New Years Message from President of OPSWA Miranda Ferrier

As we bring 2014 to a close, it is always neat to look back on what has happened in the past year and how far OPSWA has come for PSWs.

I have been striving for PSWs through PSW Canada and now OPSWA since 2006. What a journey it has been…

As a Personal Support Worker myself, I see and understand all the difficulties PSWs deal with today. When I see this. I want Change. Through OPSWA over the past year, I have met with some very influential people..I have made partnerships with employers and organizations dedicated to the Professionalization of Personal Support Workers. We have and will continue to strive for a better tomorrow for PSWs and those in our care. Why? Because YOU Deserve it. Not just “anyone” can do our job. It takes a very special sort of person to be a PSW. And not all PSWs that are PSWs should be! And thats where OPSWA comes in. We have set standards, We have raised the bar for PSWs and we have NEVER stopped nor changed our message. Recognition for PSWs. Respect for PSWs. and Standards for PSWs.

I believe the association has delivered on all three. We have brought recognition to PSWs by our relationships with media, organizations, family councils, MPP’s, MPs and the list goes on. Through that recognition comes respect. Respect for what you do! For what you provide for Ontario’s most vulnerable!

And we have set the standard. This year OPSWA in partnership with Right at Home Canada was thrilled to unveil our Scope of Practice and our many Standards of Practice for our PSWs. It was a lot of work, but well worth it for Ontario’s PSW!

One thing that OPSWA has done fully is take ownership of the PSW of Ontario. You ask me what that is? Ownership means we accept you all and we accept everything that comes along with it. Our goal is to continue to support, guide and represent PSWs as your Professional Association. We will continue to set Standards and build towards a better tomorrow for all PSWs, that is my promise to you all.

2014 was a huge victory for OPSWA, Bringing over 11,000 PSWs together under one solid Association. All of our PSWs are actual PSWs – all being thoroughly vetted for Criminal, schooling, ID Checks. Making sure that our PSWs stand out among the crowd. We couldn’t be more proud of that.

So here’s to another year of pissing people off, making a difference and most of all SUPPORTING and ROOTING for Ontario PSWs!

I wish you all the best for 2015.

Remember, OPSWA has your back. No matter what. 

Miranda Ferrier

President

Ontario Personal Support Worker Association

I am more..

This past weekend my mother went to a “party” a farewell party for a friends husband who had past away a few weeks ago. This was held at a pub as that is what “bob” had asked for..My mother called me and made the most profound statement. “Miranda” she said ” Bob was more than just an old man…but I think we all forget that” – My mom is right..When we are babies, our families, friends and strangers just can’t get enough of our cuteness…We become children..teenagers..adults…all with significant life experiences and changes…then we become seniors..our children are grown up and moved on…our grandchildren visit every so often..we are old. But we weren’t always that way.. My mom’s friends husband “Bob” was a writer..he was a father and he was a husband..He enjoyed his bit of cider every evening and loved his computer. “Bob” was more than just an old man…He was at one point like you and me.

In my work with OPSWA, I see many elderly I meet many elderly…and one thing I see to often is that they are “forgotten”. These individuals that were once a CEO, Nurse, Doctor, Engineer, teacher..mother, father, sister, brother. boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend,, husband, wife and the list goes on. They sculpted this society that we enjoy today and what do we do? We give them homecare with no substance. Long term care with the threat of abuse and substandard care. Hospitals that forget they are human. Okay maybe I am speaking to the worst situations but they are out there and they happen more than we care to admit. These very people who one day WILL be YOU or ME, are not receiving the care they rightly DESERVE and that makes me sad, very very sad.

The individuals who care for them – Family Caregivers or Personal Support Workers have a daunting task. Not enough support or tools but tons’ of passion to give them the best care possible.  PSWs need all the support they can get to provide proper care, so we should all be on the sidelines rooting and cheering on the PSW as apposed to trying to bring them down. PSWs are the future of Healthcare. PSWs will be providing care to someone you know – your loved one OR YOU at somepoint in your life. PSWs are the heartbeat of frontline care. Let’s help them provide quality care and let’s remember those like “Bob” as more than “just an elderly person”

Written by Miranda Ferrier/President/OPSWA

UNIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS IN THE PSW FIELD – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE

Many working PSW’s are often misled with information being delivered regarding the roles of these two very different organizations. This article will attempt to differentiate the two in how each of these organizations play in representing the PSW in the workplace.

