! PROOF that our PSW Schooling and training need to be upgraded! PROOF that other so called “Networks” for PSWs allow ANYONE to join even a DOG! PROOF that we are the ONLY association/Organization/Network whatever the heck you want to call us that is RUN BY PSWs FOR PSWs!! We have our own minds – we have been there – done it! We want change!

I make a promise to our PSWs in Ontario – OPSWA will not stop, we will not be silenced – if this has done anything it has strengthened our spirits for the next battle! Who’s with us?

Miranda Ferrier

President

Ontario Personal Support Worker Association

www.opswa.com

MFerrier@opswa.com

Hi everyone, another week has gone by and it’s time to post another blog item for our readers.

Today I want to talk about Exceptional People.

PSWs are often spoken about as Exceptional.  Why? Because they do a fast-paced job, related to the health and personal comfort of elderly, children, palliative, sick, brain-injured, those who have been in accident and have reduced mobility, ability etc.

PSWs deal with many or all of these clients with these situations in a day or in a shift.  You have to think on your feet.  You have to be ready to change your tactics, your approach and your job load.

PSWs ARE Exceptional!

We are proud of our PSWs – those who have worked hard, gotten good marks, and joined our Association because they have the same vision we have – a United Band of PSWS.  Backing each other up, respecting each other, supporting and encouraging each other.

This week, I heard a family member speak about workers who care for my special needs granddaughter.  She said that our child “needs exceptional people working with her”.

She is RIGHT!

Our child with special needs is complex care.  She can turn on a dime and go from being fine  to very sick.  She can throw up without warning, she can stay awake for two or three days straight…she can exhaust any normal person.

To be able to address her needs, keep her safe, fed, warm dry and comfortable, we as a family need “exceptional people” to take our places.

Bear in mind that if you work in Retirement, Long Term Care, a Group Home, or for any community agency – that YOU are an Exceptional Person.  You are making the difference for exhausted family members.  Even for those who are end-of-life, palliative – your care, your watchfulness means that someone else is getting a break, a change and a rest.

You as a PSW took this course in order to make a difference in people’s lives.

I bet you didn’t realize that along with the client you care for comes a whole parcel of family and friends who watch you, count on you, trust you and expect nothing less from you than Exceptional care.

As a family member who trusts PSWs and other caregivers to give exceptional care to my family member – I would be worn out, unable to function anymore.  PSWs are an extension of their client, and they are an extension of the circle of family support.

Remember that when you go to work today…whether it is a 2 hr shift, an 8 or 10 hr shift.

You Matter very much to your Client – and if you are Exceptional – your Client and their family will appreciate you and commend you for a job well done!

Don’t forget that you May be the Only person that your client interacts with today.  Make that connection the best it can be, compassionate, caring, supportive and even humorous!

If you can make my family member laugh today – I will love you for that.

Be inspired

Have a great weekend.

Natrice Rese

Comm. Liaison OPSWA

NRese@opswa.com

This specific lady comes to me as a member of The Ontario Personal Support Worker Association www.opswa.ca

Regular readers of my blog have heard me sing the praises of OPSWA countless times.

“OPSWA was created out of necessity and want. PSWs all over Ontario wanted a professional association they could call their own.
OPSWA is that Professional Association. It is run by a board of directors and an advisory committee. All who are dedicated to Personal Support Workers in Ontario and making a difference for everyone.”

Why is this significant to my hiring process?

First, members of an association automatically stand out and have a leg up on the competition. Think about it – if an individual has taken the time and money to join a specific association, then don’t you think that individual will be more committed to the job at hand. I certainly do!
I, personally, am a member of many associations and organizations. This is not just because it looks good at the bottom of my email signature, but because it shows my clients and potential clients that I have taken the time and money to be part of a bigger body – to be part of an important team.

Second, I know that my new staff member is now held accountable, not just by my company policies, but also by the policies of OPSWA. I have been told that I have some of the strictest company policies in Ontario. Why? Would you want somebody caring for your loved one, on the most personal level, with slack policies? So, if my staff are following my specific governing rules in addition to the governing rules of the association that they took time to join, then I feel more than comfortable representing my company as one of the best in Ontario.

Third, members of OPSWA are just more professional, plain and simple.
One of my biggest complaints while trying to hire personal support workers, is the lack of professionalism within the industry. As mentioned in my last blog, I believe this starts at the beginning, during the schooling stage. Professionalism is not taught in the curriculum, but it is sure part of OPSWA! Members of OPSWA come to the interview with a well organized binder of all their credentials, extra schooling, awards, etc. They are also dressed professionally and know how to answer those tough questions. This specific new hire also took the time to send me a “Thank You” card (I have never had this happen before!)

