PSW Best Practice Guidelines for Safer Client Mobilization
January 19, 2026, marked the release of the Ontario Personal Support Worker: Best Practice Guidelines for Safer Client Mobilization in Community Care — the first-ever province-wide Best Practice Guidelines developed specifically for Personal Support Workers (PSWs). It was a proud moment for Nucleus as we recognize the significant leadership of our Regional Learning Centre in creating these guidelines in collaboration with the Ontario Personal Support Worker Association (OPSWA).
The Best Practice Guidelines are created to guide critical thinking, ensure consistency, and foster high-quality care. They offer PSWs clear, evidence‑based, and practical recommendations that support safer client mobilization, helping to minimize risk, uphold dignity, and improve outcomes for clients and their families receiving care in their homes and communities.
Personal Support Workers (PSWs) play a vital role in helping people live safely and independently at home. One of the most critical aspects of their work is client mobilization, assisting individuals to move, walk, or transfer safely while protecting both the client and the caregiver.
To support this essential work, PSWs rely on standards and guidelines. Standards define the minimum requirements for safety and quality, while guidelines provide practical, real-world direction on how to meet those expectations consistently. Together, they ensure care is safe, effective, and person-centered.
Why These Guidelines Matter
Until now, mobilization practices varied widely across organizations. These new Best Practice Guidelines provide clarity, consistency, and confidence by aligning daily practice with established safety standards.
They support:
- Safer outcomes for clients
- Reduced risk of injury for PSWs
- More consistent care across the community care sector
These guidelines empower PSWs with evidence-based tools that respect client dignity, abilities, and preferences. For clients and families, this means safer care and greater trust in community-based services.
For employers, the guidelines provide clearer expectations, improved consistency, and enhanced workforce safety. At a system level, they contribute to improved public safety, reduced workplace injuries, and higher-quality community care.
The launch of Ontario’s first PSW Best Practice Guidelines marks an important starting point, not the finish line. More guidelines will be developed and released, continuing to strengthen PSW education, practice, and professional recognition across Ontario.
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