About the Clients:
We're seeking a compassionate caregiver for a couple in Carleton Place, Ontario. Dad is 92 and experiencing both cognitive and physical decline. He uses a walker but struggles with safe transfers due to cognitive challenges—he often forgets proper technique despite reminders. He's had multiple recent falls and is currently hospitalized but will be returning home. He requires assistance with toileting, has incontinence issues, and wears briefs. He has an extensive medical history including type 2 diabetes (on insulin), heart conditions, previous stroke/TIA, prostate cancer, kidney function issues, and is on blood thinners. He sleeps frequently throughout the day.
Mom is almost 88 with Alzheimer's disease diagnosed several years ago. While her short-term memory is significantly impaired, she manages remarkably well physically and with daily routines. She needs supervision for safety and occasional reminders but is otherwise quite independent.
Both parents are determined to remain in their home rather than move to a care facility. They have a housekeeper who handles general cleaning, vacuuming, and deep cleaning tasks.
Responsibilities:
- Mobility assistance and safe transfer support for Dad, ensuring proper walker use
- Toileting assistance and personal hygiene support for Dad
- Supervision and safety monitoring for both clients, particularly Mom
- Medication reminders and management for both
- Light meal preparation and reheating
- Light housekeeping related to health and safety (dishes, sanitizing kitchen/bathroom, soiled linens)
- Cognitive support including memory prompts and redirection for Mom
- Monitoring for changes in condition and reporting concerns
- Companionship and engagement
What We're Looking For:
- Experience with Alzheimer's/dementia care and cognitive supervision
- Strong mobility and transfer skills, particularly with clients who have cognitive barriers to safe movement
- Comfortable providing toileting and personal care support
- Experience caring for two clients simultaneously with different needs
- Patient, calm demeanor with excellent communication skills
- Ability to speak English clearly and loudly
- Reliable and takes initiative
- Respects client independence while ensuring safety
Schedule:
Daily care is needed, approximately 12 hours per day (likely split shifts: mornings 9am-12pm and evenings 5pm-8pm, though this is flexible). This will likely require 2-3 caregivers working consistent schedules. The family is open to starting with fewer hours and building up as needs are assessed.
