Home Support Worker (HSW) Program
Start your career in community care with our accredited Home Support Worker (HSW) program.
In less than 5 months, you’ll develop the practical skills and knowledge needed to support seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those recovering at home. Our program offers hands-on training and flexible delivery options—perfect for those looking to make a difference in home and community healthcare settings.
About the (HSW) Home Support Worker Certification Program
Accelerated, Ministry-Approved Program to Launch Your Career
Our Home Support Worker (HSW) program is designed to swiftly prepare you for employment in the healthcare sector. This Ministry-approved program combines comprehensive training with hands-on experience, ensuring you’re ready to meet the demands of real-world caregiving.
Empowering You with Essential Caregiving Skills
Through our HSW program, you’ll acquire contemporary caregiving techniques and best practices. From assisting with daily living activities to providing emotional support and understanding palliative care approaches, we equip you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those you care for.
Cultivating Compassionate and Respectful Care
Beyond technical skills, our program emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and respect. We aim to nurture these qualities, ensuring our graduates not only provide excellent care but also enhance the quality of life for their clients.
The NACC Home Support Worker (HSW) 2022 program prepares graduates to provide essential care and companionship to individuals in home and community settings. This includes supporting seniors, persons with disabilities, and those recovering from illness by assisting them with daily living activities, mobility, and household tasks—all within the comfort of their own homes.
Graduates of the Home Support Worker (HSW) program are prepared to work in a variety of community-based and home care settings. They may find employment with home care and support agencies, private households, community health organizations, respite care services, and retirement residences. Job titles can include Home Support Worker, Personal Aide – Home Support, Live-in Caregiver, Attendant for Persons with Disabilities, and Respite Worker. The demand for compassionate and skilled home care professionals continues to grow, offering graduates fulfilling and flexible career paths within the healthcare sector.
What HSWs Do?
Home Support Workers (HSWs) assist individuals with daily living activities within their own homes or community environments. They may work with clients who are elderly, recovering from illness, living with disabilities, or in need of ongoing support. Employment opportunities are commonly found through home care agencies, private households, respite services, and community-based programs.
The range of services provided by an HSW depends on the unique needs of each client and may include personal care, mobility support, meal preparation, household management, companionship, and assistance with social or recreational activities.
As front-line caregivers, Home Support Workers require more than just practical skills. They play an essential role in promoting the comfort, independence, and dignity of their clients. A successful HSW brings compassion, patience, and a respectful attitude to every interaction—qualities that are vital to the emotional and physical well-being of the people they care for.
Total Duration: 455 hours
- 355 hours: In-class theory and lab training
- 100 hours: Community clinical placement
Delivery Options:
In-person or Hybrid (theory in-person; no asynchronous/self-directed learning)
Credential Earned:
Ontario-recognized Certificate
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Modules for the NACC HSW Program
Module 1 – Introduction to Home Support Work
This foundational module introduces students to the role of the Home Support Worker, outlining the expectations, scope of practice, and ethical considerations involved in providing care. Students will explore person-centered and person-directed care models while learning to respect client autonomy and cultural values. Topics include communication, interpersonal skills, and maintaining professional boundaries.
Module 2 – Safety and Infection Control
Students learn the importance of maintaining a safe environment for both clients and themselves. This module covers standard precautions, infection prevention and control measures, safe lifting and transfer techniques, and how to respond to hazards or emergencies. Emphasis is placed on reducing risk while promoting client independence and dignity.
Module 3 – Household Management
This module focuses on supporting clients with home management tasks such as light housekeeping, laundry, shopping, and meal preparation. Students learn how to organize tasks efficiently while respecting the client’s preferences and maintaining a safe, clean, and comfortable living space.
Module 4 – Nutrition and Meal Planning
Students learn to support clients with meal planning and preparation tailored to their dietary needs, preferences, and health conditions. Topics include Canada’s Food Guide, hydration, food safety, and culturally sensitive meal support. The goal is to help clients maintain good nutrition while respecting their independence.
Module 5 – Assisting with Personal Care
This module focuses on providing respectful and supportive personal care. Students learn techniques for bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and mobility assistance. Dignity, consent, and client comfort are emphasized throughout this hands-on learning experience.
Module 6 – Human Growth and Development
Students explore physical, emotional, and social development across the lifespan. Understanding how age, illness, and disability affect development equips HSWs to offer more tailored and compassionate care. This module also addresses communication and support strategies for clients at different life stages.