You may be asking yourself, why is this important or relevant to regulations of private home care? Easy – if it was mandatory, due to the regulations, that all private home care organizations only hire members of an association, then don’t you think that home care would drastically improve? I sure do!

So the question I leave you with is this … Why are employers not pushing for all of their staff to be part of this association? I’m jumping on board, are you?

If you feel as passionate about improving senior care regulations in Ontario as I do, please sign my petition – http://www.gopetition.com/petition/30982/signatures.html

Posted by Take It Easy Home Care

The first being the pool in which I get to pick my candidates. This said pool is quite large, all be it the quality of the water is mighty poor.

Why?

Well, there are no regulations for course curriculum. Private Ontario Colleges are offering PSW courses – “Pay $10,000.00 and get your diploma in 3 months!”. Community colleges offer the same program but it takes a year to finish. These particular courses usually entail at least 6 months of field placement.

I don’t know about you, but I want the person who is looking after my loved one to have as much experience as possible, not just a certificate on a piece of paper.

Ridiculously below average training goes in the LONG list of reasons why the senior service industry needs to be regulated.

I am pushing for the private sector but we can all see that the educational level (the bare root of all our PSWs) needs to be fixed.

The Ontario Personal Support Worker Association is fighting to support just this problem. www.opswa.ca

I think we should all gather together and SCREAM for regulations … everywhere in this sector of health care.

If it is not for our loved ones, then maybe it is for yourself. We will all be in the position of needing care one day. I don’t know about you, but call me selfish, I want the best available care out there.

Posted by Take It Easy Home Care

These clients and residents are Vulnerable with a capital V!  These clients depend totally on their PSW, DSW, HCA, whatever the title of the caregiver personally involved with them.

Personally I can tell you from the family member point of view that your gut tells you a lot about caregivers.  Personally as a PSW who worked in facilities I can tell you my gut worked then too.  Unfortunately I was not able to act on the feelings I had – regarding those who did a good job and those who didnt.  Why? Because whistleblowers are ostracized, excluded, shunned, and not to mention you will be kicked out of the facility…because???? you are a troublemaker.  Not to mention that if you whistleblow…everyone knows who did it, and because the RNs come into the staff room and listen and hound you until someone tells!  Once you are known as someone who stands up for others and tells the truth, and speaks about physical abuse, rudeness, verbal and emotional abuse…..well, they want to literally get rid of you as fast as they can run your little tush out of the building.

This is no fairy tale.  OPSWA and our staff talk to PSWs daily, weekly, at meetings, on the phone, by email and in person.  PSWs tell us about the abominable behaviour that goes on, the rules, the stresses, and I know that they wonder why they got into this field.  It is really hard to remember that you came to this job because you care for people.  When you become a PSW, it feels more like you are hurting than helping, when you have to get 10 to 15 people up in a two hour period…before breakfast and by the way do at least one of your two baths.  When you come to work day in and day out, and the first thing you do is go to the board and see who is NOT coming into work today…and you go back to the staffroom, to fortify yourself with a snack and coffee…and you sigh and know that your energy level (which at full staff will be depleted in 8 hrs) is now going to be running on a dangerous low level….increasing stress and possible injury to you, and increasing the risk of injury and anguish to your residents who will ring more, yell at you for help, be uncomfortable in their brief for too long, lay in one position for too long.

No matter how many times this is discussed, it is still happening daily for our vulnerable seniors.

I want to celebrate the Guardian Angels who do their best and beyond each and every day.  Without the PSWs who show their compassion, work as a team, can multitask and bring humour to the job as well as a warm and caring attitude to their clients and residents – our facilities would be in a crisis situation.  It already is…its just always humming under the line of OVERLOAD!  It has been this way for years and I wonder how much longer it can keep going.

Can you imagine what it would be like to have residents waiting in rooms for care, food, personal change, transport to the bathroom to void like they used to do in the real world when an exhausted spouse or family member cared for them? or even before that when they could make it on their own?

It is True!  You will be put into diapers even if you dribble like the commercials tell us “oh so tastefully” on Television.  No using simple small pads for your incontinence.  Regardless you will be given personal products that are lumpy, bumpy and plain uncomfortable…but they are the best on the market.  And mark my words, these products are marked on the outside…just like the guage on your car’s gastank…that signify Empty, Half Full and Full!

When will your personal incontinent product be changed?  When it is 75% or more Full!  When will your Guardian angel change it?  If she or he can, they will change you before that, by hiding a brief in your bedroom for your need, by taking it from an emergency brief box….Who thought up that name?  An emergency buffer box of briefs in all sizes…and before you can hand it out to your resident who is sitting and waiting in their wheelchair, or on their bed, or in their bathroom, waiting for attention…..you will have to what?  Tell me this again?  Write down the time of day, the name of the client and the reason for the brief to be taken from the box?

