About this role
POSITION SCOPE
The Home Support Worker / Continuing Care Assistant works under the direct supervision of the Nursing Supervisor. The incumbent is responsible for carrying out direct home support services to clients in their own homes as authorized by Continuing Care Nova Scotia Care Coordinators and as directed through the client care plan, DCHSA policies, and Nursing Supervisor direction.
Services may include, but are not necessarily limited to, personal care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, family relief, palliative support, mobility and transfer support, medication assistance/administration where authorized, and competency-assured client care interventions that fall within the CCA Occupational Standards of Practice, DCHSA scope of employment, employer policies/procedures, and the employee?s demonstrated competency.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Maintaining the focus on client independence, dignity, safety, and person-centred care is an ongoing Home Support Worker / Continuing Care Assistant responsibility. The incumbent may perform any one or a combination of the following duties:
Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living
· Provides or assists with tub bath, sponge bath, shower, shaving, hair grooming, mouth care, skin care, dressing and undressing.
· Provides care of hands and feet in accordance with agency policy, care plan direction, and competency verification. Nail trimming or foot care is performed only when authorized by employer procedure and within assessed client suitability.
· Assists with toileting and elimination support, including routine catheter care, specimen collection, ostomy pouch emptying/cleaning/changing where authorized, and related hygiene support.
· Encourages client independence and participation in care to the greatest extent safely possible.
Mobility, Transfers, Positioning, and Equipment
· Assists clients to move around the home, including walking, transfers, positioning, maintaining good posture, and use of personal aids and equipment.
· Uses safe handling and mobility techniques, body mechanics, mechanical lifts, SaraStedy or similar transfer devices, slings, transfer aids, and mobility equipment in accordance with the care plan, employer procedure, equipment instructions, and competency verification.
· Assists with active and passive range of motion exercises, braces/splints, TED/compression stockings, and other routine care plan interventions where authorized and competency-assured.
· Recognizes unsafe transfer or mobility situations and escalates concerns before proceeding when required.
Medication, Monitoring, and Care Plan Related Interventions
· Assists with medication processes, including reminders, observing/reporting compliance or non-compliance, and medication assistance/administration where authorized by care plan, employer policy, and competency verification.
· Measures and records vital signs as directed, including temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and blood oxygen level using appropriate equipment.
· Provides routine support related to home oxygen as directed by the care plan and employer procedure, including observation, safety awareness, reporting concerns, and documentation.
· Documents care provided, observations, changes in client condition, abnormal findings, and care plan related concerns in accordance with agency policy.
Light Housekeeping, Meal Preparation, and Laundry
· Completes authorized light housekeeping, including sweeping/sponge mopping floors, cleaning bathroom areas, vacuuming living areas, dusting, wiping counters/appliances, garbage disposal, and attending to home safety.
· Prepares, serves, stores, and cleans up after meals as authorized, including advance meal preparation where applicable.
· Assists or supervises client eating as authorized and reports concerns related to nutrition, swallowing, appetite, or safety.
· Completes authorized personal and household laundry, including changing bed linen, washing, drying,