About the Client:
We're seeking a compassionate caregiver for a woman in her senior years living in East Barrie who is experiencing memory challenges and cognitive decline. She has been living with dementia for the past five years and recently experienced a significant decline in her condition. She now has difficulty recognizing her surroundings and experiences confusion about time and place. Her sleep patterns have shifted dramatically - she sleeps most of the day and is awake throughout the night. Despite these challenges, she maintains good mobility and can move around independently without assistance. She lives at home with her son, who is her primary caregiver and works at the post office, typically finishing his shifts around noon.
The client tends to be resistant to outside help and may initially express reluctance about having someone in her home. However, with patience and a gentle approach, she typically warms up to caregivers after the initial visit. She previously enjoyed keeping busy with household tasks like cleaning, and engaging her in light activities around the home may help provide structure and purpose to her day. She also enjoys playing cards and going for walks when she's up and about.
Responsibilities:
The primary focus of this role is companionship and cognitive support. The caregiver will provide memory prompts, gentle redirection when needed, and engaging activities to keep the client stimulated during waking hours. Activities may include playing cards, light tidying or puttering around the house together, conversation, and potentially short walks if the client is receptive. The goal is to provide meaningful engagement and help maintain her cognitive function while giving her son respite time on weekends.
What We're Looking For:
We need an experienced caregiver who is specifically skilled in dementia and memory care. The ideal candidate will be calm, patient, and comfortable working with clients who may initially resist care. You should be able to build trust quickly, use gentle redirection techniques, and create a comfortable, non-threatening presence in the home. Strong communication skills are essential, as you'll need to keep the family informed about the client's condition and any changes you observe. The ability to take initiative, bring positive energy, and adapt activities based on the client's mood and engagement level is crucial. English-speaking caregivers only.
Schedule:
This is a weekend position with six hours of care per week. Visits will occur on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, allowing the client time to wake naturally and prepare for the day before the caregiver arrives. The schedule is set for a three-month commitment, with the possibility of expansion based on the family's needs and the client's response to care. The start date will be in late August after the family returns from a two-week vacation.