This makes as much sense as inspectors from the Min. of Health only talking to the heads of depts., and when they did speak to PSWs on the floor – they never got the real story – they only got told everything runs just fine here, proud to be part of this establishment!  There are always extra staff put on the floor for Ministry visits – if possible to know in advance.  Keep the Secret, Keep the real story under the bed, Keep the world from finding out that residents are short-changed, fed nothing but crystal packs of instant juice…cheaper than the real stuff…and that meals are of the kind that only dogs would enjoy.  I must admit that on Christmas and Thanksgiving the cooks made real turkeys, and for the most part they did the best they could with the food.  But really?  Not the kind of food I want to live out my days eating.  Not the kind of life I want for myself…even if I have Guardian Angels looking after me.

Its kind of like going to a jail and getting the local snack bar in town bring you over a meal in a box…not quite…but almost.  Its almost like living at home except for the money you pay you have NO rights…NO control over anything.

If you don’t feel quite right and you want to miss a couple of meals in the dining room or just have tea and toast in your room….you are told…by the PSW…who was told by the RN in charge, who was told by the DOC….regimentation must go on.  No staff able to hand deliver food to residents in their room for no reason.  Must attend meals so they are socialized and fit into the regimented rules of the wonderful carpeted, painted and decorated facility that is “just like home”  Yep, do you want to move in yet?  I don’t blame you.

So many times I saw little old ladies in their chairs, peering at writing paper, pen clutched in their hands, writing to the administrator, writing to the Min. of Health of our Province, writing to anyone who they thought would help.   Why?  Because in their old age they were paying upward of $1800 and more a month for personal care, good meals and drinks, clean rooms, Guardian Angels or PSWs to care for them.

If this is Heaven, then we need to put up a sign : “Work in Progress”

There is no money for more help, there is no way that owners of facilities will change the rules.  Rules make the place run right!  Rules are necessary so that meals, baths, care and breaks for staff can happen.  I can tell you that plenty of girls work through their breaks to care for a palliative client.  They work through their supper break, a half hour becomes 15 or 20 minutes because it is impossible to do all the care, get all the duties done before the end of the shift.

Any PSW who gets hired, went through the PSW program, and wants to make a difference – please consider them Guardian angels.  They are!  Ask us for more info.  We have it.

Today I am posting a story about the importance of a great Personal Support Worker (AKA Health Care Worker) in providing care for a dying person in the home setting.

I post it today, because I am celebrating the discovery Ontario PSW Association (OPSWA link – http://www.opswa.com/) and its parent organization PSW Canada.

I am delighted that there is a group adovocating for this INCREDIBLE TEAM OF CAREGIVERS!

Thanks to all the great PSWs/HCWs across the country!

Kath

I arrived at a home and entered through the family room door. I was to

pronounce the death of the elderly mother, help prepare her body to be taken

to the funeral home, and provide support for the family. The Community Health Worker served tea to the woman’s husband and helped to settle him in his large recliner. She then sat with the woman’s daughter, and listened to her

reminisce with stories from her childhood, stories of her mother, and stories

of growing up on the prairies.

After I completed my tasks, we visited while we waited for the funeral home

attendants to arrive. The daughter talked of the care received from the health

care team, and the benefit of having a community health worker. She said,

“Everyone was helpful, the nurses, the doctors, the counsellor, the neighbours,

the cancer agency…but Martha, the community health worker…she made it all

work. She has been here 24-hours-a-day for these past few weeks. She listened

to each of us, she listened to my brothers, she listened to me, she talked with

my dad and my mom. She knew how to listen. She did not offer advice except

when we specifically asked her.

Martha gave my mom excellent physical care. Martha knew what to expect.

When we got worried about some change with mom, she knew when to call

for help, and she knew when to tell us not to worry. When mom’s breathing

became worse, she told us this was normal. A while later when the breathing

sounds became wet, she told us that we needed to call the home care nurse.

Martha made the whole thing work.”

Before I left the home, I pulled Martha aside and asked her how she developedsuch competence in caregiving. Martha described the support she received from her supervisor (an LPN) at her agency; she talked about the home care nurses who provided expert care and involved her in their assessments, answered her questions, and modeled excellent care. Martha also told of education that she had received in a workshop on caring for the dying.

Not all deaths are this peaceful, not all teams function this well, and not all

people are able to access 24-hour home support services in the last few

days. I left this home contemplating the benefits of good teamwork.

