Irvington Avenue

Live in a beautiful off-campus home near Rutgers University, New Brunswick just off of Easton Avenue in Somerset, New Jersey.

In exchange for daily assistance, the rent would be $1200 a month including utilities. Privileges and amenities would include the following:

• private furnished bedroom • shared bathroom and kitchen • laundry – washer and dryer • off-street parking in private driveway • internet access • widespread use of the home • beautifully landscaped yard

Housemate would be assisting a 69-year-old man with progressive disability from Lou Gehrig’s Disease (also known as ALS). I am able to walk short distances with a rolling walker. The use of my hands and arms is compromised. But I have no difficulty speaking or communicating and need no medical care. I am able to walk, to participate in my own care and to speak/communicate fully. My problem is that I am weakened by illness. I use a battery-operated wheelchair to navigate inside and outside my home. I need help physically to transfer in and out of bed and from a chair to my wheelchair since my mobility is limited; I weigh 148 pounds.

My home is located in Somerset (i.e., Franklin Township) close to New Brunswick. Male or female applicants welcome. Responsibilities include the following:

• daily assistance in getting ready for bed in the late evening; time negotiable (i.e., closing drapes in bedroom, letting out dog into fenced back yard, undressing, turning off lights, etc.)

• helping to prepare dinner one night a month and, as needed, on the rare occasion that my scheduled dinner companion cancels at the last minute.

The ideal candidate is a positive, empathetic person with helping hands who understands my frustration and can help me maintain my independence. Even though I have ALS, I still have an active social life.

• If possible, I would also like the individual to assist me as personal care aide/homemaker on a paid basis ($20/hour) on weekend mornings and to cover my homemaker’s absences, e. g. time off, illness. My paid homemaker works Monday to Friday and would be available to train my housemate. The homemaker/personal care aide responsibilities in the morning include assistance with showering and drying afterwards with a towel, dressing, preparing a light breakfast (e.g., coffee, cereal, fruit, etc.), making the bed and a few general home tasks. In addition, filling the dog bowls daily with food and water for a friendly mature dog (8 years old) who exercises in a fenced yard and does not need to be walked.

If you would like to find out more about this opportunity and set up a time to meet, please contact me ASAP.