Today is annual Personal Support Worker (PSW) Day, an important day to recognize the critical role that PSWs play in the lives of patients and caregivers, and in Ontario’s health system as a whole. OCSA would like to extend its deep gratitude to the approximately 100,000 PSWs working throughout our province, with special acknowledgement of the 34,000 PSWs who serve in the home and community care sector.  

PSWs support patients physically by helping with activities of daily living such as mobility, meals, and hygiene, while also providing important emotional support and companionship. They provide critical respite for caregivers, and they are also often the first to see a decline in a patient’s well-being and can engage patient care teams for further supports. These essential services contribute tremendously to the well-being of the patient and their families, but also to the health system as a whole by helping to prevent unnecessary ER visits and hospitalizations, and premature institutionalizations in long-term care and other facilities.  

Thank you again to the PSWs of Ontario for your compassion and commitment to the highest quality of care. OCSA and our members recognize and appreciate your contributions today, and every day.