As seniors continue to be the fastest-growing demographic in Ontario, the association representing home care professionals is calling on the provincial government to provide regulatory support for personal support workers (PSWs).
"At the end of the day, we need more PSWs," said Miranda Ferrier, CEO of the Ontario Personal Support Workers Association. "But the real crux is that there's no regulations, and there's no legislation surrounding home care."
A recent report on Ontario's home care sector suggests the province's 65+ population could grow by 650,000 over the next six years. According to Ferrier, many of these people will lean on PSWs for help with personal care, like bathing or dressing, as well as various home support services, like meal preparation. However, the lack of regulatory structure governing Ontario's home care industry means elderly Ontarians are not guaranteed a certain level of support, said Ferrier.