Cognitive & Functional Support for Older Adults
Welcome!I provide bilingual support services for adults and older adults in the Durham Region, focusing on meaningful activities that promote cognitive engagement, emotional well-being, and functional independence.My services are designed to help individuals remain active, connected, and confident in their daily lives. Support may include:• Cognitive stimulation and memory-support activities
• Functional support with daily routines and meaningful tasks
• Engagement in community and home-based activities
• Strategies that support emotional well-being and independenceSessions are offered in the home, in the community, or virtually, and are always tailored to each person’s needs, goals, and interests.Services are available in Portuguese and English.💬 Note: These services are non-clinical and may complement a care plan developed by a regulated healthcare professional.
Carla DeSousa
About Me
I am an internationally educated mental health professional with a background in Occupational Therapy and over 10 years of experience working in Brazil in psychiatric hospitals and community mental health services. Throughout my career, I have supported adults and older adults living with severe mental illness, often alongside substance use and complex psychosocial challenges.Since moving to Canada, I have been working for more than four years as a Rehabilitation Therapist Assistant and Case Manager, providing home and community-based support to individuals with acquired brain injuries, neurocognitive conditions, and mental health needs. In this role, I collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to help individuals strengthen daily functioning, promote independence, and improve overall quality of life.I am passionate about providing compassionate and culturally responsive support. Through bilingual services in Portuguese and English, I aim to help adults and older adults stay mentally active, engaged in meaningful activities, and connected to their daily routines and communities.
Services
* Cognitive Stimulation
Personalized activities designed to support memory, attention, and problem-solving. Sessions are tailored to each person’s abilities, interests, and goals to encourage mental engagement and confidence.* Functional Support
Practical, hands-on support to help individuals maintain or regain independence in daily routines and meaningful activities at home and in the community.* Emotional Well-Being
Supportive, person-centred sessions that promote emotional wellness, daily structure, and coping strategies to help individuals feel more confident and engaged in their everyday lives.* Virtual Support
Convenient online sessions that provide cognitive engagement and supportive conversation from the comfort of home. Services are bilingual, flexible, and adapted to each individual’s needs.
Our Mission
At Rehab with Carla, I believe that meaningful support goes beyond completing tasks. It is about building connection, preserving dignity, and helping individuals live with confidence and purpose at every stage of life.Whether someone is navigating recovery, adapting to cognitive changes, or supporting a loved one through life’s transitions, my goal is to provide compassionate, person-centred support that promotes engagement, independence, and well-being.