A Day in the Life

My daily schedule (and your role in supporting it)

What to Expect

This page gives you a view of the Healthcare & Recreational Companion role—how it aligns with my daily schedule, and what your involvement might look like. While care is needed every day, not every moment requires hands-on help. This role blends skilled personal support with meaningful connection, flexible planning, and real quality of life. It’s not a traditional home health job—and that’s intentional. This is also a team-based role. You’ll be expected to occasionally fill in for other team members to help ensure consistent daily coverage and mutual support.

Morning (6:00–8:30/9:00 AM)

  • Help with wake-up routine

  • Assist with bathing, dressing, and hygiene (some hygiene is done in the morning, some in the evening)

  • Transfer using a lift

  • Prep breakfast and assist as needed

  • Prep lunch or other meals if applicable

  • Irrigate urinary catheter as needed

  • Transportation to CSU as needed

  • After that, my workday begins

Morning Work Block (8:30/9:00–11:00 AM)

  • I’m working—either from home or on campus

  • Minimal support is needed during this time unless something is pre-planned

  • Lunch typically happens around 11:00 AM

Midday (11:00 AM–12:00 PM)

  • Lunch at home or CSU

  • Prep lunch and assist with eating as needed

  • Brushing teeth, emptying leg bag, colostomy care (as needed)

  • Occasional errands, paperwork, or light cleaning

  • Help with changing clothes if needed (especially during warmer months or after activity)

  • If there’s time: a short nap, massage, stretching, or exercise

  • Occasionally go out for lunch or do something fun (e.g., farmers market)

Afternoon Work Block (12:00–4:30/5:30 PM)

  • I’m generally working

  • On some days, I may finish early

  • If you’re available, this can be a great time for a walk, an outing, or planning a recreational activity

  • Occasionally, you may accompany me to work-related or university events to assist with accessibility and provide low-key support.

Dinner (5:30–7:00 PM)

  • Meal prep and assist with eating as needed

  • Some nights we’ll cook or try a new recipe

  • Other nights are simple, to-go, or reheated

  • Sometimes we’ll go out depending on the day, energy level, or weather

  • Regardless of where we eat, assist with cleanup and any post-meal support

  • Help prep medications if not done during the evening routine

  • Begin setting up the bedroom and supplies for the night

Evening Routine (8:30–10:00 PM)

  • Review and prepare evening medications (if not done earlier)

  • Get the bedroom ready: lights, equipment, supplies, clothing, and comfort items

  • Brushing teeth and emptying leg bag

  • Transfer into bed using a lift

  • Assist with undressing and evening bathing

  • Perform colostomy care (including appliance changes or skin checks)

  • Irrigate catheter as needed

  • Help monitor or respond to muscle spasms or blood pressure concerns

  • Ensure I’m settled and comfortable for the night

Recreational Evenings (Occasional | ~4:30–10:30-ish PM)

  • Some evenings are reserved for fun: live music, museums, trivia, happy hour, or trying a new place

  • You’ll assist with transportation, accessibility, and evening care when we return

  • These are planned ahead and add real quality of life—not just for me, but hopefully for you too

  • It’s a chance to do something meaningful together—not the kind of experience you get working back-to-back agency shifts

  • Occasionally, this role may include short overnight trips, weekend retreats, or adaptive travel programs like those offered by Craig Hospital. These are always planned in advance and can be a meaningful part of the job.

Overnight (10:00 PM–6:00 AM)

  • Paid overnight presence in my home every night

  • Most nights are quiet and uninterrupted

  • Occasionally assist with repositioning, comfort needs, or responding to anything urgent

Errands & Occasional Tasks

  • Pick up groceries or supplies

  • Help manage household inventory

  • Make calls to doctors or medical suppliers

  • Light cleaning, organizing, or restocking

  • You might also support creative projects or routines that promote personal growth, mindfulness, or organization—especially if you have interest or skills in these areas.

  • These tasks aren’t needed daily, but they’re incredibly helpful—especially when covered by someone who’s already familiar with other aspects of my care