Home support and companion service helps aging clients live life to the fullest

Patricia King, the owner of For the One You Love, a local home support and companion service, started her business after working as an aide in the activity department of a long-term care home.

“I felt there was a great need for people living in the community to have companionship so they weren't just watching TV all day,” King says. “People need to have a real purpose.”’

King started her business in 2005 as a companion service to help older people stay connected to personal interests that may have become too challenging for them.

“For example, if they liked to bake pies but couldn’t do it anymore, maybe they just needed someone to help them simplify the technical aspects,” King says. “I can simplify it all and get everything ready so they can still enjoy their hobby.”

Eventually, For the One You Love expanded to home care as well.

“I added home care because someone we were looking after needed more help bathing, dressing, and washing,” King says.

Now King’s qualified team of caregivers consists of care aides, companion workers, a Registered Nurse (RN) and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) working to help clients live as independently as possible in their own homes.

“We take people out for outings, picnics, parks, and drives,” King says. “We shop for people, take them to their doctors’ appointments, cook meals, do arts and crafts, exercise programs, anything to help them stay connected to their community.”

In recent years, King has seen an uptick in business as people increasingly look for highly personalized care for their loved ones. She also provides support and guidance for family members navigating through the health system. King is in the process of putting together a series of community talks about caregiving for loved ones.

“I’m very passionate about my business. I have wonderful women who work for me as well,” King says. “I’m very happy to provide the kind of care we have and allow people to still be themselves, as much as they can be. We look at our clients and what they like to do and try to make their lives as fulfilling as possible.”

To learn more about services offered by For the One You Love, visit its website at www.fortheoneyoulove.ca.