Palo Alto sunny stand - alone studio; free rent for light elderly care

Offering a furnished backyard studio in Professorville in exchange for about 5 hours a week of light care and companionship for an amazing 90-year-old woman/your landlord. Think daily check-ins, a few errands, some laundry and weekly housekeeping—plus the joy of being part of someone’s life in a meaningful way.
What a Week Might Look Like
We’re flexible and collaborative—you’ll work with the family and the landlord to come up with a schedule that works for everyone. Here's a general sense of the rhythm:
• Daily
• Most mornings: Fetch newspaper and place on back porch (~10 mins)
• Most evenings: Light check-in and help as needed (~10 mins)
• Most nights: Be nearby in case of a rare emergency—we have workarounds if you need to be away
• Weekly
• 1 cleaning + laundry day (~2 hrs)
• Roving household tasks (~1 hr): unload dishwasher, take out trash bins, sweep porch, light gardening, put away groceries/laundry, or help with home repairs
• Monthly
• Errands, doctor appointment, or an outing (~1 hr, car can be provided)
• Quick status update to family (call, text, or email—30 mins)
Away Policy
You’re welcome to be away up to 2 weeks/year, with 4 weeks’ notice—the family will happily cover for you. More time away is fine – you’ll just be responsible for lining up an appropriate sub. Here’s what that looks like:
• They don’t need to stay overnight—just pop in twice a day
• You’ll recruit, train, and create a simple job description/contract for your fill-in
• Must be approved by the family and landlord
• Paid $300/week, directly by you
You might be a great fit if you…
• You have emotional intelligence. You keep an eye out. You use good judgement to take action to provide care or make the call to request help if needed.
• You are an excellent communicator, scheduler, and quick to respond
• You have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
• You may bring a car and/or we may arrange use of landlord’s car. We will address on a case-by-case basis
• You can pass a general background check and provide references
• You enjoy light companionship—chatting about the world, sharing stories, or playing cards and doing puzzles
• You’re not overly chatty or omnipresent—she appreciates humor, clarity, authenticity, and space. You live separate two separate lives.
• Your life is fairly local, you're not often away for long stretches, and you typically sleep at home most nights
• You are willing to sign a lease for a minimum commitment of 12 months, and obtain renter’s insurance
What your landlord/client is like
• She is a lively 90-year-old woman, fiercely independent, sharp in the mind, and has slowed down physically due to an arthritic knee. She gets around with a cane, walker, wheelchair, electric scooter and occasionally, car.
• Mother to 4, and 2 grandchildren, she has been living in same house, alone, and successfully, for almost 30 years
• Stanford grad (architecture degree at age 45), and undergrad.
• A no-nonsense, structured, strong-willed, genuine, curious and interesting person with a rich history who loves cooking, gardening, art/culture, jigsaw puzzles, card games, and the Giants
The Studio Space
• Stand-alone, sunny and cheery unit tucked behind the garage with skylights and radiant heat
• Approx. 130 sq ft, furnished, with a half-bath (sink + toilet)
• Shower access is via private entrance in the main house
• Twin bed with trundle, closet, table + chairs
• Kitchenette: hot plate, mini-fridge, microwave, toaster oven
• Washer included (no dryer – clotheslines and drying racks are provided)
• WiFi and utilities included
• Parking available on the street
The neighborhood
Professorville is a beautiful, tree-lined historic district just blocks from downtown Palo Alto. Walk to parks, Stanford, markets, cafes, and Caltrain. It’s peaceful, safe, and full of charm. Walk score: 61/100; Transit score: 41/100; Bike score: 84/100
A successful track record
This landlord/ caregiver setup has been going strong for about four years, and we’ve had two wonderful, long-term relationships—both of which were mutually rewarding. One caregiver left to get married, and the other moved on for a job outside Palo Alto. Both became like extended family, and the experience was meaningful on both sides.
Interested? Here is the process:
Interested parties should send an email to shannonriordan99@yahoo.com. Tell us why this opportunity speaks to you, when you’d be available to start, and a little about yourself. If possible, include LinkedIn profile or other publicly available information about yourself.
Timing:
• Early July: Review letters of interest.
• Mid-July: Video interviews.
• Late July: Finalists will be invited for an in-person visit and conversation with landlord/client and family.
• Early August: Job offer, background check, secure rental insurance, and sign lease.
• Mid-August: Studio available for move-in