About the job

About who needs care: I have ALS and am no longer able to walk on my own. Before ALS, I taught writing at Northwestern Michigan College and worked as the lit adviser for the student-run, creative arts magazine. I am a writer and reader who enjoys most character-driven stories. My husband is my primary caregiver, but I also have support from my three kids, sister, parents, and in-laws. We have two dogs, a cat, a bearded dragon, and four chickens. I'm looking for help when my husband is working. Right now, I need help transferring from my chair to a wheelchair and then from a wheelchair to the toilet. I need help pulling my pants down and up though I can wipe myself, etc. Soon, I will have a more advanced power chair, which will eliminate some of the transfers, but I will still need help getting onto the toilet. ALS is a degenerative disease, so my leg and arm weakness are going to continue to worsen, and I may need more help in the bathroom eventually. About the care needs: I am very flexible and creative, and I work well with someone who can be those things too. ALS requires regular adjustments to activity as it progresses, so we have had to be very creative in how we approach each day. ALS is also a depressing disease, so sometimes I'm quite sad, and it would be helpful to work with someone who is sympathetic without pitying me. I'm also looking for someone to assist me with intimate, personal activities like going to the bathroom, so I need someone who will be professional yet sensitive to how awkward this may be. Services needed include: feeding, bathing / dressing, and mobility assistance.