 Joe was a quiet, introverted man who preferred solitude to social gatherings. When he moved into the care facility, the constant noise and activity overwhelmed him. He withdrew into himself, spending most of his days in his room. The care staff noticed a decline in his mood and appetite.
To help Joe adjust to his new environment, his family contacted A Friend Indeed. They were matched with a gentle and patient companion named Friend Shauna. Friend Shauna understood the importance of creating a calm, predictable, and peaceful atmosphere for Joe. She would often visit him in his room, engage him in quiet conversations, and read him his favourite articles from the newspaper. Overtime and with gentle encouragement, Friend Shauna helped draw Joe out of his room and they even checked out a few activities going on in the building. She could see that Joe felt comfortable knowing his Friend could be a safe way to leave a group activity if he didn’t want to be there any longer. The social pressure of a group was lifted off him. They would go for short walks in the facility's garden, where they could sit and enjoy the peace of nature. They even stopped at the Tuck shop so he could pick up a few things he wanted for later on. As time passed, Joe began feeling more comfortable in his new environment. He started participating in group activities and even made a few new friends who he sat with in the dining room. Friend Shauna's support and understanding helped him adapt to his new environment and find joy in this next chapter of life.  Sarah felt a sense of relief and joy as she visited her brother, David. The once withdrawn and depressed man she knew had been transformed. The David she saw now was more engaged, social, and like his old self.
It had all started when she reached out to A Friend Indeed. They had matched David with a compassionate and patient man named Friend Michael. Friend Michael had a knack for connecting with people, especially those living with dementia. He visited David regularly, engaging him in activities he was successful at and that played to his strengths, bringing him joy and fulfillment. Friend Michael often reads to David, they build puzzles, and go out for walks around the facility. These activities helped to awaken David's spirit, drawing him out of his shell. With Friend Michael's encouragement, David even tried out a few group activities and meeting others. Sarah was amazed at Friend Michael's positive impact on her brother. She could see the difference in David's eyes, a spark of life that had been missing for so long. As she watched her brother feeling a little more independent, she felt a sense of gratitude for A Friend Indeed and the invaluable support they had provided to her brother and to her. Disclaimer: All stories are fictional and loosely based on actual events. No client, employee or facility names have been used. If this story feels familiar to you, it is because many caregivers, families and aging loved ones feel the same. You are not alone. Always Better With A Friend: Short Stories Series  Disclaimer: All stories are fictional and loosely based on actual events. No client, employee or facility names have been used. If this story feels familiar to you, it is because many caregivers, families and aging loved ones feel the same. You are not alone. The Problem: How To Keep A Loved One Active In A Home
Sarah was feeling overwhelmed. Her mother, Evelyn, had been diagnosed with dementia a few years ago, and her abilities and judgement were becoming gradually more impaired. As a busy professional, Sarah struggled to balance her work commitments with her mother's care. Evelyn had moved into a lovely assisted living facility, but her daughter was still worried about her mom. Sarah knew it was important for her mom to stay active and engaged, as it was crucial for her mother's well-being, so she contacted A Friend Indeed. The Solution: A Friend Indeed A Friend Indeed matched Evelyn with a compassionate and energetic woman named Friend Maria. Friend Maria naturally connects with people, and she quickly formed a bond with Evelyn. Their visits are spent chatting, playing games, and exploring the building together. Friend Maria encourages Evelyn to participate in onsite activities, such as the art class and book club. The Outcome: Noticeable Struggles One day, Friend Maria noticed that Evelyn was struggling with the dining room's noisy environment. It was impacting her focus on her meal and she didn’t want to eat. She included this observation in her visit summary for the family. It was suggested to make a slight change in the start time of the visits so that Friend Maria would be there over lunch. Friend Maria would bring her own lunch and they could go to a quieter area outside the dining room. Sarah thought this was a lovely idea to try. During the next visit, Evelyn and Friend Maria enjoyed a “picnic” of sorts that felt more comfortable away from the dining room and with less distractions. At the end of the visit, Friend Maria let the nurse know how successful Evelyn was with finishing her meal and her fluid intake. The nurse appreciated the info as they were keeping track of that information. The Conclusion: Improvements And Uplifted Spirits As the weeks passed, Sarah noticed a significant improvement in her mother's mood and overall well-being. Evelyn was more engaged, more social, and more content. She was eating regularly, staying hydrated, and her participation in choice activities kept her busy and brought her joy. Sarah was incredibly grateful for Friend Maria's support and observations. She knew her mother was in good hands, and she could rest easy knowing Evelyn was happy and thriving in her new home. |
Senior Living, Assistance, Support and Activities. A Friend Indeed serving Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane and Didsbury
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Serving Locations
Airdrie Calgary Didsbury Cochrane Red Deer Head Office
Airdrie, AB (403) 980-0199 |
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