About who needs care: My mother is 82 and has limited mobility due to neuropathy pain in both feet. She uses two canes to get around so it's hard for her to carry things but she can go to the washroom by herself. Her memory is impaired and she has high anxiety when she is alone. She is extremely sad when she wakes up from a nap but it passes quickly. Her hearing is also impaired, but she doesn't want to use a hearing aid. Her ideal day is staying in a chair watching tv, using a computer tablet to colour, or crocheting/knitting, while talking to someone calm and friendly who is sitting nearby. My father (also 82) is her primary caregiver but he will be away looking at assisted-living places for the two of them. About the care needs: Our ideal caregiver is someone compassionate and calm who can provide emotional reassurance, particularly when my mother wakes from naps feeling momentarily sad. We're looking for someone comfortable with sedentary activities who enjoys engaging in conversation while sitting nearby for extended periods. My mother is an avid follower of news programs (CNN, MSNBC, John Oliver, Daily Show) and appreciates discussing current events from a liberal perspective. The right caregiver would have a warm, patient temperament and create a soothing presence rather than bringing high energy. Experience with memory impairment and anxiety management would be valuable, as would the ability to speak clearly and repeat information without showing frustration, given my mother's hearing difficulties. Interest in crafts like crocheting/knitting or some familiarity with classical music would be a plus for companionship. As we explore assisted living options, we may need increasing support on a flexible schedule. Services needed include: meal preparation, errands / shopping, light housekeeping, and companionship.
Companionship
Light Housekeeping
Meal Preparation
Errands / Shopping