Personal Support Workers (PSWs) have been referred to as the eyes and ears of vulnerable clients; caring for those who need personal assistance in the activities of daily living. PSWs care for clients in hospitals, long-term care settings, hospices and at home. 

PSWs are recognized by different titles across Canada such as, Health Care Aides, Continuing Care Assistants, Personal Care Attendants, Home Support Workers, and others. Over the years, the role of PSWs has dramatically increased from providing supportive care to doing activities that were previously completed by regulated health professionals. This evolving role should be recognized and supports put into place to support the expanding work requirements of PSW practice.

The focus of this study is to examine the role, scope, and function of PSWs in various care settings in Canada. More specifically, this research study is focused on the following:

• Activities/acts being delegated to PSWs that were not part of their basic training.

• To determine how these activities are being assigned and

• To determine what type of oversight is being provided to PSWs.

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A research study about PSWs should be comprised of the voice of PSWs. This study is important because we want care aides to tell us what they do and where some of their challenges may be. This research is to improve the education of care aides, improve workplace safety, and improve the lives of the clients and residents they care for.