We're seeking a compassionate and reliable caregiver to support an elderly woman living independently in her condo in North York, near Lawrence and Bathurst. After a fall in February that required an extended recovery period, she returned home in May and is adjusting to life with increased support needs. She uses a walker and experiences some cognitive changes, including memory challenges that benefit from gentle prompts and redirection. While she receives government-funded PSW visits for 45 minutes in the morning and evening, she needs additional daytime support to maintain her quality of life and independence at home.
About the Client: She is Italian and speaks both English and Italian, though English communication is comfortable for her. She manages most personal care independently but needs assistance with toileting and hygiene. She experiences incontinence and handles changes herself. She takes medications that require reminding and monitoring. She tends to be socially isolated and spends much time watching TV. She is somewhat reluctant to leave her unit due to embarrassment about using her walker, though encouragement to move and engage in activities would be beneficial. She sleeps frequently and her energy levels vary depending on how well she rested the night before.
Responsibilities: Provide companionship and engage her in activities beyond watching television to improve quality of life. Pick up small grocery items from the Metro store located directly downstairs in her building when supplies run out between regular shopping trips, such as milk or other essentials. Support with laundry as needed, as current PSW visits don't cover this. Remind and assist with medication management. Provide gentle prompting and redirection for memory and cognitive support. Assist with light meal support, including reheating prepared meals and providing reminders to eat. A meal delivery service will provide dinner, and one responsibility will include picking up these prepared meals from a nearby retirement home location approximately ten minutes away, straight across from Lawrence and Bathurst to Bathurst and Lawrence. Monitor her safety and well-being throughout visits. Encourage movement and activity while respecting her feelings about using mobility aids in public.
What We're Looking For: A caregiver who makes her feel comfortable and respected in her own home. Someone calm, patient, and able to bring positive energy to visits. Reliable and consistent, as building trust and routine is essential. Takes initiative when needed and communicates clearly with family. Has experience supporting seniors with mobility aids, cognitive changes, and medication management. Preference for someone who speaks Italian, though this is not required. Must have a vehicle for picking up meals and occasional errands. Must have a vulnerable sector check and appropriate insurance coverage.
Schedule: Regular weekly schedule of Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, two hours per visit. Additional coverage needed during two specific surgery recovery periods in July: the week of July 7th will require an added Wednesday visit, and the week of July 28th through July 31st will require four consecutive days of coverage. Occasional weekend day coverage may be requested with advance notice. The goal is to start the week of June 29th to establish rapport before the first surgery period, though starting the week of June 22nd is possible if matching occurs quickly. Flexibility to adjust schedule as care needs evolve over time.
