ADVANCE Article
October 6th, 2005 by RespiteMatch.comNew Web Site Matches Patients And Caregivers
By Mike Bederka
For years, David Jayne searched in vain for a qualified caregiver.
Diagnosed at age 26 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Jayne had tried newspaper ads, personal referrals, nanny services and expensive agencies. All options offered mixed results and proved frustrating for his condition that requires round-the-clock dedication.
Jayne needed a solution. Not just for him, but the millions of other people around the world with disabilities, especially those who must have live-in care.
“To find a middle-age, responsible, capable caregiver that has no ties in life and can pick up and move into your home is a needle in a haystack,” Jayne said via e-mail. The disease severely limits his speaking ability.
After some thought, an idea sprung. The 44-year-old resident of Rex., Ga., who has no more than slight movement of his head, took a page from the booming online dating scene and created a Web site that connects health professionals and patients in the home setting.
RespiteMatch.com has patients create profiles that describe their physical needs, from ventilator and trach care to bathing and dressing. Another section has them detail more personal information such as religious affiliation and alcohol consumption.
Caregivers, including respiratory therapists, nurses, LPNs, physical therapists and occupational therapists, offer their skill set, educational background, work experience and salary range. Both parties also can include a short paragraph describing their expectations of the working relationship.
The site generates matches according to the criteria provided by the users at no charge. For a small fee, RespiteMatch.com gives the contact info and the results of several different background checks.
Since its launch in December 2004, more than 1,500 people have completed profiles.
“Disability and illness are an unwanted way of life and create enough challenges,” he said. “I just want the site to help in any way that is possible.”
Besides a full-time computer tech guy, Jayne runs the show at RespiteMatch.com. The site has a tips section that includes advice on hiring a caregiver as well as a blog that he updates multiple times daily with current articles and opinions on the health care industry.
Also, several advertisements dot the pages, which help to offset his operating expenses.
A keen business sense has followed him throughout much of his life, Jayne noted. In his youth, he ran a lawnmower repair service, and then he raised and sold quail to Atlanta restaurants. As he grew older, he catered dinners and parties.
ALS put the brakes on most of Jayne’s professional desires, but he gets a great sense of satisfaction from assisting others.
He points to the first month RespiteMatch.com went live when several parents of severely disabled children joined the site.
“You never have to look far to find someone with a heavier burden,” Jayne said. “While it saddened me to see those profiles, I was hopeful this service will fill a need.”
Mike Bederka is associate editor of ADVANCE. He can be reached at mbederka@merion.com.
