In Home Personal Care for Seniors

Personal care refers to hands-on assistance with daily activities that help individuals maintain hygiene, comfort, and independence. It includes support with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, mobility, and eating-especially for seniors or people with health challenges who may not be able to manage these tasks on their own.

An example of personal care is helping a senior safely bathe and get dressed each morning. A caregiver might assist with getting in and out of the shower, drying off, choosing appropriate clothing, and ensuring the senior is clean, comfortable, and ready to start their day with dignity.

The two main types of personal care are:

1. Physical Personal Care – Direct help with hygiene and mobility tasks such as bathing, toileting, dressing, and eating.

2. Emotional & Social Personal Care – Providing companionship, conversation, and support that promotes mental and emotional well-being, especially for those who live alone or are at risk of isolation.

When an elderly loved one can no longer live alone safely, you have several options:

• Arrange for in-home personal support to help with daily needs while allowing them to stay at home.

• Consider a live-in caregiver or part-time support depending on their condition.

• Explore assisted living or long-term care facilities if round-the-clock care is required.

• Consult with a family doctor or care coordinator to assess needs and determine the best plan of action.

In-home care is often the preferred first step, as it allows seniors to age in place with dignity while receiving the help they need.

The cost of personal care in Canada varies by province, level of care needed, and provider. On average, private in-home personal support can cost between $28 to $50 per hour. Some government-funded or subsidized programs may lower the cost for eligible individuals. It's best to consult local health authorities or home care agencies for exact pricing in your area.

A Personal Support Worker (PSW) plays a vital role in providing daily care and support to individuals receiving home care. Their responsibilities typically include:

• Assisting with personal hygiene, such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.
• Helping with mobility and transferring safely around the home.
• Supporting meal preparation and feeding, including dietary monitoring.
• Providing medication reminders and monitoring basic health indicators.
• Offering companionship and emotional support to reduce isolation and improve mental well-being.
• Assisting with light housekeeping tasks to maintain a safe and clean environment.

A Personal Support Worker (PSW) is a trained professional who assists and cares for individuals who need support with daily living activities, often in their homes, long-term care facilities, or hospitals.

PSWs help clients maintain independence, safety, and quality of life by offering services such as personal hygiene, mobility support, meal preparation, medication reminders, companionship, and light housekeeping.

ConsidraCare’s personal support workers work under the guidance of healthcare professionals, including registered nurses (RN & RPN) and play a crucial role in home-based and long-term care settings.

The cost for a private Personal Support Worker (PSW) in Canada varies by location, typically ranging from $24 to $43 per hour, with rates higher in regions with a higher cost of living. Additional expenses, such as transportation, may also apply depending on the provider.

ConsidraCare, however, offers high-quality PSW services at competitive rates of $33.99/hour for the first month and $36.99/hour thereafter, providing families with professional, reliable care at a more affordable and transparent pricing compared to many other private providers.

6 Key Responsibilities of a PSW:

• Personal Care: Assisting with bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting.
• Mobility Support: Helping clients move safely around the home or use mobility aids.
• Meal Preparation & Feeding: Preparing meals, assisting with eating, and monitoring nutrition.
• Medication Reminders: Ensuring clients take medications on time.
• Companionship & Emotional Support: Providing social interaction, emotional encouragement, and reducing isolation.
• Light Housekeeping: Performing tasks like laundry, cleaning, and maintaining a safe home environment.