Unions were first created in the early 1900’s to regulate a fair and safe work environment, acceptable hours of work and equality of pay.  Unions are still present and strong today albeit  some of the duties have become redundant due to the implementation of labour standards mandated and enforced by municipal, provincial, and federal government agencies.  Unions if in place are used to mediate issues or problems between the employer and employee to better the standards and work environment for the employee.  Unions negotiate on behalf of the employees with the employer to develop and solidify a structured plan that both parties agree upon in order to carry out the job at hand, also known as a Contract.  Unionized employees  usually have representatives consisting of fellow co-workers that work with the employer to put into effect agreements toward fair wages, hours of work, conditions of employment, time off and numerous other issues pertaining to the contract. Union dues on average, usually amount to the equivalent of a few hours of pay per month or in some cases a percentage of take home pay.  Variations of the dues will be contingent on the status of employment, full time or part time.

Associations are not-for-profit groups usually requiring annual registration.They are often professional bodies acting to protect the group they represent. For PSW’S, this includes developing, maintaining and upholding Scopes of Practice, Standards of Care and a Code of Ethics specifically for PSWs. Accountability and professionalism is expected of  it’s members. Development of continuing education, a resource centre and an information source are several of the deliverables for members. Associations can engage in issues between employees and employers that are not part of the binding contract by working as a third party alongside not only the employee and employer,  but also with the labour board and any other committee’s associated with the employment.

Associations play an important role for self employed PSWs providing care to clients.  Associations can offer access to liability insurance at a savings to members. Self-employed PSWs have support from a professional organization in the work field and members will be recognized as belonging to a larger body

Having a breakdown of the two entities and understanding the different roles for each and the benefits of being a member of an association   should help with understanding the need for professional support.

The most frequently asked question I get is,  “Can I be a member of an association while I am a member of a Union?”  The answer to that golden question is absolutely, actually it is highly recommended that regardless of being in a union or not, a PSW should be a member of an association.

So remember, as a PSW delivering care in all environments stay informed,  practice within your scope to provide safety for yourself and the people you care for.

When you decide to join an Association just remember “We have your Back”

   This blog was written by our new OPSWA Representative Brian Danckaert, He has been a PSW since 2008, he attended school in Elliot Lake through the Algoma School Board and graduated with honours.  Brian is currently employed in home care through an Agency in Southwestern Ontario.  He also has two years of experience in private care. Brian has now been offered the role of OPSWA representative for Southwestern Ontario with honour, and is looking forward to working with the OPSWA team and fellow PSW’s in assisting the need and awareness in the field.    Any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at brian@opswa.com.

Welcome Brian!

Team OPSWA

New Blogger for OPSWA

It’s a new year so new things are coming from OPSWA again 🙂

I am super excited to announce our not so new Blogger Stefanie Nucci aka APSWLIFE. Stefanie is not new to OPSWA – many of you will know her as our Communications Liaison. 

When I met Stefanie, she had already been blogging for her own blog APSWLIFE, speaking to the reality of being a Personal Support Worker. I was so impressed by her writing and her honesty we just had to have her at the association. So I invite you to have a look at her Blog and her Website, both of which I am proud to say are now officially a branch of the Ontario Personal Support Worker Association.

Welcome again Stef! 

We are thrilled to have you!

Your friends/family at OPSWA

OPSWA over 2014

Wow, so here we are the last day of 2014…What a great year 2014 was for PSWs and OPSWA. Let’s look at what we were up too…

1. OPSWA grew to over 11,000 members – we are SUPER Proud of this!

2. Hosted our First Annual PSW Conference and PSW Appreciation Night at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto – Great Success!

3.  Had a Booth at the “People in Motion” Tradeshow in Downtown Toronto at the EX! and also teamed up with Right at Home Canada Guelph for a Health and Wellness show! 

