About the Client:
We're seeking a compassionate caregiver for an 82-year-old woman living independently in her apartment in London, Ontario. She has rheumatoid arthritis and dementia affecting her short-term memory. Despite these challenges, she remains capable of self-care with support. She uses a walker for mobility around her small apartment and has a partner who visits daily to help with medications. She has a small dog named Skittles who accompanies her but doesn't require handling by the caregiver.
Responsibilities:
The primary focus is companionship and motivation to keep her active and engaged. This includes encouraging her to get outside for walks with her dog, working in her patio garden, and accompanying her on outings to local shops like Bulk Barn or for haircut appointments. Light housekeeping tasks such as cleaning and laundry are needed. The caregiver should provide memory prompts and gentle redirection as needed due to her cognitive challenges. While she can cook some meals, assistance with meal preparation in the kitchen would be beneficial. Personal care support may be needed in the future, particularly supervision during bathing, as her apartment is equipped with grab bars and safety features.
What We're Looking For:
We need someone who is reliable, consistent, and communicates clearly with the family. The ideal caregiver is calm, patient, brings positive energy, and makes the client feel comfortable. They should take initiative, respect her independence, and understand that she can be quite stubborn about certain activities. Experience with dementia care, walker assistance, and senior mobility support is essential. A valid driver's license is required, though driving duties would begin only after the relationship is established and insurance is arranged. The caregiver must be PSW certified with background checks and proper credentials. Cultural sensitivity is important as the client sometimes makes inappropriate comments due to her condition.
Schedule:
We're looking for 4 hours per week split across two visits, with flexibility on specific days (Monday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday). Visits should be scheduled for early afternoon, as mornings are needed for the client to prepare for the day. The family is seeking to start within the next few weeks on a three-month commitment, with the understanding that long-term care placement is being explored but may take considerable time.
