My mother and I live in her 2-bedroom townhouse in the City of North Vancouver. We are currently seeking an honest and caring individual to assist my mum several afternoons and/or evenings each week, generally starting no earlier than 3pm, and going no later than 10pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and the occasional Sunday. Our days follow a structured routine, but we are flexible and would gladly accommodate the right caregiver's schedule.
At 92, my mum continues to be active despite facing the challenges of Multiple Sclerosis. Her upper body strength remains strong, but she experiences foot-drop in her right leg, which impacts her ability to walk.
Inside the home, she relies on a 2-wheeled walker. When we go out, she uses a wheelchair/walker combination, depending on the distance we plan to cover.
Despite her physical limitations, we make regular trips to the pool twice a week, where she works with a dedicated trainer in the water. Additionally, she follows a consistent exercise routine at home, which includes using a stationary recumbent cross trainer, following along with various exercise videos, and keeping up with her physiotherapy recommended
exercises.
Born and raised on a farm in Southern Saskatchewan, my mum likes people and has a quick sense of humour. In
addition to her exercises, she loves to read the North Shore News, play cards, do light gardening (from a chair), and play bingo (though she hasn’t played since Covid).
Her hearing isn’t amazing, even though she wears hearing aids, and she has extra difficulty with strong accents. However, if someone speaks slowly and clearly, and makes eye contact, she can easily follow along.
On television, she enjoys watching the News, Jeopardy, Canucks games, Dragon’s Den, and a good film. She’s a big Robert Mitchum fan.
Having been an early riser throughout her life, my mum now enjoys sleeping in. Her morning routine involves a full shower and hair wash, followed by stretching and light exercises. She then has a mid-afternoon snack while reading the paper. After that, she usually does a few more exercises, some light housekeeping, and makes a quick phone call before working on dinner, which always starts with a salad.
My mum is an independent spirit. She is relatively sharp, but benefits from extra reminders when things fall outside our regular routine.
She requires help with toileting, getting in and out of a chair, light housework (usually with her active participation), and her afternoon exercise regimen. While meals are generally pre-planned, she needs some assistance in preparing her salad, and help with heating up her main course. She is diligent about taking her medication, but occasionally appreciates a reminder, especially when there’s an extra pill to take.
When making calls to friends, she might also benefit from a helping hand with dialling the phone number. At the end of the day, she requires help getting ready for bed.
My mum is a very special and well-loved lady. She is not difficult and is pleasant company.
We are fully vaccinated and would only consider working with someone who is up to date with their boosters and willing to wear a mask when required.
We are looking for an experienced female caregiver who is warm, reliable, friendly, patient, and good with seniors who have special needs. We are also looking for someone with good references and (ideally) a valid driver’s licence.
If you believe you would be a good match, and can provide the care and assistance described above, we would like to hear from you.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions, or to throw your hat in the ring.
Thank you for considering becoming a part of our extended family and assisting in enhancing my mum's quality of life.
