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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

Exceptional People

 

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

 

Hiring a Personal Support Worker – Pt. 1

I am in the process of hiring a personal support worker to join my team. A process that I must say I have never really enjoyed. This is for a number of reasons.

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. http://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

The Gift of a Great PSW/HCW

 

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

Participate in Life – Make a difference

Today I sit at the keyboard and wish to address PSWs.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

It is more than “just a job”

This letter was sent to OPSWA when we were PSW Canada. I wish I could remember the PSW who sent it in, It moves me to goosebumps everytime I read it, I thought I would share again.

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 :P) 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.