About the Client:
We're seeking a compassionate caregiver to support a woman in her mid-70s living in the Meaford area who was diagnosed with dementia in fall 2025. She lives with her husband, who is in his early 80s and has been her primary caregiver. While he's doing an excellent job, the role is becoming physically and emotionally taxing. She's very able-bodied and independent with most activities, but she experiences anxiety when left alone and can become combative, particularly with her husband. She needs supervision for safety and companionship to help her feel secure and engaged throughout the day.
Responsibilities:
- Provide companionship and supervision to ensure safety while her husband takes breaks
- Prepare light meals (reheating, simple lunch preparation)
- Provide medication reminders as needed
- Light tidying and household tasks
- Engage in meaningful activities such as helping with a book project or organizing tasks
- Create a calm, reassuring presence to reduce anxiety
- Accompany on errands or appointments as needed
- Help maintain her sense of independence and dignity
What We're Looking For:
- Experience with dementia care and understanding of memory-related behaviors
- Patience and calm demeanor, especially when managing resistance or confusion
- Ability to build trust and make the client feel comfortable
- Strong communication skills with both the client and family
- Valid driver's license for transportation needs
- Fluency in Italian or English (Italian preferred as she was raised in Rome)
- Someone who takes initiative and can adapt to changing needs
- Reliability and consistency in scheduling
- Ability to frame caregiving as companionship rather than formal care
- Understanding that she may be initially resistant to accepting help
Schedule:
The family is looking for care starting late June or early July 2026, with shifts twice per week during weekday hours. Each shift would be approximately 3-5 hours, typically mid-morning through early afternoon (for example, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM) to allow her husband time for activities like golf. The family will be at their farm property in Meaford from July through August, and potentially into September. They're seeking a consistent caregiver who can build a trusting relationship over time. This is a three-month commitment initially, with flexibility to adjust based on the family's needs.
Additional Information:
This is a first-time care situation for the family, and they're approaching it thoughtfully to ensure their mom feels respected and comfortable. The ideal caregiver will understand the importance of building rapport gradually and presenting themselves as a helpful companion rather than a traditional caregiver. The family is actively involved and communicative, and they value someone who will keep them informed while respecting their mom's independence and dignity.
