Plenary & Workshops

Opening Plenary: Can You Actually Do 'That'? A PSW's Role in Controlled Acts

Sure, you can do it.....Oh, no you can't! There is a great deal of confusion--and misunderstanding--about just what Personal Attendants and PSWs can do. We'll discuss what's in the scope of practise, what a controlled act is and under what conditions you can legally perform one, what your employer might allow and give some tips about how to figure out what to do when you're presented with a new request.

Meg Soper

A combination of stand up and motivational presentation that offers a light hearted look at the stresses of everyday life and sheds a humorous light on it. It will demonstrate how shifting our perspective and using humour will help us effectively cope with the day to day stresses of home life and the workplace. It is an interactive presentation that focuses on effective communication and dealing with conflict in the workplace and life. The understanding is that we are in a position to support each other and that we have control over the attitude we bring with us to work. Improve internal communication for a healthier, happier and more productive workplace environment while maintain your sense of balance. Meg Soper www.megsoper.com 905-825-9339

Workshops

The Behavioural Support in Ontario Project

Through the Behavioural Services Ontario (BSO) Project new services, programs and training are now being introduced that provide appropriate care and support for an increasing number of seniors, their families and caregivers province-wide, who live and cope with complex and challenging responsive behaviours associated with dementia, mental illness, addictions and/or other neurological conditions. BSO is a comprehensive system redesign that has successfully broken down barriers, encouraged collaborative work, shared knowledge and fostered partnerships among local, regional and provincial agencies. Central to the project's success is a system that ensures people are treated with dignity and respect, in an environment that supports safety for all based on high quality, evidence-based care and practices. Participants will learn about the overall BSO project including main concepts and operations and will learn how BSO has fostered collaboration across the health care continuum.

Caring for Someone with Dementia

This workshop will include an overview of the impact of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The presenters will introduce the Dementia Care Training Program (DCTP). The DCTP fostered knowledge, skills and confidence in dementia care among health care professionals using a Person-Centered Care approach and the UFIRST! and P.I.E.C.E.S. frameworks. This workshop will be co-facilitated by a former PSW and a public education coordinator and provide participants with a glimpse of the DCTP program with an interactive aging simulation activity. An interactive approach will provide the opportunity for feedback and discussion.

Home Independence Program

You can make a difference! Learn from VHA's PSW's how a new approach has enhanced their role in working with clients. Promoting client independence is achieved by transitioning to a supportive role from a doing role. The Central West Community Care Access Centre's Home Independence Program (HIP) provides services that can greatly improve the functional level of previously independent seniors after an illness or event (such as a fall or surgery).

The Importance of PSWs in Continence Improvement

PSWs have been critical to the Improving Continence Care Collaborative's (IC3) since its start in 2006. Interprofessional teams of PSWs, registered staff, managers and others from almost 100 Ontario Long Term Care Homes have increased toileting of residents; and decreased constipation, urinary tract infections, skin breakdown and continence product usage.

An Invitational Approach: onsidering the Learning and Training Needs of PSWs in Relation to LGTB-Inclusive Home Care

This workshop highlights results from a recent study exploring learning and training needs for interprofessional home care service providers in relation to providing care for diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. The "Invitational Approach" will be introduced as a strategy to foster cultural competency for personal support workers.

Nutritional Care & Support for Clients with Diabetes

This interactive session will focus on the PSW's role in caring for and supporting older adults with diabetes. Participants will learn about underlying causes of diabetes and disease progression. The session will include group discussion, case studies and practical exercises related to nutrition and hydration concerns of older clients with diabetes.

The Opportunity for PSWs to Apply Stroke Best Practices in the Home

This workshop, presented by a PSW and a researcher will discuss the 2010 Canadian Stroke Strategy Best Practice Recommendations and how they were adapted in a research stude to recognize PSWs' current efforts and future potential to provide evidence-based care to stroke survivors and their family caregivers at home.

Overview of Future Trends and Movements in Home Care

This presentation provides an overview of future home care trends and how they impact the work of and the need for PSWs. Many issues will be discussed including: international health system reform, technology, consumer rights and movement, education system shifts, labour markets, medical advancements and research and how they play a significant role in shaping the future of home care in Ontario.

PSNO Updates

Want to find out more about what is going on at your network? Join Lynelle Hamilton and Derrick Harrison for updates on PSNO's latest projects and advocacy efforts.

PSW's Role in Falls Prevention: The Best Defence is a Good Offence

As we work towards independence in mobility, fall prevention is an important component of rehabilitation. The collaboration and enthusiasm of the support workers is critical in the implementation of falls prevention strategies. Strategies include following: bedside reporting, purposeful rounding, safety cross/performance and safety huddles, utilization of technology and break redesign.

Spotlighting the PSW in the LTC Task Force on Resident Care and Safety

This workshop will describe the results and ongoing activities of the Long-Term Care Task-Force on Resident Care and Safety. It will spotlight the input of PSWs to the task force, and is being presented by one of the task force organizers and the PSW task for member.

When Someone is Dying... The Integral Role of the PSW

This workshop will take an in-depth look at signs and symptoms of an actively dying person, how to share infroamtion with the family as they are by their loved one's side, recognizing the support and conversations needed for the families who are on this journey, and having the knowledge to respond to difficult questions from them. Delegates will hear directly from a PSW working in a hospice care setting who will share with you how to integrate this learning into your care setting.

Working It Out by Working Out

How do you deal with everyday stress? In this session, caregivers will be encouraged to participate in exercises that will help them relax during stressful times. Led by a PSW in the field, participants will be encouraged to work out their stress by working out their bodies and minds through exercise and positive thinking.

Your New Client: What Do You Need to Know to Keep You Safe?

For frontline caregivers employed in home and community care settings, the workplace can be an unpredictable place to provide care. Ensuring the safety of employees is difficult as the environment is always changing and the hazards faced are often outside of the control of the caregiver. This workshop will focus on the prevention of injury in staff and clients, and mitigating risk to ensure safety in transitions of care. Care studies will be included to identify the steps required to protect employees when clients are transferred from health system providers into the community.