A new program that will see 20 international personal support workers join the health care team at the Bonnechere Manor in Renfrew will help meet resident demands and increase direct hours of care, says the facility’s administrator.
Four PSWs from countries in Africa arrived in February and have been settling into their roles and the community quite well, says Manor administrator Dean Quade.
He noted that the jobs being filled by the international workers were advertised locally and in Canada with no success and that there are still plenty of full- and part-time positions open at the Manor.
Agency services include advertising and screening potential recruits and the program has helped secure 20 PSWs for the vacant roles – four more are set to arrive around April 20 with the full complement expected to be here by the end of June 2024.
Quade is pleased with how well supported the PSWs have been. From staff to the community, they have been welcomed.
The recruitment agency provides a resettlement service, as well, Quade explained, to help set them up with things like OHIP, bank accounts, telephones, and information about community services.
And, while the international recruits are certainly helping fill gaps in terms of workers at the Manor, there are still plenty of opportunities for local job seekers.
From the financial incentives, to the ability to secure a solid, in-demand, well-paying job with potential benefits, it’s a great time to consider a career in long-term care.
(Sherry Haaima)