A Setting Where Human Connections Matter

Long-term care encompasses various residential settings in which people who need daily assistance receive services over an extended period. In Quebec, CHSLDs (residential and long-term care centres) are the best-known example, although other settings also provide this type of care.

Patient service associates or orderlies, and home health and social services aides play an essential role in these settings by contributing to people's comfort, safety, independence, and quality of life.

These responsibilities are addressed in CDI College's Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS program, where students develop the skills needed to support different populations across a variety of settings within the health and social services network.

Providing Support Over Time

Unlike acute care, where people are often hospitalized for a limited period, long-term care allows Patient Service Associates to support the same people over an extended period.

Over time, they become more familiar with each person's routines, preferences, and needs. This familiarity supports more personalized care and can help build a relationship of trust.

👉 Learn more: Acute Care or Long-Term Care: What's the Difference?

Supporting People With Daily Activities

Patient Service Associates help people with a variety of activities of daily living.

This may include assisting with personal hygiene, moving safely, eating when assistance is needed, and maintaining as much independence as possible.

Each interaction is adapted to the person's needs, abilities, and pace, helping support their well-being while respecting their dignity.

Providing a Reassuring Presence

In long-term care, Patient Service Associates are often among the professionals who spend the most time with the people they support.

This daily presence can help build trust and allow them to become familiar with each person's routines, preferences, and needs.

It also helps them recognize changes more quickly and communicate relevant observations to other members of the care team.

👉 Learn more: Why Do Patient Service Associates Need Strong Observation Skills?

Working Closely With the Care Team

Patient Service Associates collaborate with different healthcare professionals to provide assistance tailored to each person.

This collaboration helps maintain continuity of services, supports the exchange of relevant information, and contributes to consistent care that reflects each person's needs.

Teamwork, therefore, plays an important role in long-term care settings.

👉 Learn more: Why Do Patient Service Associates Need to Work as a Team?

Training for the Realities of Long-Term Care

CDI College's Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS program prepares students to assist in different healthcare settings, including long-term care.

Through courses, hands-on learning, and practicums, students develop the technical, interpersonal, and professional skills needed to support people who require assistance with professionalism, respect, and compassion.

A Career Where Every Interaction Matters

Working in long-term care means supporting people in their daily lives and contributing directly to their quality of life.

For Patient Service Associates, this setting provides an opportunity to build meaningful human connections while performing an essential role within the health and social services network.

Explore Further

👉 Why Patient Service Associates Are in High Demand

👉 Why Do Patient Service Associates Need to Adapt Their Approach to Each Person?

👉 Why Is a Person-Centred Approach at the Heart of a Patient Service Associate's Work?

👉 Learn More About CDI College's Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS Program