Chapter 3.WORKPLACE SETTINGS

Question 1

What are workplace settings for PSWs?

Answer 1

Hospitals, long-term care homes, assisted living, community/home care, adult day programs, and rehabilitation centres.

Question 2

What is acute care?

Answer 2

Short-term treatment for urgent or severe illness or injury; usually provided in hospitals.

Question 3

What is chronic illness care?

Answer 3

Long-term care for conditions that last months or years (e.g., dementia, COPD, diabetes).

Question 4

What is long-term care (LTC)?

Answer 4

Residential care for people who cannot safely live at home; PSWs provide most hands-on care.

Question 5

What is a continuing care or complex care unit?

Answer 5

Units providing ongoing care for people with long-term disabilities, chronic conditions, or complex needs.

Question 6

What are assisted-living settings?

Answer 6

Housing for people who are mostly independent but need some support (meals, meds, bathing).

Question 7

What is home care/community care?

Answer 7

Services provided in the client’s home to support independent living and avoid hospitalization.

Question 8

What tasks do PSWs perform in home care?

Answer 8

Personal care, light housekeeping, meal prep, safety checks, medication reminders.

Question 9

What is respite care?

Answer 9

Temporary care to give caregivers (usually family) a break.

Question 10

What is hospice or palliative care?

Answer 10

Care focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for clients with life-limiting illnesses.

Question 11

In which setting do PSWs have the most independence?

Answer 11

Home care—PSWs often work alone without direct supervision present.

Question 12

What is a major challenge in home care settings?

Answer 12

Working independently, limited supervision, environmental hazards, and varied client homes.

Question 13

What is rehabilitation care?

Answer 13

Care focused on restoring or improving physical function after illness or injury.

Question 14

What is a rehabilitation hospital or unit?

Answer 14

A place where clients receive therapy (PT, OT, speech therapy) to regain independence.

Question 15

What is adult day support?

Answer 15

Community programs offering social activities, meals, and supervision for adults needing support.

Question 16

What are the differences in teamwork between hospital and home care?

Answer 16

• Hospital: Large teams, direct supervision, fast-paced.
• Home care: Mostly independent, communicate by phone, self-directed.

Question 17

What does the term “scope of employment” mean?

Answer 17

Duties and responsibilities defined by employer policies, job description, and training.

Question 18

Why do workplace settings matter for PSWs?

Answer 18

Different settings have different expectations, supervision levels, responsibilities, and types of clients.

Question 19

What is the main goal across all PSW workplaces?

Answer 19

Provide safe, client-centered, respectful care that promotes independence and dignity.