Carrie Allen lives in Syracuse. After a car accident in the early 1980s, she’s undergone surgeries ever since, with more likely in the future. So she needs a little extra help around the house.

That’s where Roy Lindsey comes in. They've known each other for a long time.

“I like things perfect, and after 41 years of being friends, Roy knows what I expect, so it’s not difficult," said Allen.

Two years ago, Allen hired Lindsey to be her personal assistant.

"Roy cleans for me; he helps me with my personal care; he does the housework,” said Allen.

Allen utilizes nonprofit Consumer Directed Choices for her personal assistance. It serves people across New York, including older adults and those living with disabilities.

“I’m the boss, I’m the employer. I hire and fire, and over there is a daily schedule for Roy," said Allen.

“Just helping is amazing, just the gratification of coming to my friend’s house and helping her," said Lindsey.

The nonprofit works through Medicaid to provide more flexibility for people like Allen to hire someone she trusts.

“And I’m looking at four or five more surgeries, so it’s very important to me to be able to have Roy here to help me, plus he keeps me company," said Allen.

Allen and Lindsey said in the past with hiring agencies, there were some issues with the people they hired. But with the ability to hire someone she knows and trusts, Allen says, it makes getting help around the house easier.