Personal Support Worker

About the Client

We're seeking a compassionate caregiver for a senior woman in Kakabeka Falls who recently returned home from the hospital following a fall three months ago. She uses a walker and wheelchair for mobility and has been diagnosed with orthostatic hypotension, requiring careful blood pressure monitoring. While medication has helped stabilize her condition, she remains at high risk for falls due to dizziness and vertigo. She is experiencing some cognitive decline and frustration about needing assistance, though she is alert and aware of her limitations. The home includes two friendly dogs (a Boxer and a Belgian Shepherd cross) that will be kept outside during visits.

Responsibilities

• Monitor blood pressure before and after activities, administering nitroglycerin patches as needed if readings exceed 160
• Assist with morning routine including getting out of bed safely
• Prepare and serve breakfast
• Provide toileting assistance using commode setup over bidet, ensuring proper hygiene and cleanup
• Encourage and supervise light exercises as recommended by occupational therapy
• Medication reminders and assistance
• Use good judgment to recognize when medical intervention is needed and contact emergency services if blood pressure cannot be controlled
• Provide companionship and gentle encouragement to help combat isolation

What We're Looking For

• Experience with fall risk management and orthostatic hypotension
• Comfortable monitoring vital signs and responding appropriately to changes
• Personal care experience including toileting and hygiene assistance
• Calm, patient demeanor with seniors experiencing cognitive changes
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Comfortable around dogs (no allergies)
• English speaking
• Reliable and consistent
• Post-hospital care experience preferred

Schedule

Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (flexible start time between 8:30-9:30 AM). This schedule provides respite for the 80-year-old primary caregiver (her husband) to run errands and rest. Commitment of at least three months required, with potential for extension up to 12-18 months while family is on waiting list for funded long-term care facility.

Pay & Hours

CAD$25.00/hr

Hourly rate

CAD$150.00/week

Per week

Estimated EarningsBased on 2 day(s)/week

Required Days

Tuesday 9:00am-12:00pm

Thursday 9:00am-12:00pm

Expected start date

Immediately

Location

Kakabeka Falls, Thunder Bay

Care needs

• Mobility support

• Personal care

• Medication reminders

• Meal prep

Requirements

License/Certification

• Personal Support Worker (PSW)

• Developmental Service Worker (DSW)

• CPR Certification

• First Aid Certification

Required languages

• English

Considerations

• Comfortable working around pets

• Physical lifting may be required

Additional Considerations

Client has orthostatic hypotension requiring blood pressure monitoring before and after activities. High fall risk due to dizziness and vertigo. Must be able to recognize when blood pressure is dangerously high or low and know when to seek emergency care. Client uses walker and wheelchair. Toileting assistance required with specific hygiene protocol using commode over bidet. Client is reluctant to leave home and needs encouragement for activity. Two dogs in home (boxer and Belgian shepherd cross) - dogs are kept outside during care visits.