PSW vs RN: What Type of Home Care Worker Do You Need?

When a family member needs help at home — whether recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or simply getting older — one of the first questions families ask is: do we need a nurse or a PSW?

It's a reasonable question, and the answer matters. Getting the right type of care worker prevents overspending, ensures the right support, and keeps your loved one safe. Here's a clear breakdown.

What is a PSW?

A Personal Support Worker (PSW) is a trained care professional who assists with activities of daily living — the routine tasks that become difficult due to age, illness, or disability. In Ontario, PSWs complete a standardized 6-month college program and are the backbone of home care across the province.

PSWs help with:

• Bathing, grooming, and dressing
• Meal preparation and feeding assistance
• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Companionship and social engagement
• Mobility assistance and fall prevention
• Medication reminders (not administration)
• Accompanying clients to appointments

PSWs are not regulated health professionals in Ontario — meaning they cannot perform clinical or medical procedures. But for most day-to-day care needs, a PSW is exactly the right fit.

What is an RPN or RN?

Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) are regulated health professionals who handle medical care — tasks that require clinical training and carry legal accountability.

Nurses handle:

• Wound care and dressing changes
• IV therapy and injections
• Medication administration (not just reminders)
• Catheter and ostomy care
• Health assessments and care planning
• Managing complex medical conditions

Nurses typically cost $50–$90/hr in a private home care context. Their services are partially funded through Ontario's Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS) for eligible patients, but demand often exceeds supply.

When do you need a PSW vs a nurse?

Choose a PSW when your loved one:

• Needs help with bathing, dressing, or grooming
• Lives alone and needs companionship and check-ins
• Is recovering from surgery but has no open wounds or IV lines
• Has dementia and needs gentle daily structure
• Requires meal prep and light housekeeping

Choose a nurse when your loved one:

• Has wounds that require clinical dressing changes
• Needs injections or IV medication at home
• Has a complex health condition requiring ongoing assessment
• Was recently discharged with specific medical care orders

In practice, many families use both — a nurse visits once or twice a week for clinical tasks, while a PSW provides daily support with living activities.

What does CareNearby provide?

CareNearby connects families in Greater Sudbury with verified PSWs for daily living support. Every PSW on our platform is police-checked, credential-verified, and reviewed before their first booking.

If your loved one needs daily help with bathing, meals, mobility, or companionship — a CareNearby PSW can be booked same-day at a flat rate of $25/hr with no agency fees.

Book a PSW in Greater Sudbury →