A Personal Support Worker (PSW) provides care and assistance to seniors, as well as clients who are chronically ill, or living with physical or mental disabilities. PSWs may find work in different environments–including in long-term care facilities, supportive housing, home care, and palliative care.Â
Many individuals require support during a long period of recovery. The recovery process for these individuals is often hindered due to age-related illnesses. PSWs are there to offer restorative care during these times. Restorative care may be offered to individuals in a number of different settings: the patient’s home, assisted living services, or long-term care facilities. For many clients, the recovery process takes time and often requires slow-paced, consistent support. The goal is for clients to gradually adjust into the community and the activities of daily life.Â
Here’s a closer look at how restorative care can provide a safe and supportive environment for those in recovery.Â
Aim of Restorative Care for Those in Personal Support Worker School
Restorative care focuses on supporting the individual in a number of capacities. First and foremost, the goal of restorative care is to foster independence in clients through improved mobility and physical function. Hospitals can be physically and mentally limiting to patients, so it’s important that clients are given the chance to reconnect with their body and their surroundings. Following a period of debilitation, patients may feel disoriented or demoralized. Personal support workers, therefore, should aim to nurture a sense of self-esteem in clients so they feel confident taking on activities in daily life.Â
PSW college teaches values centered around dignity, sensitivity, and respect for the individuality of each client. In a positive and stimulating environment, restorative care encourages clients to stay physically active, make connections in the community, and take ownership of their recovery.
Who May Benefit From Restorative Care?
Restorative care primarily caters to clients who no longer require intensive care, but who still need a level of support that they cannot get on their own. Following illness or a period of hospitalization, many clients need help re-adjusting to their situation–whether that be independent or assisted living. Professionals with personal support worker training should be able to provide nursing care to clients on a 24 hour basis. These clients no longer have medical needs that require specialist consulting, diagnostic testing, or intensive procedures. Clients who benefit most from restorative care are generally willing or able to participate in a rehabilitation program and have the potential for improvement.Â
How is Restorative Care Different from Other Care Services?Â
Restorative care focuses on the client taking an active role in their rehabilitation. The individual’s personal goals are at the center of the care plan, and personal support workers are there to help individuals achieve those goals. In contrast, some care and assisted living programs create a culture of dependency, in which the client remains reliant on care workers for carrying out their daily activities. Restorative care, on the other hand, aims to empower clients to live independently, safely, and positively. Unlike care facilities, in which the individual adapts to an organized setting and schedule, restorative care is about personalizing a care plan that fits in with the client’s circumstances and aspirations.Â
Are you looking to attend personal support worker school?Â
Explore your program options at Medix College today.
