Part Time
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$19 – 25/hr
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Starts
11/21
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Berkeley, CA
About who needs care: I was a vibrant, active person with a bright career ahead of me when ME/CFS and POTS knocked me out of the workforce and into bed round the clock (21-23 hours most days). I am homebound (leave the apartment a few times a month for short periods and short distances). I use a wheelchair for all but very short distances because of orthostatic intolerance.
I have a wide range of interests and passions - travel, foreign languages, gardening, dancing, making music, reading, writing, gourmet cooking, and many more - that are on hold now because of the severity of my illness and need to rest. Nowadays I watch television, meditate, play video games, hang out on social media, and occasionally have online conversations with friends. My schedule is mostly nocturnal because of day-night reversal from ME/CFS.
About the care needs: I am a pretty easy-going person with a body that doesn't match my character. My caregiver must be able to accommodate my extreme sensory and chemical sensitivities and communication limitations. This means a nonsmoker with willingness to modify their laundry and personal care products if necessary, work with little to no conversation sometimes, use my designated nontoxic cleaning products, and read food labels carefully.
Someone who is friendly but enjoys a quiet, chemical- and scent-free environment would be ideal. Ability to cook is a big plus, capable of doing prep of fresh ingredients (peeling, chopping, etc) is critical.
If they have a friendly dog they'd be willing to bring around sometimes that would be wonderful.
Experience with autistic people, knowledge of basic ASL, and/or familiarity with ME/CFS, POTS, and MCAS are major bonuses.
Services needed include: transportation, meal preparation, errands / shopping, light housekeeping, feeding, and bathing / dressing.