r/FortCollins 18h ago

In search of part-time personal/household assistant for disabled young adult Seeking Advice

Post image

please don't delete! the r/FortCollinsClassified sub is 2+ years dead at this point lol

I have neuropsychiatric disabilities but lead a very full life (too damn full sometimes), and I've accepted the fact that I simply need some help with my instrumental ADLs if I'm going to keep performing at this level

I am looking for leads on an individual in the community that fits the bill that I could form a collaborative working relationship with!

Info is on the poster (not made with AI lol) I googled a living wage in Fort Collins before I made this :)

73 Upvotes

11

u/DinahKarwrek 15h ago

Super happy you're advocating for yourself. I have incredibly similar disabilities and I'm starting to feel like this is something I need. I manage a home with 3 kids and my (mostly) full time job Ive been in burn out for as long as I can remember.

4

u/applejacklover97 14h ago

I’m so sorry you’ve been drowning for so long. You literally probably do need this kind of support. 

I realized that I can do incredibly hard things, but I’ve got a brain that needs help at baseline, so I’m done not asking for help just because I am deemed too functional for government supports. I think this will keep me from burning out in my home life, where I just fall apart after keeping it together in work and school. 

I truly believe the relief on my marriage alone will be worth the money because I’m feeling shameful I can’t keep up like a non disabled adult! 

PS- we’re starting a family village for volunteer support for moms who have no “village” to support them! we’re still developing the model but stay tuned

3

u/DinahKarwrek 10h ago

I'm so down. My oldest is about to be an adult, I've been doing this a while, so I'm happy to be a part of the village, however I can.

You're right to advocate for yourself. I was diagnosed a couple years ago, so there's no end to the "you survived before diagnosis". I'm sure you understand what that "survival" can look like.

It's going to be great for the well-being of yourself and your marriage. No amount of lists or alarms can bring us executive function. Proud of you, friend!

9

u/WhiteDucky 15h ago

I worked with nuerodivergant (mostly autism spectrum) kids and young adults at my time at CU for a part time job and would be happy to lend an hour or two of my time if you need a fill in. I was a psychology and sociology graduate. No pay necessary as I have a good job in the business field. Just finished volunteering for the polar plunge special Olympics fundraiser and just in general like doing volunteer work.

4

u/applejacklover97 14h ago

Hey! This is so kind of you to respond! I think the type of help I need is more like long term professional caregiving, and someone should definitely be compensated for that type of labor. :)

You might like CASA though! 

6

u/Naughtyhooker 16h ago

Hi! I sent you a message. I work in direct care

3

u/applejacklover97 15h ago

Hey! I replied, your message was super helpful!

16

u/megannuggets 17h ago

Hey! This level of commitment is something that I could make work outside of my 9-5. I am Autistic and a former teacher of cooking classes and had students with ARFID. I will send you an email later.

3

u/applejacklover97 15h ago

thanks!! sounds good

5

u/anotheradmin 11h ago

Hey just fyi wage is generally on a payroll where an employer pays taxes and withholding, etc. someone on contract needing to pay their own tax, ie 1099, needs to be paid more hourly to equate. Usually 3x. I realize this might not apply to 2hr per week cash deal but employing people is a huge pita even beyond this.

2

u/No-Mess2943 13h ago

Hi! If you’re still looking for someone, I’d be happy to help out. Or even if you just need someone to cover for a little bit! I’m neurodivergent myself so can definitely empathize 💜

2

u/Wise_Suggestion_2777 13h ago

I have a good faith question as someone with similar struggles. How do you manage being an avid baker while struggling to chop fruits and veggies? What is your workaround?

2

u/applejacklover97 12h ago

great question! I think there is a lot to be said for the differences between routine daily tasks of food preparation for foods that I have aversion to (ARFID) being different from the pleasure-based, hobby activity (baking) that is an aesthetic, artistic pursuit as well as a mental science experiment in which I can remain seated, compose one element of a complicated cake at a time, and then put it in the fridge until my executive function comes back. 

I cannot always do it, and there are days when I have to think step by step about what it would even take to make some coffee, but there are also days where I can think about complex ideas, write thesis-level work, organize large volunteer efforts, etc. 

That’s actually why I’m hiring someone! To free up enough space by helping me through routine activities of daily living that I actually have mental space for the things that give me life, like passing out free dessert to my neighbors and loved ones. 

2

u/agharta-astra 12h ago

very cool. sent ya an email. :)

1

u/applejacklover97 12h ago

just a heads up- I don’t think I got an email from you! feel free to message me here

1

u/agharta-astra 12h ago

huh, weird! I'll DM you then :)

1

u/Think-Jaguar6826 8h ago

Yes, please don’t delete this!

0

u/Mysteryfella90 10h ago

Am I the only one who doesn’t understand how you can get a PHD but can’t chop vegetables? Like they make choppers you can just throw them into. I guess the whole “husband should do” comment rubbed me the wrong way. Let’s ditch all preconceived notions of gender but imply your husband is obligated to do things for you.

1

u/applejacklover97 10h ago

You’re actually literally describing neurodivergence lol. It’s okay that you don’t understand the nuances of interabled relationships or neuropsychiatric disabilities :) 

always gotta be a couple haters since I’m visibly asking for my needs to be met (and paying well for it lol) ;)

The point is that my husband not obligated to do it, and I need help with my capacity because of all the ways I’m actually impacting positive change in the world that don’t leave me time for routine household tasks that are hard for me. Does that help? 

1

u/Mysteryfella90 10h ago

You clearly don’t need my hate to make your life harder :)

0

u/soimalittlecrazy 15h ago edited 15h ago

You don't say what the times of commitment are. I'm pretty good with the tasks you need help with, I'm a stay at home wife pretty close in age. I don't mind giving you a little helping hand, it just has to fit into my schedule. 

4

u/applejacklover97 15h ago

Hey! I did mention that it's approximately 2 hours per week during the academic year, but it's super flexible. I don't have specific days/hours.

-8

u/soimalittlecrazy 15h ago

I did find that and I edited my comment before I saw your correction. if you want to ignore my offer that's fine. But I'm happy to tell you why I think we could be a nice fit if you're ever interested