Module 7 – Assisting the Family and Caregivers
This module identifies the support provided through the care plan or service contract to the client to relearn or regain routine abilities. They will understand its significance, and the rights of the client as a receiver of support and the purpose, methods, and persons involved in its creation. Student will also be introduced to working in the community health care environment, providing support to patients and families in communities, conducted in accordance with employer guidelines.
Module 8 – Mental Health and Cognitive Conditions
Students are introduced to common mental health conditions, cognitive impairments, and responsive behaviours. The module emphasizes supportive strategies for working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, dementia, and other challenges, while maintaining a safe and compassionate environment.
Module 9 – Palliative and End-of-Life Care
This module provides students with an understanding of palliative care principles and practices. Topics include emotional support, pain management, cultural sensitivity, and communication with clients and their families at the end of life. Students learn to offer comfort, dignity, and respect in this vital area of care.
Module 10 – Practicum Placement (Community – 100 Hours)
The practicum offers students the opportunity to apply their classroom learning in a real-world community setting. Under the guidance of a qualified preceptor, students practice essential caregiving skills, gain confidence, and experience the responsibilities of a Home Support Worker. The instructor remains available throughout the placement to ensure support and guidance.
ASSOCIATED NATIONAL OCCUPATION CLASSIFICATION (NOC) CODES
After completing the Home Support Worker (HSW) program, you will be qualified for employment under NOC 44101 – Home support workers, housekeepers and related occupations. Home Support Workers provide personal care and companionship to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and clients recovering from illness. Services are delivered within the client’s home, where the HSW may also reside in some cases. These professionals are employed by home care and support agencies, private households, or may work independently as self-employed caregivers.
Common job titles you may apply for include Home Support Worker, Personal Aide – Home Support, Live-in Caregiver – Seniors, Attendant for Persons with Disabilities – Home Care, Personal Care Attendant – Home Care, Housekeeper, and Respite Worker – Home Support.
Job Functions
As a Home Support Worker, your responsibilities include offering care and companionship to clients during periods of illness, disability, or recovery. You will assist with daily personal care such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility. Additional duties may include preparing meals and special diets, feeding assistance, household cleaning, laundry, errands, and providing emotional support. You may also work closely with family members and health professionals to ensure that clients receive respectful, person-centered care in the comfort of their homes.
Career Outlook After HSW
With the NACC-approved HSW certificate, you will be well-positioned to begin a rewarding career in community-based care. Graduates find opportunities with home care agencies, community health services, respite care programs, and private households. As demand continues to grow for compassionate home-based support, the HSW role offers meaningful work and strong job stability across Ontario and beyond.
Key Learning Elements of the Home Support Worker Program:
Person-Centered Support: Emphasize dignity, independence, and individual choice in every aspect of care.
Community-Based Care: Learn to deliver essential support services within a client’s home environment.
Daily Living Assistance: Build core skills to assist with personal hygiene, mobility, meal preparation, and household tasks.
Effective Communication: Develop clear and compassionate communication with clients, families, and care teams.
Health and Safety Practices: Understand and apply infection control, safe lifting, and emergency procedures.
Palliative and End-of-Life Support: Provide comfort and culturally sensitive care during advanced illness and end-of-life stages.
Cultural Awareness and Inclusion: Respect diverse backgrounds, values, and beliefs in caregiving relationships.
Documentation and Reporting: Learn accurate and professional documentation practices for client care.
Ethical and Professional Conduct: Uphold confidentiality, boundaries, and responsibilities in client care.
Personal and Career Growth: Foster a mindset of lifelong learning and continued professional development.
Federal Pathway for Home Support Workers
As of March 31, 2025, the Government of Canada has introduced new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots, offering a direct pathway to permanent residency for qualified Home Support Workers.
To be eligible, applicants must have:
- A full-time job offers in home care
- Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in English or French
- A Canadian high school diploma or equivalent
- Recent and relevant caregiving experience
This federal initiative addresses the growing demand for home care professionals and creates a significant opportunity for Home Support Workers seeking long-term, stable careers in Canada.
Enroll Today
Take the first step towards a rewarding career as a home support worker. Join the Home Support Worker (HSW) program at the Toronto Academy of Education and make a positive impact on the lives.
For more information or to apply, please contact us at
info@torontoacademy.ca
or
call 905-565-1091
