Canada’s healthcare system is known for its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, yet as the population continues to age, there is a pressing need to expand and strengthen the Personal Support Worker (PSW) industry. PSWs are integral to providing quality care to Canadians, particularly seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those recovering from illnesses. With the country’s aging demographic and the rising demand for healthcare services, Canada’s PSW workforce is facing significant pressure. The expansion of this essential workforce will be critical to ensuring that Canadians receive the care they need in the coming decades. Here at the Canadian College of Healthcare and Pharmaceutics (CCHAP) we are committed to being part of the solution for Canadians.
The Growing Demand for PSWs
As of 2022, approximately 350,000 PSWs were employed across all sectors in Canada. Of these, about 77,000 worked in home care, 98,000 were employed in the hospital sector, and 167,000 worked in residential care settings, such as long-term care homes and nursing homes. This workforce is crucial in helping support individuals with chronic health conditions, disabilities, and those who require assistance due to aging.
In 2022, over 3.1 million Canadians were 75 years or older, and this number is projected to grow dramatically to 6.8 million by 2052. This demographic shift will put tremendous pressure on healthcare systems across the country, particularly on home care, long-term care, and hospital services—sectors that rely heavily on PSWs. As the number of seniors increases, so too will the demand for PSWs to provide the necessary care, assistance, and companionship to ensure quality of life for aging Canadians.
A Call for Workforce Expansion
To meet the needs of an aging population, Canada’s healthcare system will need a substantial increase in the number of PSWs. The home care sector, for example, is projected to require an additional 39,000 PSWs by 2043, bringing the total number of PSWs in this sector to 115,000. Similarly, the hospital sector will need to increase its workforce, with a projected requirement of 200,000 PSWs by 2043—double the current number of 100,000 in 2022.
The demand for PSWs is not only driven by an aging population but also by a growing preference for aging in place. Many seniors wish to remain in their homes as they age, requiring increased home care support. To ensure adequate service levels, it is essential to maintain proper ratios of PSWs per 100 individuals aged 75 and over. As the number of seniors continues to rise, the current number of PSWs simply won’t be enough to meet demand.
Growth over the Past 25 Years
Despite the evident need for more PSWs, the industry faces several challenges that could hinder its ability to expand effectively. One of the most significant issues is the ongoing shortage of PSWs, particularly in home care. Between 1997 and 2022, the PSW workforce in the home care sector expanded by 78%, reflecting an annualized growth rate of 2.3%. While this growth is positive, it has not been enough to keep pace with the increasing demand for services. With over 3.1 million seniors in 2022 and this number expected to grow rapidly in the coming decades, the expansion of the PSW workforce must accelerate to meet the rising demand for care.
Canadian College of Healthcare and Pharmaceutics – PSW Program
One of our most popular programs here at The Canadian College of Healthcare and Pharmaceutics (CCHAP) is our Personal Support Worker Career Program. We are registered as a Career College under the Ontario Career College Act, 2005. There Personal Support Worker Certificate Program is accredited by the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) and registered with the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU). This NACC PSW (2022) program is required to work as a personal support worker or at similar positions in long-term care facilities, home care services, group homes, hospitals, adult day programs, and educational facilities.
We’re proud of all the students that have come through this program in recent years. And we hope to play an important role in helping meet the PSW needs of Canadians in the years to come. You can read more about the program here.
*All stats courtesy of 2024 McMaster University and AGE WELL Personal Support Worker (PSW) Workforce Characteristics, Trends and Projections.