About the Client:
We're seeking a compassionate caregiver to support a woman living with dementia in her daughter's home in Ottawa. She's still quite functional in many ways but experiences memory challenges, repetitive conversations, and occasional confusion about time. She typically wakes around 11am and enjoys staying active, particularly gardening and walking dogs. The home is dog-friendly as the daughter fosters dogs, so comfort around animals is essential. While she maintains much of her independence, she benefits from gentle supervision and redirection to ensure her safety and well-being throughout the day.
Responsibilities:
- Provide supervision and companionship during 4-hour daytime shifts
- Offer gentle prompts for daily hygiene tasks like teeth brushing
- Monitor showering routines (she sometimes forgets she's already showered)
- Assist with light meal preparation and ensure balanced nutrition throughout the day
- Supervise household activities like laundry to prevent mishaps
- Accompany her during gardening activities, ensuring she doesn't remove marked plants
- Take her on outings to local shops, the dollar store, or community pool within walking distance
- Provide medication reminders as needed
- Guide her through basic mobility exercises or light strength training
- Maintain a calm, reassuring presence during moments of confusion
- Light tidying to keep the home organized
What We're Looking For:
- Experience supporting individuals with memory challenges and dementia
- Patient, positive demeanor with strong redirection skills
- Comfortable working in a home with dogs (may need to walk them occasionally)
- Ability to engage clients in meaningful activities and outings
- Driver's license for occasional errands or appointments
- English speaking
- Understanding that the client may not always recognize she needs help—ability to frame support as companionship rather than caregiving
- Knowledge of basic mobility exercises or willingness to follow guidance from nursing staff
Schedule:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12pm-4pm (Wednesday off). Consistent weekly schedule with occasional flexibility for evening coverage with advance notice. This is an ongoing position starting immediately, with initial month-to-month commitment.