4. Made a trip north to Sudbury to speak at the Northern East Family Councils Network Conference! What a great experience! Loved being able to connect!

4. Did more interviews with CTV Kitchener and CTV London regarding PSWs & Long Term Care!

5. President Miranda Ferrier took a short break from OPSWA to support her long time friend Kathryn McGarry for MPP in her city of Cambridge and guess what? Kathryn WON! Congrats again MPP McGarry!

6. OPSWA Staff were busy this year as well with many presentations at schools across our Province! It is always great to connect with PSW Students!

7. OPSWA also teamed up with the Ontario Long Term Care Association to bring two PSW streams to two of their events over the year! We are looking forward to working with them again!

8. OPSWA was thrilled to Re-Launch our Mother Organization PSW Canada this year! With such demand for a place for all Frontline Workers – we knew relaunching PSW Canada would be the best thing!! Welcome back PSW Canada! ( http://www.pswcanada.ca)

9. Last but certainly not least…OPSWA in partnership with Right at Home Canada developed the “Scope of Practice” and many different ” Standards of Practices” for Personal Support Workers. This is the first time ever that any organization or Association has stepped up to the plate to define exactly what a PSW can and cannot do. OPSWA was and is very proud to have done this for our members and Ontario’s PSWs.

    

Lots of great things happened for OPSWA this year and we couldn’t be more excited about next year!!!

If you have any questions about the Association and wish to join please check us out at http://www.opswa.com!

we look forward to connecting!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The OPSWA Staff 

New Developments

First I would like to say sorry for not blogging as often as we used too. There have been many changes at OPSWA over the last few months – exciting changes. 

First and foremost OPSWA is still around the table for the new and upcoming PSW Registry. Secondly we have been asked to sit on the new BSO Project as well – we are happy that PSWs from OPSWA have been hired for this project! Way to go! 

We have also welcomed some new corporate members to our family! Essentially yours and Bayshore! Welcome to you as well!

If some of you didn’t know – OPSWA was on CTV’s W5 at the end of March! We were so thrilled to be a part of something so huge! The feedback we have recieved from PSWs across the province and Canada has been outstanding! We were honoured to speak the truth!

It truly has been exciting watching all the memberships fly into OPSWA – What an exciting time to be a Personal Support Worker in Ontario!!!

If you haven’t yet check out our website http://www.opswa.com

Become a part of your professional association today!!

Miranda Ferrier

President

Ontario personal support worker association

http://www.opswa.com

MFerrier@opswa.com

PSWs are NOT alone.

Lately I have been watching our PSWs talk on our Facebook group and one constant has remained – as PSWs we are alone.

That remark is untrue. As PSWs in the province of Ontario YOU have a professional Association. There is NO other province in Canada that as a Professional Association for PSWs. We offer you protection, answers to your questions, a listening ear! We offer health benefits, discounts on insurance, resources, help with resume/career building, upgrading, advocacy but most importantly a VOICE.

Some PSWs have asked us why aren’t we in Thunder bay? Why aren’t we in Kenora? Why don’t we do things up north?

The answer to that is simple. We do. We have PSWs in all those areas but very few! In order to have upgrading for our members we NEED members.

OPSWA is a volunteer association – every person that sits on a board or committee or works every single day to bring positive change for our PSWs is a volunteer – nonetheless they are volunteers with TONS of passion and drive.

Without OPSWA – the PSWs of Ontario would not have a voice – there would be no PSW around the table for the PSW Registry – there would be NO ONE defending the Personal Support Worker with anyone – there would be no one for PSWs to rely upon.

So I guess some PSWs are right – if you are not a member of OPSWA – I guess you are alone. So join and become a Professional PSW. Make the move to improve YOUR future.

Miranda Ferrier

President

Ontario Support Worker Association (OPSWA)

MFerrier@opswa.com

http://www.opswa.com

Merry Christmas & Old Folks

 

Blogs are hard to write lately.  Reason? Overload of upcoming holidays, working as a rep for OPSWA! (the best thing I ever did in my life) and part-time caregiver to the most darling girl in the world.

 

Its December.  Hard to believe another year has flown by.

