This article was first published in our 2024-2025 annual report.
At Circle of Care, our Personal Support Workers (PSWs) are the backbone of our work—and a vital part of Ontario’s broader healthcare system. They delivered over 1.3 million hours of care in clients’ homes over the last year—an 11% increase over the previous year.
As more Ontarians choose to age at home, home care is increasingly recognized as a preferred and cost-effective alternative to hospitals and long-term care. At the centre of this transformation are PSWs, whose role has never been more essential.
Clients and families often share just how deeply our PSWs impact their lives.
One family member wrote:
“Allison, the PSW assigned to my mom, ensures she receives both physical and emotional care—adequate meals are prepared, proper hygiene is maintained, and the bedroom is kept clean. Allison enjoys a dynamic rapport with all family members, and there are no doubts about leaving her in control if a family member has to step out.”
Making sure our PSWs feel as supported as the clients they care for is a top priority. One key initiative is our Preceptorship Program, designed to provide new hires with the confidence, knowledge, and sense of belonging they need to thrive. A Preceptor is an experienced and specially trained PSW who acts as a mentor and resource for newly hired staff—accompanying them on initial client visits, demonstrating best practices, and sharing practical tips on navigating our systems and processes.
In 2024–2025, 290 new PSWs were paired with a trained Preceptor. This peer-based approach builds community while improving onboarding—and we have seen retention rates for new PSWs continue to rise, in part due to the ongoing success of this program.
Our PSWs also played a major role in the successful launch of Sinai Health to Home, a new program helping patients transition safely from hospital to home—another way they are shaping the future of care.
