One aspect of my non-professional, personal life can be described here. You may have heard about an offering of free in-home caregiving and are looking for more information.

 

In order to deepen my spiritual practice to organize life around reciprocity and care rather than the accumulation of wealth, in 2021 I made a commitment to live in the home of individuals who needed assistance to live independently. Examples include elders who were widowed or divorced, whose children lived too far away or were too busy to tend to the little things that needed daily intermittent attention (meds, meals, menial tasks), but the elder did not want to move into assisted living. Later, other examples arose: a single parent trying to juggle care for children, home, work, and friendships, or a young adult trying to launch and live independently for the first time.

 

In late December, 2022, I started at the first location. I was asked to assist a man, never married, no children, in his 70’s, with Parkinson’s, who wanted to continue to live at home. I stayed with him for fourteen months. At the second location I helped a daughter to care for her mother with dementia. I stayed with them slightly less than three months. I’m hoping to find the third location now.

 

As with all of my relationships, we come together as equals. Without wages, rent, or utilties, we are not care provider/patient, tenant/landlord, or employer/employee. We work together cooperatively for your benefit as long as it serves you well. I supplement your abilities with my strengths. I am able-bodied, financially independent, responsible, disciplined, tender, and kind. My daily routines involve reading, writing, and taking care of the spaces and beings around me. I work from home and go out (hikes, dance, cafe) only occasionally. I am not married nor do I have children. I do have two cats who go with me and they have to be accounted for. Dogs and allergies can limit the opportunities. If the cats and I are in a separate space (mother-in-law suite, apartment next door, studio over the garage) opportunities increase. Screened porches and windows for fresh air, sunshine, and bird watching are cherished.

 

The therapy practice is also something to consider. During the workday, I'm present in case of emergencies, but generally unavailable. From 8:00 am until 4:30 pm (occasionally 6:00 pm) Monday through Friday, I am occupied with my practice. It provides the income which allows this to be a free offer. The therapy practice needs high-quality internet service and a quiet, uninterrupted, private space to meet with my clients by video.

 

Even if you feel this might be helpful in the future, but not at this time, please let me know. Transitions can come up unexpectedly and if I know of your interest ahead of time, I will gladly reach out to you when the next transition occurs. 

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