About the Client:
We're seeking a compassionate caregiver for a 70-year-old woman living with Parkinson's disease in an independent living residence in Ottawa. She is a lovely, petite woman (approximately 90-100 lbs) who values consistency and familiarity in her care. While she maintains her independence in many areas, the progression of Parkinson's has created specific challenges, particularly with morning mobility and balance. She uses a walker and experiences freezing episodes that make getting out of bed difficult. Her husband visits in the evenings for dinner, and her sister checks in regularly, but she needs dedicated morning support to start her day safely and confidently.
Responsibilities:
The primary focus is providing hands-on morning care from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM daily. This includes assisting with getting out of bed safely, managing freezing episodes, helping with dressing and personal hygiene, and ensuring she's ready to go downstairs for breakfast. The caregiver should provide mobility support using her walker, help with balance and transfers, and offer reassurance during challenging moments. Light assistance with small tasks like plugging in her phone or similar items may be needed. The residence handles all housekeeping and meal preparation, so the focus is entirely on personal care and mobility support.
What We're Looking For:
We need a French-speaking DSW or PSW with Parkinson's disease experience who understands the unique challenges of freezing episodes and mobility issues. The ideal caregiver is patient, calm, reliable, and brings positive energy to each visit. They should be comfortable working independently, take initiative when needed, and make the client feel comfortable and respected. Experience with seniors who use walkers and require transfer assistance is essential. The caregiver must be available for the early morning schedule and committed to being the consistent, familiar face the client needs. This is a long-term position requiring someone who values building a trusting relationship with their client.
Schedule:
Daily visits, 6:30 AM - 8:30 AM, seven days per week. The same caregiver will provide all visits to ensure consistency and familiarity.