When It Clicks: A Maintenance Moment
Welcome to “When It Clicks”, a new series from, me, JoeyCo Founder Alison. I listen to customers every day and I hear all the time about ‘that moment’ for each of them. It comes at different times with different personal circumstances - but each customer has one - that moment when JoeyCo just clicks as the right option for you. I am sharing a series of these moments that I hear about all the time, in the hopes that one might resonate with you. To be transparent, I wrote these, but I tried to embody the perspective of the prospective Hosts I talk to, while maintaining the privacy of their particular situations. And please remember, when it clicks for you, I am just a call away.
Jennifer has lived in her home for decades. This is Jennifer’s (illustrative) JoeyCo story:
The first time I noticed my garden getting away from me, I tried to brush it off. The weeds could wait another week. Then another. Soon, my beloved rose bushes were hidden behind unwanted greenery, and my once-pristine flowerbeds looked forgotten. Inside wasn't much better – the list of small repairs kept growing: a squeaky door here, a loose cabinet handle there. Tasks that used to be simple weekend ‘to dos’ now felt overwhelming.
I'd lived in my home for thirty-two years. The thought of leaving because of maintenance issues broke my heart. I wasn’t ready to admit that my growing list meant my home was becoming too much.
When Little Things Add Up
It wasn't just the garden. The seasonal checklist seemed to grow longer each year:
Clearing leaves from gutters
Replacing hard-to-reach light bulbs
Moving air conditioning units in and out of windows
Organizing and tidying the items piling up in the garage
Replacing those very loud smoke detector batteries
Each uncompleted task felt like a small reminder that maybe – just maybe – my beloved home was becoming too much to handle. When my son suggested looking at retirement communities, I knew I couldn’t keep relying on him for help when he visited. I couldn't sleep that night. There had to be another way.
A Neighbor's Solution
That's when I noticed Tom's yard next door. While mine had become overgrown, his looked better than ever. Curious, I asked about his secret next time I saw him.
"It's James, my Joey," he said, beaming with pride. "He's an engineering student who lives in my spare room. Smart as a whip and always eager to help. He handles the heavy lifting in the garden and helps me tackle my list. And the best part is all of his help is covered by the rent he pays. Added bonus, he gets affordable housing while he finishes school."
More Than Just a Handyman
As Tom explained the JoeyCo program, I realized this was different from hiring occasional help. His Joey had become part of his household routine, offering consistent support that made staying in our homes not just possible, but better than ever. The arrangement provided more than just to-do list help – it brought new energy into his home and peace of mind to his family.
"The best part?" Tom added, "James is learning too. I'm teaching him all about proper rose pruning, and he's showing me how to use smart home devices to make daily tasks easier. It's a real partnership."
A New Way Forward
Learning about JoeyCo opened my eyes to possibilities I hadn't considered. Through their careful matching process, they pair Hosts like us with university students who need affordable housing. These Joeys help with:
Regular yard maintenance and seasonal tasks
Basic home repairs and upkeep
Heavy lifting and hard-to-reach projects
Technology setup and support
They pay Hosts rent and earn money for completing tasks on your list. They receive affordable housing and the chance to learn from our years of experience – a true win-win situation.
Keeping ‘Home Sweet Home’ Sweet
After my conversation with Tom, I reached out to Alison at JoeyCo. She explained their process and how they ensure both Hosts and Joeys are well-matched. They addressed my concerns about privacy and maintaining my independence while sharing my home.
Now, three months into hosting my own Joey, Sarah, I wish I'd done it sooner. My garden is tidy again and I am looking forward to the spring blooms (turns out she has quite the green thumb). My overwhelm is shrinking along with my list, and most importantly, I have peace of mind knowing help is just a room away when I need it.
My home isn't just the place I live – it's where my memories are. With Sarah's help, I'm not just maintaining it; I'm creating new memories and ensuring I can stay right where I belong.
Your Next Chapter
If you're feeling overwhelmed by homeowner responsibilities, remember: Adding help doesn't mean giving up independence. Sometimes, it means finding innovative ways to preserve it. JoeyCo offers a unique solution that benefits both Hosts and students, creating partnerships that help us thrive at any age while supporting the next generations.
Ready to learn more about becoming a Host? Call Alison (me!) at JoeyCo today for a friendly chat about how we can help.
