Lydia N.

“ I have exchanged housing for elder assistance and companionship. I have worked with people living with Parkinson's, brain cancer and stroke. Elder care is often described in terms of the diminishing horizons of the person who needs care. I have always sought to open those horizons by listening and sharing stories. I am an artist. I share my perspective and engagement with the world and ideas with the person...

I have exchanged housing for elder assistance and companionship. I have worked with people living with Parkinson's, brain cancer and stroke. Elder care is often described in terms of the diminishing horizons of the person who needs care. I have always sought to open those horizons by listening and sharing stories. I am an artist. I share my perspective and engagement with the world and ideas with the person I care for.
I see this as a barter exchange with financial remuneration depending on the time and tasks required for the position.
Some of what I've done is overnight care, safe transport to commode, breakfasts, grooming detail: hands, feet, hair. Also errands, shopping, chauffeur, home health aid management, acting as an advocate on doctor visits, being the eyes and ears for the family, reading aloud, finding books and DVDs from the library to share, and cooking well.
I bring my natural warmth, intelligence and imagination to my work.
What is important for this arrangement to work is a clear contract which is both flexible enough to acknowledge change and is fair compensation for work.

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