Caregiver & Recreational Companion
This role requires consistent weekend coverage: Sunday morning every week, alternating Saturdays (morning, meal, or evening), plus at least one weekday morning. Initial training will take place during weekday evenings and mornings for the first 2–3 weeks before transitioning into regular weekend coverage.
About the Role
This is a highly personal, long-term opportunity to support one individual (James, a university professor and wellness coach living with a spinal cord injury) in living fully and independently at home, at work, and in the community. You will provide both hands-on clinical care and engaging personal support to help me live an active, connected, and meaningful life. That may include using a lift for transfers, helping with catheter or colostomy care, organizing medications, preparing meals, or joining in activities that make life meaningful, from wellness routines to community outings.
Schedule & structure
Applicants should be interested in a larger, integrated role—not just isolated shift work. This position is about becoming part of a small, dependable team that supports a consistent daily rhythm and fills in for one another when needed.
Required: Consistent weekly coverage on Sunday
Regular: Alternating Saturdays (coverage may include morning, meal, or evening)
Weekdays: At least one to two additional weekday mornings
Evenings: Ideally available to provide one to two evening fill-in shifts per week
Occasional fill-in coverage and flexibility are appreciated
Compensation
Starting at $25–$30 per hour, depending on care responsibilities and consistency of coverage. Most team members start at $25 per hour, with potential for raises based on:
Reliability in covering priority shifts (especially weekends)
Willingness to take on additional weekly hours, including evenings
Strong clinical skills, adaptability, and efficiency
This role is funded through Colorado’s CDASS Medicaid program, which uses a task-based reimbursement model. Compensation must align with program guidelines and is structured around the care provided, not general household work.
What This Role Looks Like
Perform clinical tasks like catheter, colostomy, and wound care
Assist with bathing, transfers, grooming, and dressing
Set up medications, help track supplies, or organize health routines
Prepare or share meals and beverages
Help with shopping, cleaning, and household organization as needed
Provide support with massage, light exercise, stretching, or range-of-motion activities
In addition to essential caregiving tasks, the role includes meaningful ways to support connection and joy:
Join for walks or outdoor outings when possible
Be a supportive presence at university events or community outings
Go to trivia, happy hour, or Red Rocks, as examples
Collaborate on travel or adaptive recreational programs (for example, Craig Hospital trips)
Help imagine and plan enjoyable days, from petting a dog to booking a weekend getaway
The right candidate brings emotional intelligence, adaptability, calm competence, curiosity, and a good sense of humor, comfortably navigating both clinical tasks and meaningful personal interactions.
Who You Are
This role requires someone who is:
Physically capable and emotionally mature, able to provide personal and clinical care (including transfers with a lift)
Dependable and flexible, with the ability to cover Sunday mornings every week, alternating Saturdays, some weekday mornings, and occasional evening fill-ins or outings.
Willing to step in when needed to help the team function smoothly, especially when unexpected events or emergencies arise
Skilled or willing to learn all aspects of the role, including colostomy care, catheter care, and medication setup
Not overloaded with outside responsibilities that could interfere with presence, availability, or flexibility
Open-minded, fun, and curious, with interests in food, science, culture, music, wellness, or shared human growth
Mature enough to prioritize the needs of others and flexible enough to occasionally adjust personal plans when the situation requires it
Comfortable working one-on-one in a close, trusting relationship, with a sense of humor and a willingness to try new things
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
You do not need to have experience with every item below to apply. Training, checklists, and support are provided, and many of my best caregivers started with little direct experience. If you already have healthcare or caregiving skills, that’s great—but if you are dependable, curious, and willing to learn, you will be supported as you grow into the role.
Preferred (Not Required) Qualifications
Experience with caregiving, disability support, or clinical care
Familiarity with ostomy or catheter care, or willingness to learn
Coursework or training in health, therapy, or wellness fields
Reliable transportation and based near Fort Collins
Preferred (Not Required) Skills
Bathing assistance
Dressing assistance
Mobility and transfer support (with or without lift)
Food and meal preparation
Meal assistance and oral hygiene
Nail care and grooming
Medication management (with checklists)
Ostomy or catheter care
Wound care and skin checks
Emotional support, presence, and teamwork
Empathy, patience, and respect for independence
Comfort with accessibility tools (e.g., ramps, equipment)
About Me
I’m James—a professor, health coach, and quadriplegic living in Old Town Fort Collins. I live independently, but I need help to do it well. I’m deeply engaged in nutrition, wellness, music, the arts, food, and technology. I also like to laugh, explore, and try new things. If you’re someone with presence, intelligence, and curiosity who likes working closely with one person in a way that’s equal parts practical and meaningful—we’ll probably get along well.
How to Apply
Please click the button below for the application form. If we’re a good fit, I’ll reach out to schedule an interview. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please ensure your availability matches the weekend and weekday schedule listed above.