Excerpt from”Essentials in Hospice Palliative Care” by Katherine Murray, p12.

link:  http://lifeanddeathmatters.ca/manual/essentials-manual.html

As one of the founding supporters of the Ontario Personal Support Worker Association I am amazed and thrilled at the progress I have seen in the past year.  Just one year ago in June 2010, we began this journey – forming OPSWA and beginning the journey toward better health care, better training for Personal Support Workers and better quality of life for the elderly and vulnerable.

One year later – OPSWA is gaining respect and acknowledgement for the job we are all doing as a team.

One year later – the Ontario government has announced a PSW Registry that is to be launched in 2011.

That to me is a tremendous step upward.  That shows that our voices have been heard.  We will be able to know who a PSW is.  We will be able to feel safe that members of OPSWA, members of a government registry have proven their education, their clean criminal check and their capability to do the job required.

PSWs are a skilled workforce.  This is not an assembly line of cars, houses, boxes that PSWs deal with.  PSWs are front line workers in the health care team.  PSWs are no longer just a maid with a washcloth, working at something “that anyone can do”.  PSWs should be proud of their accomplishments, their training and the difference they make in their clients lives.

Two years ago I started out timidly writing my thoughts.  I was amazed at the response.  My stories and the stories of other PSWs have brought us to this day.  A new day and a new identity of Personal Support Workers.

This is an example of Standing Up for something and Making a Difference.

If I had kept silent and kept my story to myself – I feel we would still be waiting for things to change.

Today I am proud of being part of something huge, something historical and I invite you to be part of that history in the making.  Be proud of your contribution to your community, to families and most importantly to those you assist day and night.  PSWs Do Make the Difference.  More than you know!

This famous quote by  Abraham Lincoln says it best.

“And in the end it is not the years in your life that count.  It’s the life in your years.”

Natrice Rese,

Communications Liaison, OPSWA

Miranda Ferrier

Dear PSW Canada,

I feel I have one of the hardest and yet one of the most rewarding careers there is.  I am a PSW and NO it doesn’t stand for Professional Shit wiper (although some days you would think that ) It stands for Personal Support Worker.

I’ve been slapped, punched, kicked, cursed at, bitten, gummed and have had to duck and dodge plates flying towards my head.  I have cried with, and I have laughed with my residents. I have watched them die, and have held the hand of many while they took their last breathe.  I have also become an extended family member, adopted grand daughter, a confidant and a friend.  I am with my residents 260 days out of the 365 in a year.  Often seeing them more than my own family.  And for those reasons is why I say my career choice is one of the hardest and most rewarding ever.

Nothing can beat the twinkles in the eye and the smile on the face of one of your residents when they see you in the morning and you know they are truly happy you are there.

Or getting the Alzheimer’s resident who doesn’t talk to say good morning to you.

Watching a stroke victim put on their shirt for the first time that morning by themselves and celebrating that little victory. Knowing that you are there for that individual when they need it the most.

Some have questioned the reason for me becoming a PSW and some hav e even told me that I sold myself short by not going further with my education.  I say take your trip to europe and shove it.

I can honestly say that I am happy with my career choice, and yes I said career because to me this is way more than “just a job”.

I hold my head high when I say I am a PSW, and now you know why.

These are just a few phrases that come to OPSWA from PSWs regarding abuse. Unacceptable.

If you as a PSW, see or witness or think there is abuse, REPORT IT.

Enough with the cover ups and the excuses, just to make Yourself feel better. PSW is a Profession where you are to PROTECT the vulnerable.

If you cannot do this, Please exit the profession. We need PSWs that are willing to STAND UP and make a difference. Enough is enough. Abuse is everywhere. Nothing will change unless someone says something.

You want protection, join OPSWA. That’s what we are HERE FOR! If you want to be one of the PSWs who cares about your residents/clients, join us, we support you! We will go to bat for our registered PSWs. We have gone to bat for our PSWs and guess what…we have WON.

So think about this next time you see abuse, don’t shrug it off…stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves..make a difference. BE a PSW.

Miranda Ferrier

President

OPSWA

Some PSWs have said they are against the registry…when asked why..they state they don’t want more accountability…they don’t want to upgrade…It really makes us wonder if they should be PSWs at all…This registry will bring recognition and standards to the PSW Profession. We will not be looked at like that bottom feeder any longer.

Why is it so hard for some PSWs to realize this is a positive and much needed change? Why are they so hesitant??

To be honest it makes me nervous. We know that in every profession there are bad apples..People that are not in it for the right reasons…Some professions it doesn’t matter what your reasons are, However as a PSW it DOES matter. You deal with societies most vulnerable, shouldn’t you want to be accountable? Shouldn’t you want to upgrade?

We are just baffled here at OPSWA. A lil feedback would be appreciated

Again, to those PSWs who want the registry. Congrats! WE DID IT!

Miranda Ferrier

President

OPSWA