Ideas
Kind Hearts: A Service for Seniors
Our clients use our services in many different ways. These are some examples of the work we do and the ways we can be of assistance:
Mrs. Davis
Mrs. Davis uses our service three times per week for 2 hours each time. Karen visits her at home every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9am and starts the day by preparing a nutritious breakfast for her to enjoy while she watches her favorite TV show, Coronation Street. While Mrs. Davis is eating, Karen does a variety of household chores such as washing the bed linens, emptying the cat litter box, watering plants, etc. After breakfast Karen tidies the kitchen and washes the dishes. Depending on the day, and how Mrs. Davis is feeling, Karen often takes her shopping for groceries or they enjoy a neighbourhood walk together.
Kathy
Kathy and her dog, Sky, look forward to Kim's daily visits. Kim spends a few hours each day helping this family and ensuring their moms wellbeing. Kathy was recently diagnosed with MCI. Kim updates a large monthly wall calendar and records regular events and appointments. They shop for groceries together on a weekly basis, unless Kathy is not up for it, then Kim does this for her. They schedule and go to appointments together such as dentist, massage, hair salon, lab work. Exercise is always incorporated into the schedule in various ways including walking to the mailbox, joining groups at the senior centre, window shopping at the mall during inclement weather. Kathy and Kim enjoy spending time together and sometimes do things together in the evening or on weekends.. dining out, going to the market, attending theatre shows and movies. Sky is always very excited when Kim arrives because he knows he will be getting a dog cookie and a good run at the park down the road! Kim keeps in touch with family members on a regular basis and provides written updates, especially after medical appointments.
Maisa
We call on Maisa every Thursday at 10am and she always opens the door with a smile! We begin our visit with a cup of tea and talk about things that have happened in the past week. Together we go through the pantry and fridge to discard spoiled items and add to the grocery list Maisa has started. Maisa has arthritis and is no longer able to maneuver the large grocery stores. We shop for her at the stores she chooses and always select her preferred products or pricing. We provide the itemized receipt and change when we return to unpack and put away the items. We often wash and cut fresh fruit and vegetables or prepare a sandwich for Maisa. In winter months, we shovel and salt the outdoor stairs and walkway if needed.
Mr. Hansen
Mr. Hansen lives alone and most of his meals consisted of frozen dinners or fast food from local restaurants. We visit Mr. Hansen two mornings each week to plan meals he enjoys. We shop for groceries then prepare nutritious meals, fresh snacks and baked goods. Mr Hansen looks forward to our regular visits, we chat together and he often helps in the kitchen. Sometimes he gets a craving for an old favorite and we'll go out of our way to hunt down a recipe - his smiling face is our reward!
Mrs. Patel
Mrs. Patel has aging parents that live together with her family. When they go on holidays, her parents prefer to stay home to give the family time to themselves. Mrs. Patel calls us whenever they make plans to go away, even for a weekend. We telephone and drop by on a regular basis to check on her parents and ensure they have everything they need. Now the family can enjoy their vacation without worrying about things at home.
Mr. & Mrs. Riley
Mr. Riley no longer has a drivers license and the adjustment is very difficult. We are empathetic and can assist with this transition. The Riley’s use our service for social outings, errands and appointments. Monday afternoon is their time slot so the Rileys always try to schedule their medical appointments during that time. The couple appreciates the assistance at medical appointments, we can help interpret and remember the information and instructions given by the doctor. Much of our time together is spent running errands and we always have a wonderful time.
Mrs. Camilucci
Mrs. Camilucci depends on her helper to assist with paperwork. Kim picks up and opens the mail, records bill due dates in an agenda, schedules medical and self care appointments, assists with emailing and video calling family members, etc. Kim usually visits for two hours each month but when Mrs. Camilucci is feeling blue (especially during the winter) they get together more often to play cards or do some knitting together.