Comparison of Ontario’s Home Care Policies with the Perspectives of Personal Support Workers in the Provision of Quality Dementia Home Care

Personal support workers (PSW) play a primary role caring for persons living with dementia (PLWD). Policies guide PSW to provide quality dementia home care. This study aimed to explore PSW perspectives on providing quality home care for PLWD in comparison to Ontario home care policies. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze fifteen interviews with PSW and six Ontario policy documents. Alignments included: interprofessional care team approach; dementia-specific education and training for PSW; accessible services, information and education for PLWD and family caregivers; and increasing the respect and supports PSW receive from employers. Differences included: PSW emphasizing person-centred care and specific PSW experiences, abilities and characteristics that help deliver quality dementia home care. Importantly, what PSW perceive as quality home care does not match their experiences. Study findings contribute to limited research on quality dementia home care, highlighting the importance of incorporating PSW perspectives when developing and implementing Ontario policies