Living Classroom experience set to expand and train more PSWs in Waterloo Region

A Cambridge program is helping personal support workers gain real-life experience in long-term care. CTV’s Heather Senoran reports.

An adult learning centre in Waterloo Region is expanding to help train more personal support workers (PSWs), one of the most in-demand professions in healthcare.

St. Louis Learning Centre started offering a ‘Living Classroom’ program in 2020 at Fairview Mennonite Home in Cambridge. The initiative involved a partnership with the Waterloo Catholic District School Board and officials said that makes their program the first school board-based living classroom for PSWs in the province.

The concept of a Living Classroom involves merging education and practical skills. According to the Living Classroom website, “Students, faculty, and those living, visiting and working in the home engage in a culture of shared learning. Students gain real-life experience and are well prepared for a career in senior living.”

Students taking part in the program learn using anatomically correct models and, from time to time, even step in to play the role of someone needing assistance. They focus on all aspects of a PSWs’ responsibilities, including grooming, helping patients move from one place to another and offering their clients and patients dignity at all times.

The Living Classroom website notes Conestoga College and Schlegel Villages teamed up in 2009 to open their first Living Classroom and the program has grown across the province from there.

While celebrating the St. Louis Learning Centre program’s fifth anniversary, staff announced an expansion that means they will soon be offering evening classes.

“It’s going to run Monday through Thursday, starting in January,” Jill Corkery, program coordinator and Registered Nurse, said. “We’re super excited to be able to bring more spaces to interested people in Cambridge.”

Currently, the learning happens in the basement of long-term care home, Fairview Mennonite Home, but the lessons don’t stop there.

“Then we go upstairs and we practice with the residents in long term care. It might mean that we’re getting them up and out of bed in the morning,” she said.

Corkery said the need for PSWs keeps increasing.

“As people age, baby boomers are increasing the needs, whether it be in long term care, home care. We have PSWs in hospitals, retirement homes, day programs, working in group homes. The need is phenomenal,” Corkery said.

The program’s first living classroom was at Fairview in Cambridge but it has since expanded to Parkwood Mennonite Home, a sister-site to Fairview.

The hands-on experience has proved instrumental to graduates of the program.

“It was just a really great way to learn and to interact with the residents and to really find my passion,” Alex Araujo, student placement coordinator and program alumnus, said.

Alvin Torres is a current student. He started in September and said he feels drawn to a career as a PSW because he is a people person.

“I am a graduate of physiotherapy back home, and I want to go back to the field where I can help and support the elderly population, especially here,” Torres said.

Thursday was his first time working with the anatomically correct mannequins in class. “I am very excited to gain more knowledge, more hands on experience,” he said.

St. Louis has been offering PSW training in Waterloo Region since 2000, training over 3,000 people.