Tyler's Family First Home

We are looking for a family with a disabled member, a couple with a family or a single person to join Tyler in his farmhouse on a 100-acre farm in Erin, Ontario. Caregivers will live in the main farmhouse with Tyler while his father Gary has a separate apartment on the property. This is a cooperative arrangement. The new caregivers will welcome Tyler as part of their household and work with Gary as responsibilities are transferred over time.

At first Gary will remain involved in Tyler’s care. Over time the day-to-day duties will shift from Gary to the new caregiving household. This gradual process will help Tyler build trust and routine and give Gary confidence that his son will continue to have stability and belonging.

Care for Tyler includes preparing meals, supporting him with hygiene and mobility, attending appointments and activities with him, and including him in daily family life. Just as important will be creating an atmosphere where Tyler feels at home with the same rights to privacy, dignity and community participation as any other family member.

All households will be asked to provide references and a vulnerable sector check. Orientation will be provided to help new caregivers learn Tyler’s routines and needs. Regular respite will be arranged to support balance in household life and a clear agreement will set out expectations so the arrangement is understood by all.

You bring a willingness to learn and to follow the rhythm of life that Gary and Tyler share. Over time you will take up the care and direction of that rhythm so that Tyler continues to have stability and belonging.

Most of all you bring a commitment to live with Tyler for the remainder of his life. You are patient, reliable and open to making him part of your family. A driver’s license and comfort with rural living are important. Direct experience with developmental disabilities is an asset but the greater need is for consistency, common sense and the ability to learn.

You will live in the farmhouse with Tyler and become part of his family life. At first you will share caregiving with his father Gary. Over time responsibility for Tyler’s care will transfer to you so that he continues to have stability and routine.

Your role will include preparing meals, supporting Tyler with personal hygiene and mobility, accompanying him with medical appointments, hospital stays and helping him take part in community and social activities. You will make sure his daily routines are steady and that he feels included in the household.

You will oversee the home and the living relationship ensuring it remains safe, cooperative and welcoming.

You will also travel with Tyler and Gary to Costa Rica during the winter months continuing the same care and household rhythms in their second home.

You will live rent free in a renovated farmhouse on a 100-acre farm in Erin, Ontario. All living expenses and utilities will be covered. You will also receive a generous per diem and a vehicle will be available for your use for appointments, household needs and daily life. Regular respite will be arranged to provide balance and rest.

All necessary support will be in place to ensure that the living arrangement is steady and positive. There will be a warm transfer of duties between Gary and you as the caregiving household giving time for trust and routines to build. This same rhythm will continue during the winter months in Costa Rica where you will join Gary and Tyler in their second home.

There will be a settling-in period to make sure the fit is right for both Tyler and the caregiving household. After that the expectation is that this will be a long-term role with the commitment to live with and support Tyler for the remainder of his life.