I have severeish athetoid/spastic quad cp. I need help with most of my ADLs
(Activities of Daily Living). I've been living on my own since I went to
college 20 years ago (yikes!). I have lived alone and with friends. I hire
attendants to assist me with: transfering in and out of bed, showering,
dressing, preparing and eating meals, cleaning, opening mail and paying
bills, shopping,, etc.. I find my attendants by advertising on the internet
and/or in the local newspaper. Most of my attendants over the years have
been college students. I usually have 5-7 people working for me at a time -
that way I'm not too dependant on any one person, and if one of my
attendants is sick, I can find a sub for her. (I also like variety.)

Every day I have help for about 2 hours in the morning, 1-2 hours around
5pm, and 45 minutes around 10:30pm. Some days I have 2-4 more hours of help
for mail, shopping, etc.. I have my environment set up so I can function
with out help between attendants, i.e. water and a snack where I can reach
them hands free, my adaptive computer equipment accessible, my jacket on if
it's cold out, etc.. I also have arrangments for help at work. On weekends,
my boyfriend usually helps me with supper, etc. and I usually cook for us
during the week and/or have my attendant do our dishes the next morning.

I receive about $2300/month from the state of California to pay my
attendants. I receive this money even though I work, because I wouldn't be
able to work if I couldn't get up in the morning, and I wouldn't be able to
pay rent if all my income went toward attendant care. Most states have
programs to help pay for attendant care.

Though I need assistance with many things, I am very independent. My
attendants work for me -  they assist me in caring for myself, they do not
take care of me! I make my own decisions, the essence of independence.

What are your thoughts about living independently Kathy Jo? How was your
recent time at Conerstone?

Pam