Exploring Perceptions of Aging and Ageism Among Personal Support Workers

Abstract

Personal Support Workers (PSWs) contribute approximately 80% of the direct care provided to older adults in a variety of care settings. There is a dearth of research on PSW perspectives despite their essential role as part of multi-professional care teams. The objective of this study was to examine views on aging and ageism among PSWs who have provided care to older adults. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 PSWs in Ontario, Canada. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze and generate recurrent themes. Findings demarcate some existing gaps relating to views on aging and ageism among PSWs, indicating that the quality of training and education on aging and ageism are needed to support the care PSWs deliver. Understanding the impact of age-related bias on care delivery among PSWs may improve the care received that may, in turn, improve the quality of life for older care recipients.