A Shared Farmhouse — Not an Institution (Upstate NY)

• Daily caregiving & household atmosphere

• The home would be shared by an 80-year-old father and his adult son, who serves as the live-in caregiver. The caregiver would assist with day-to-day needs such as meals, medications, shopping/groceries, housekeeping, laundry, appointments, and general support as needed. The home would operate as a shared living environment where a caregiver is regularly present, and residents are comfortable relying on that support as part of normal daily life. Family and friends would always be welcome to visit. Are you comfortable living in a home like this?*
  Yes

  Maybe

  No

• TV & daily atmosphere

• The TV is often on. Common viewing includes science/mystery content (like Ancient Aliens or The Why Files), camping/outdoor shows, History channel, documentaries, and generally left‑leaning news like CNN or ABC. How does that sound?*
  Sounds good

  Okay sometimes

  Not for me

• Sharing common spaces

• If others want something different on TV or in shared areas, are you okay taking turns or compromising?*
  Yes

  Sometimes

  No

• Waiting & sharing support

• If another resident needs help first, can you usually wait a short time for the caregiver?*
  Yes

  Sometimes

  No

• Typical daily support needs

• On a typical day, which of the following activities do you currently receive or need help with? (Please be honest and check all that apply.)*
  Preparing meals

  Feeding myself/help eating meals

  Taking medications

  Housekeeping or laundry

  Getting to appointments or errands

  Walking/moving around the house

  Getting up from a chair or bed

  Dressing or personal grooming

  Bathing/showering (in addition to a tub transfer bench)

  Bathroom/toileting assistance

  I mostly do everything on my own

  Other:

• Gardening, movement & outdoor activity

• We're planning a greenhouse which will be climate-controlled and include comfortable seating! The fruits and vegetables you help grow will be the ones you eat — ensuring organic and nutrient-dense meals. Are you open to gentle daily movement, including walking and physical/occupational therapy as needed, spending time outside when weather allows, and taking part in light gardening activities such as planting and harvesting?*
  Yes

  Maybe

  No

• Food, nutrition & hydration

• Meals in the home focus on satisfying, nutritious foods like meat, vegetables, and complex carbs. We keep sugar and processed foods low, while still including treats like sugar-free sodas, low-sugar ice cream, and berries. Breakfast and dinner are prepared by the caregiver, lunch is typically a healthy meal delivery like Factor. There are always three meals a day, not on a strict schedule, and healthy snacks are always available. Meals are eaten wherever most comfortable. Everyone is encouraged to stay hydrated with water and electrolyte powder in their own water bottles. How does that sound?*
  Sounds good

  Okay sometimes

  Not for me

• Medications & supplements

• The home encourages residents to periodically review their current medications with a doctor, especially if they experience issues like brain fog, imbalance, dizziness, or confusion. Some residents may choose, with their doctor's guidance, to safely simplify their medications — and may also use common supplements (such as fish oil, creatine, CoQ10, magnesium) if approved by their providers. How comfortable are you with this general approach?*
  Comfortable

  Unsure

  Not comfortable

• Pets

• The home may include pet(s). Are you comfortable living in a home with animals?*
  Yes

  Maybe

  No

• Medicaid enrollment

• This shared home relies on residents already being enrolled in Medicaid, which covers caregiver support at no cost to residents. Are you currently enrolled in Medicaid?*
  Yes

  Application in progress

  No

• Rent, shared expenses & pooled trust

• This home works best for someone comfortable with sharing expenses like rent, utilities, food, and household costs, which would be split evenly among the 3–4 residents, including the caregiver. If your income is above the Medicaid limit, a pooled trust can be used to manage extra funds so you don’t have to spend down your income to keep Medicaid eligibility. Where are you with this?*
  Already set up

  Open to guidance

  Not interested

• Anything else

• Is there anything else you'd like to share about your situation?

• Name

• Who should we contact about this home?*

• Email

• Please share the best email to reach the person named above.*

Thanks for taking a few minutes to share your answers! We’ll only contact you if this home seems like a good fit.