Shared Living Care Provider Needed in Holyoke or South Hadley!

Pathlight is actively seeking a person, couple, or family to share their home with a newly retired 63-year-old woman named, “E.”

Prior to Covid, E. worked at the food court in the Holyoke Mall. When the pandemic hit, she made the decision that it was time for her to live her best life and finally retire. Of course it will be nice for E. to have the support and security that comes with Shared Living; however, she is a very independent person (having even lived in an apartment on her own for a period of time). She doesn’t need prompting for care, can use appliances by herself, and is quite capable of doing many things on her own from laundry and chores, to light cooking. That being said, E. does have a seizure disorder that will require supervision at home and in the community in the event they occur.  Care Providers should also be willing to lend a helping hand in other areas of her life by providing transportation, assisting with shopping, and helping her remove her medication from its packaging (very reasonable requests!).

When at home, E. likes to make potholders, work on word searches, and do puzzles.  She enjoys going to the local Senior Center and spending time with her friends.  E. also gets a ride from a fellow parishioner to attend weekly meetings at the Jericho House Church. As she has created many connections within her community over the years, our priority is to find a future home that is in HOLYOKE or SOUTH HADLEY so those relationships can continue.

If you’re wondering if E. would be a match for your household, it’s important to go over a few other requirements beyond a logistical match. In regard to furry friends, E. loves and would be fine in a home with dogs, but isn’t too keen on living with cats. It is also worth noting, that at this stage of her life she is looking to relax and unwind, and – although she is fine being around them otherwise, she would prefer to live in a home without children.

Care providers would receive an annual and generous tax-free stipend, as well as training, case management supports, and respite. Ideal candidates would have skills in working with individuals with developmental disabilities (though not required), be able to establish clear and consistent routines, set reasonable limits, and provide structure. An open heart, reliability, maturity, and flexibility are required.