Dee provided conscientious and compassionate care for my aging mother who was in a nursing home. She kept an eye on things when the family couldn't be there and was a strong advocate for my mother. She was patient and attentive to my mother's needs and enriched her daily experiences in an empathetic way. Knowing that Dee was there made a difficult time less difficult. We would not hesitate to recommend Dee to other families in a similar situation. Thanks for all that you did for her! Lisa
Aphrodite (Dee) was a caregiver for my mum and then later for my dad. I cannot over-emphasize what a wonderful caregiver Dee is. When my siblings and I knew that Dee was with my mum, and later my dad, we could feel so happy knowing that our parents were receiving the best of care. My parents were completely comfortable with Dee, and she made a huge difference in their lives and in the lives of all of us in the family. Just knowing that it was a day that Dee was with my mum or dad, made me and my siblings feel more relaxed, knowing that our mum or dad would have a more comfortable, much happier day. Dee has a wonderful sense of humour, which I now realize from observing her, is super important when looking after elderly people. My dad could be a little difficult to look after at times, and Dee was amazing with him! Sometimes Dee came to my house with my parents, for a visit, and when she was there the whole tone changed completely. My dad reacted so well to Dee, and she could manage him perfectly, with patience and humor and understanding. He, and my mum, always had a much better day when she was with them. I can honestly say that I have never met someone who was more suited to their work than Dee. I'm so grateful that my parents were cared for by such a lovely and kind person, who helped make the last part of their lives much happier. Margo H.
When our mother had to be placed in a nursing home due to her progressive Alzheimer's condition, we, her children, were devastated. Because we wanted a little extra TLC that we knew was beyond what the home could provide, we hired Aphrodite Mcewen to be her caregiver for an hour or two a day. "Dee" came to be an angel for our mom. She came to love our mom and truly treated her as she would her own family member. Dee would do her hair and nails, put on soothing creams and give her massages, play music to her, talk to her and take her for walks. Dee would also advocate for mom to the nursing staff if mom seemed uncomfortable in any way. She really became our eyes and ears and would communicate frequently with us, to keep those of us who were out of town, up to date on mom's general well-being. Dee would also write in mom's journal daily so that we could also read updates on mom. When we found a place for mom that was closer to my sister's, it was a very difficult decision as we knew we would have to say goodbye to Dee. Dee is a very kind and gentle soul, with a bright and sunshiney demeanour. We will always be thankful to her for being with our mom during her most vulnerable days. She truly cares for all her clients and is conscientious and professional. I have no reservations in giving her my highest recommendation and wish her the best of luck in all her future endeavours.
Sincerely, Joanne Dixon Bolton, Ontario
Our mother was in her nineties and living happily in her own home when she began showing signs of dementia. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, so that within six months it became necessary to move her to nursing home care. Despite our efforts to make her new surroundings as cheerful and homelike as possible, the transition was difficult for her, and we realized that she would benefit from the presence of a companion/sitter, particularly on days when we were unable to visit. On the recommendation of a trusted staff member at the nursing home, we engaged the services of Dee McEwen a few months after Mom was admitted, and she remained with us through all the stages of Mom's condition until the very end. Dee was able to establish a real rapport with Mom, and with us. She helped ensure Mom got to entertainment sessions, talked with her, read to her, and assisted with the increasingly difficult tasks of feeding her and assuring that her hygiene was looked after. When the weather was good that first year, Dee would take Mom in her wheelchair for walks in the gardens surrounding the home. She reported to us regularly on Mom's activities and status, and as Mom's capacity to articulate and move around became more limited, Dee's ability to communicate Mom's needs to staff, and to keep us informed, provided a real reassurance. In weeks when other family needs or summer cottage time meant that our visits weren't as frequent, Dee was able to increase her hours at our request to help fill the gaps.
When in her second year of care we were able to move Mom to a newer facility much closer to home, we asked Dee to continue as Mom's companion, and she quickly developed a good working relationship with the staff of the new residence. By this time Mom was increasingly bedridden and had virtually ceased speaking, and needed constant and patient help with such basics as feeding; Dee was unfailingly helpful throughout, and would work to get her to take that full last glass of Ensure. After nearly two years of nursing home care, Mom passed away. Dee remained with us right to the end; by that time she had almost become part of the family, and we remain friends. We would unequivocally recommend Dee's services to any family with similar care needs. Her honesty, practicality, empathy, and genuine interest in the needs of the person she is helping are invaluable.