I have hope, I have vision and I will continue fighting as an advocate for elderly and vulnerable clients across the province of Ontario and across Canada as a member of OPSWA.  I heard the other day that the difference between a dream and a goal is a timeline!  I dont have a timeline…it is not visible to me yet.  But I will continue to dream & work toward that goal of PSWs united across the province in education, support, professionalism and quality.

 

Today I am inspired to write about Old Folks!

I have experienced a lot in my life – and thankfully almost everything I have done has been a lesson to me.  The very biggest lesson in my life was taking on the job of a caregiver.

 

I did it blindly as a teenager – not prepared for it as courses were not available back in the Stone Age ( I am talking the mid 1960s)

 

Hard to believe isnt it?  One of the most important jobs in health care – no preparation.  Mind you things have improved and now we have a new title in Ontario – Personal Support Workers

and we do have a course that trains PSWs in many skills and strengths.  My Christmas wish is to get education standardized across the province.

 

But I digress.  I want to comment on Old Folks.  They are the ones PSWs care for.  Not always – but mostly.  Other important groups we serve are individuals with early onset dementia, brain injury, special needs, cognitively delayed – so many fascinating people I have met in my life.

 

Old Folks!

I am one – or almost.  I am over 60 and on the slippery slope toward end of life..ooops..did I say that?  Yep…as a senior on Twitter I am learning all kinds of things and EOL – is one of them.  Each of us is heading there.  We don’t think about it much when we are in our teens and early adult years.  But when you are a PSW – its something you see every day.  When you are an Old Folk its more than seeing..its believing.  To Old Folk, every day is precious.  No matter if you are facing cancer, or dementia or if you are in fairly good health..each day is important.

 

I don’t believe that Old Folk purposely wake up grouchy in the mornings..but if you do find one of us in a bad mood…perhaps you could think about why?

 

– not happy to have the overhead lights turned on at 6 am sharp and forced to be dressed or bathed or both – and then have to wait til 8 or later for cold oatmeal and soggy toast?

 

– didn’t sleep well despite pain meds and has achy joints and Just got to sleep an hour ago!

– nothing to get up for – no one will visit me today.

 

– breakfast? can live without it – but they wont give me tea and toast in my room because I MUST attend the dining room in order to be socially involved and participating.  Bah Humbug!

 

Does this give you some perspective on your grouchy clients?  I hope so.  Cause one day I am going to be in that bed when you come in and flip that light switch.

 

Be kind to me…speak softly, put a small light on..give me a chance to open my eyes and feel human.  Treat me with respect and kindness becauseI need that.  I don.t get hugs, cuddles, or kind words very often.  Perhaps my husband died, or I am alone far away from children and family.  Perhaps I am scared.  Perhaps I am tired, depressed and in pain.

 

You may have a special event planned tonight – you may have a party to go to or a concert with your partner or family.   I have very little to look forward to.  My family is scattered across the province or country.  They won’t see me over the holidays.   I may be able to read a book or not.  I may be able to enjoy a TV show or not.  I may lay there sleepless til 3 am – listening to call bells, listening to staff talk in the halls…wishing I could find a snack but I can’t get out of bed and the staff are too busy and can’t find anything great in the fridge anyway…

 

When you look at things through others’ eyes – you may understand why Old Folks are grouchy.

Especially Old Folk in care.

 

Give them the benefit of the doubt.  Remember that Christmas time is not that happy for someone who is in retirement or LTC.  They get few visitors.  They have few cards or gifts.  They maybe can’t enjoy the turkey dinner because they can no longer eat certain foods.  They need us more than ever, even just to get out of bed – or maybe to turn over or reposition.  They need PSWs to enrich their life, bring sunshine and energy into their room.

 

I hope you will report back and tell me how many smiles, hugs, words of kindness you get back for being an inspiration in their day.

Thank you to all PSWs who give up their Christmas with their kids to care for others.  Thank you for sharing your energy and time with those who have little to look forward to.  I will be “on duty” over Christmas.  I would not be anywhere else.  PSWs bring Hope and Love.  PSWs make the difference.

 

Merry Christmas one and all.

from an Old Folk who understands the point of view of a resident in LTC.

