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About the job

About who needs care: Randall has stage 4 cancer, and is choosing to spend his final days at home. Hospice is in place for when needed but in the meantime he may be needing occasional assistance as he is also going blind and can no longer drive himself. He lives on his brother's property so it may be very occasional but this site came highly recommended by a friend so I wanted to be proactive and create an account. He can be as ornery as any Texan so I am thinking it is better to try to set something up now before he becomes fully dependent on others, so a relationship can form with one or two caregivers. He is currently able to do self care, including bathing and bathroom, dressing, eating and supplements (he has chosen to end treatments but will accept Ativan, pain meds, etc when the time comes) and his motility is fine. The cancer metastocized to his brain and he has had 2 successful surgeries to remove fist sized tumors. First was 4 months ago and second two weeks ago. The tumors affected his ability to walk but he is content to allow nature to take its course and he has decided no more surgeries if it comes back. His family is planning to assist (I am a friend in from out of state here to help get him settled into a routine again) and I am looking for assistance to fill in the gaps now, with the potential for more services down the road. Mainly, he would benefit from someone coming to walk with him. He doesn't venture off his regular route with his sight failing but enjoys new areas when he has company. He likes a semi vigorous walk with his three chihuahuas in the morning and early evening. He also has been attending AA meetings for years and would perhaps like a ride once a month to and from the meetings. We are also actively looking for someone who already attends as some of the meetings are closed. About the care needs: The main thing is finding someone who treats him like the autonomous human he is. He does not take well to being spoken down to like a child or as if he is unable to understand. He doesn't need platitudes or to be told he can fight this or to buck up. He has had this diagnosis for over 2 years, has made peace with what is to come, and is content with his decisions. He does get a bit stubborn and can seem stand offish but he usually catches himself and apologizes or makes a joke at his own expense. He plays guitar and enjoys singing for others. He also likes to discuss books he has read or listened to and movies he has seen. Services needed include: transportation, meal preparation, errands / shopping, light housekeeping, and companionship.