When is it appropriate for a PSW to seek assistance from a healthcare professional?

A Personal Support Worker (PSW) plays a critical role in providing care and support to clients, and part of that role includes monitoring the health and well-being of the individuals they assist. Seeking assistance from a healthcare professional is especially appropriate when a PSW observes significant changes in a client’s condition. This could include changes in physical health, such as unexpected weight loss or changes in mobility, or psychological conditions, such as mood fluctuations or confusion.

When a PSW notices these significant changes, it is essential to communicate these findings to a healthcare professional, as they may require medical evaluation or intervention. This step ensures that clients receive appropriate care in a timely manner and helps prevent potential complications or deterioration of their health.

In contrast, the other scenarios may not necessarily warrant immediate referral to a healthcare professional. While adapting a routine might involve some input from a healthcare provider, it does not generally indicate a critical change in health. Requests to perform additional tasks or feeling busy with other clients could relate more to workload management rather than a direct health concern that requires professional input. Thus, recognizing significant changes in a client's condition is the most appropriate and responsible reason for a PSW to seek assistance from healthcare professionals.