Live-In Care Companion & Home-Share Opportunity

Location: Old Town, Fort Collins, CO
Rent: Waived in exchange for overnight presence
Availability: Starting February 2026

About this Opportunity

I'm James, a nutrition professor at Colorado State University, health coach, and someone who's lived with a C5 spinal cord injury since 1999. I live independently in a modern apartment in Old Town Fort Collins, with a small team of caregivers who support me during the day. What I'm looking for is simpler: a trustworthy person to share my home and be present overnight.

Most nights are quiet and you'd just sleep. But occasionally something comes up: I might need help repositioning, adjusting a blanket, or responding to a muscle spasm or blood pressure issue. Rarely, something more urgent happens. You're not providing active care—you're a calm, reliable presence who can help if needed and knows when to call for backup.

This isn't a job where you're working all night. But it's also not just free rent. You're here because it matters.

What This Involves

  • Be present overnight (roughly 10 PM to 6 AM) at least five nights per week

  • Be available to help if something unexpected comes up (most nights are uninterrupted)

  • Communicate openly and reliably about your schedule

That's it. You're not on-call for caregiving tasks. You're not responsible for my daily care. You're just here—a backup presence that provides peace of mind.

About Me as a Housemate

I'm a nutrition professor at CSU who loves good food, music, books, and meaningful conversation. Outside of work, I like exploring Old Town, sharing meals, and spending time with people I enjoy. I'm quiet, respectful of shared space, and genuinely supportive of the people in my life.

I work full-time and spend most of my days on campus or working from home. I'm not looking for someone to take care of me. I have a care team for that. I'm looking for someone who'd actually appreciate this kind of home, not just the free rent.

If you're curious about what my daily life and care needs look like, you can read more on the A Day in the Life page. That page describes the paid caregiver role, which is separate from this opportunity, but it'll give you a sense of my daily routine and what it's like to live here, including when caregivers might come and go throughout the day.

About the Space

  • Beautiful, modern 2-bedroom, 2-bath home in a secure building.

  • Prime Old Town location, steps from Washington Park, Lee Martinez Park, and CSU.

  • Your own bedroom and bathroom.

  • Fully furnished common areas with a large kitchen and dining space.

  • Private balcony with mountain views.

  • Secure building with elevator, bike storage, and underground parking space.

This is a genuinely nice place to live, in a location most people can't afford. I'm offering it rent-free to the right person, but I'm selective about who that is.

Who This Might Be a Good Fit For

  • A graduate student, nursing student, or early-career professional in Fort Collins

  • Someone comfortable around disability who thinks this living arrangement sounds like a good fit

  • A kind, responsible, and dependable person who values meaningful connection over transactional living

  • Someone who communicates well and follows through on commitments

This is not a good fit for someone just looking for free housing. I'll meet with applicants in person before making any decisions, and I'm only interested in someone who genuinely wants this kind of living arrangement, not someone just trying to get a deal.

Why Consider This?

Rent-free housing in Old Town Fort Collins is rare. This arrangement offers:

  • Waived rent in exchange for minimal overnight presence

  • A safe, comfortable, and modern home

  • A respectful, supportive housemate

  • A chance to live well while building connection and experience

A Note on Paid Caregiving

If you're also interested in paid caregiving work, please just let me know on the application page.

How to Apply

If this sounds like a good fit, I'd like to hear from you. Please complete the application below. I review applications individually and will reach out to schedule an in-person meeting if it seems like we might be a good match.

Before you apply, please read the About page to get a sense of who I am. This living arrangement is personal, and fit matters more than credentials.

Click here to apply

Take a look at the photo slideshow below to get a feel for the space!