A Day in the Life
This page gives you a sense of my daily routine and what the role involves. A few things to keep in mind. I have a small team, so some of these tasks are shared. As the integrative caregiver, you'd be trained to handle all of them, but you won't do every task every day. Overnights are on a fill-in basis. Some days are quieter, others more active. Flexibility matters.
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 the urinary catheter as needed
Transportation to CSU as needed
After I get to work, I do not generally need direct support.
Lunch (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 an activity)
If there’s time: a short nap, massage, stretching, or exercise
Occasionally, go out for lunch
In the afternoon, I am generally working and do not need direct support. 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 support.
Dinner (4:30/5:30–7:00 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 Activities (Occasional)
Some evenings are more 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. It's a chance to do something enjoyable together, not the kind of experience you get working back-to-back agency shifts.
From time to time, I would like to visit family or take a trip, usually for a few days at a time. Traveling with me means handling all of my care independently while we're away.
Overnight (10:00 PM–6:00 AM)
Paid overnight presence in my home at night on a fill-in basis. Most nights are quiet and uninterrupted. Occasionally, you'd assist with repositioning, comfort needs, or responding to anything urgent
Errands and 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, and they’re shared across the team. But when covered by someone already familiar with other parts of my care, they make a big difference in keeping things smooth, comfortable, and well-organized.