Natrice Rese PSW

NRese@opswa.com    http://www.opswa.com

 

 

 

 

Defining the role

What is a PSW again?

 

A PSW is a person who wants to care for others and who takes a course in order to be identified as such.  A Personal Support Worker is the name now designated to define the role of the former Health Care Aide, and other various terms from past years.  The PSW course varies depending on where the course is taken, and unfortunately without the knowledge of the PSW Student…there are variations of the PSW program related directly to the schools providing them.

 

I upgraded my skills and became a PSW in 1999.  I didn’t have a clue that PSW programs varied from one place to another.  I didn’t know if my course was adequate or not.  I just wanted to be a PSW.  In fact, after completing my course and beginning work in LTC and home care – I found out that there were indeed a lot of different schools, and a lot of differences in the PSW programs in other educational facilities.

 

I also hate to say it but the college I attended in 1999 closed up shop and reopened at a different address under a different name.  I don’t understand why that happens.  It makes me think that something isn’t quite right when schools disappear and re-appear with new names and phone numbers.  Maybe it was new ownership, maybe it was something different.  When you want to call that school you attended and get a copy of your marks or certificate – you won’t be able to find them.  Isn’t that kind of odd?  Regular schools, grade schools, are always out there, buildings may be changed, improved or whatever, but you can always get to someone to find your file from high school, etc.

 

When PSWs decide to go to school and learn to take care of others – most of them are serious about it.  Some of them aren’t.  Some of them might have been urged to take it – as a way to get a job in 6 to 10 months…and that isnt quite the way PSWs should be recruited.  I believe with all my heart that PSWs should and do – join the health care team out of a desire to make life better for others.  I do believe that if you take any program in life – it should be because it improves you as a person, gives you skills you desire to have, and that you have chosen to do so.

 

I have information that leads me to believe that PSW education is not the same across the board, and across the province.  When you are talking about the education of PSWs who will take care of very vulnerable and defenseless clients, I think we all want the best foundation for that job.

 

I have heard from many PSWs who regardless of where they took their training, they felt that they were prepared well – and they obviously have their heart in it.  When you already have compassion, caring and empathy for others, you can become a wonderful PSW regardless of your program.

 

In fact, in history you can trace back and find out that front line caregivers started with just a desire to help and some bandages…and minimal training.  Isn’t that how the famous nurse Florence Nightingale started?  She was from a wealthy family who denounced her taking on such a low class job.  Caring for others is the best thing you will ever do in life.  I will never forget the people I helped, the people I sat beside as they passed away, the people that smiled back and me and said thank you for doing that, thank you for being here.  Unsaid thanks in the squeezed hand.  PSWs are extensions of their residents and are valued members of the front line team in health care.

 

However, there are others, and I know they are out there, I met them in my workplaces.  They had no interest in the job and it was obvious in the way they presented themselves and the way they approached the tasks given them.

 

All I want, as a retired PSW with a vulnerable family member who will one day be in the hands of front line workers….is to bring the curriculum to a standard – that is the same across the province.  It is only fair that all PSWs learn the same thing, be skilled in the same areas, and have the best foundation possible for their role in the health care team.

 

I am grateful for all PSWs who write to us, who join us in our campaign to advocate and uplift the PSW career.  We all are working for excellence and professionalism in the field.  Being a member of OPSWA means a larger Voice for PSWs.  Look what it’s doing for the gatherings presently happening around the world…. 99% of the population is asking the 1% to listen!

 

I hope that the government will take note and listen to our concerns about present education not being standardized across the province.  One day PSWs should be taking the same course across the country!

 

We all have family members who have been on the receiving end of care, and we ourselves may at some time need care.  This drive for change is about having one standard, one curriculum, one program – that works in all schools and colleges.

 

Think about being a resident  – when you put it in that perspective…that we can all be on the receiving end…of care….its just seems simple to ask for standards.

 

Natrice Rese PSW

NRese@opswa.com

http://www.opswa.com

Stay Strong…Move forward

I realized today that it has been a while since our last blog – to our loyal followers I am sorry.

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

http://www.opswa.com

MFerrier@opswa.com