Eighty-eight-year-old Raynald Nadeau is seated at his kitchen table, enjoying some toast and jam for breakfast. The morning sun shines brightly through his windows, illuminating the space.
The Dieppe resident takes in his surroundings.
“I live like a prince in my own home,” he says, explaining he’s grateful to the support of Kindred Home Care, which he’s been a client of for the last 10 years, for making it possible for him to do so.
For Nadeau, homecare has not only made a major difference in his everyday health and wellness, it’s allowed him to maintain his independence and live in his own home, a space that truly reflects who he is and what he’s passionate about, despite the mobility challenges he faces as he ages.
Nadeau’s caregiver, Rohini Randunu, 47, is visiting this morning, as she does every Monday to Friday. Keeping a watchful eye on him, she goes about her housework, tidying up and taking care of things.
“I’m a good listener,” she says, which is lucky for Nadeau, who loves to share lively stories of his past.
A self-described “voyageur,” he’s done many unique jobs and travelled to countless far-flung locales. From running a gas station and as a car salesman, to serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, he’s parachuted off planes, and worked on massive container ships, as well as spent time deep in the woods as part of the forestry sector.
“I’ve been everywhere and done just about everything,” he says.
Nadeau’s apartment offers a visual representation of the rich life he’s continuing to lead. Framed pictures of his family adorn the walls and bookshelves, along with photographs of him in his military uniform. Greeting cards from loved ones are displayed beside his favourite, most-comfortable, chair.
His love of model cars is abundantly clear, with multiple display cases, including a converted television, showcasing the jewels of his collection. Others are stored away in his “garage,” a series of metallic bins stacked sky-high in his bedroom.
“The sturdiness of these chests are to preserve them, to pass down to my kids and grandkids,” he says.
Nadeau’s elephant collection is also on display, with different miniature, collectible versions of the large land mammal appearing throughout his space.
He’s living alone presently. Nadeau’s wife, Gilberte, passed away eight years ago; however, he’s close with his two children, a daughter who lives in Moncton, and a son in Quebec.
He’s grateful for the company he gets six hours a day, seven days a week from his Kindred caregivers.
Randunu, originally from Sri Lanka, has been working for Kindred for the last year, after moving to Moncton from Ontario.
“I really like working for Kindred, and I recommend the company to my friends who are looking for work,” she says.
Randunu thoroughly enjoys the time she spends with Nadeau, and thanks to the consistency of being matched with him, they’ve gotten to know each other well over the last few months.
“We share stories of our kids,” she says, a topic that always helps them connect.
Randunu prioritizes preparing Nadeau’s meals of choice, like roast beef dinner, and ensures he has healthy and nutritious options, like freshly baked muffins, to snack on when she goes home for the day.
“Without this help, I wouldn’t be able to function,” says Nadeau. “My caregiver takes care of household tasks around the house that my body can’t allow me to do anymore. Her company keeps me young and independent in my own way.”
And with good health and independence comes more time for the things he loves to do, reflect on the past, connect with his family, and of course focus on his collections, keeping them pristine and proudly displayed for visitors lucky enough to get a chance to see them.
Nadeau can’t picture himself being admitted to the hospital or a long-term care home, often remarking, “I’m too young to be there,” which is why for now, he’s immensely grateful for the opportunity to continue to live well in his own home, feeling supported and comfortable.
“The prince” is truly in his element.
Kindred Home Care helps seniors remain in their homes for as long as possible. We provide support to individuals in the areas of personal care, activities of daily living, and home management. Our standard of care makes us stand out from the crowd.
