Chipo

Date of Birth: 20 July 1973

City: Casa Mia, Pretoria

Languages: Zulu & English

Hobbies: Family time

What makes you a good companion?

“ l am very patient with the elderly. I have the ability to remain calm, think clearly and provide the best care possible under demanding circumstances. I have the ability to show friendliness towards clients without overstepping boundaries.”

Your best day at work you’ve ever had and what made it so good.

“I assisted a client with dementia and she had a bad day and started taking ironed clothes out of the closet and started throwing them everywhere. I realized that the she was tired of being idle and wanted something to keep her busy. I suggested taking a walk through the garden and her mood changed immediately. She was so happy to go out and get some fresh air and see the blooming flowers. I found pleasure in putting a smile on my her face.”

In what skills area do you feel most qualified to be a companion?

“Commitment to being present and providing quality care, and being empathetic towards them, just the opportunity to show kindness and respect and celebrating their differences.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?

“It's fun. I enjoy the stories, experiences and humor of the Seniors l care for. I enjoy making a difference in their lives. It's a great accomplishment and feels highly rewarding, knowing that you have turned what could have been a really difficult day into a great one, full of laughter and fun activities. Working with the elderly gives me a valuable insight into the aging process, and what's to come, giving me an opportunity to think about what matters most to me in life and how l will look after them and myself.”

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we don’t know from your resume?

“l once took a Managerial role in a Training Company for learners with special needs ( intellectually challenged, bi-polar, physically challenged and short sighted) and l managed to see all learners progress in their different areas of learning.”

Linda

Date of Birth: 6 May 1960

City: Rynfield, Benoni

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: Reading and Arts & Crafts

What makes you a good companion?

“My passion for assisting people and making them feel loved and valued. I am very patient and will not make someone feel inadequate for repeating themselves. I am always very respectful, patient and humble and have a passion for working with elderly.”

Your best day at work you’ve ever had and what made it so good.

“I view everyday as my best day at work because with a new day there are new and more opportunities to make the present better than the past.”

In what skills area do you feel most qualified to be a companion?

“ I am extremely good with elderly as i find them inspiring. I have a passion for working with people and assisting with care where needed.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?

“To listen to the inspiring stories and lessons while talking to an elderly person.”

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we don’t know from your resume?

“ I want to spread the love of god to people. Bringing joy and hope into others lives.”

Lucy

Date of Birth: 3 February 1993

City: Randburg, Gauteng

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: Modelling and Charity

What makes you a good companion?

“I always put the need of the person I am spending time with first. I am very patient and can listen to the same story 1 billion times and will not make someone feel inadequate for telling the same story over and over. I love and get attached very easily. I am always very respectful, patient and humble and have a passion for working with elderly.”

Your best day at work you’ve ever had and what made it so good.

“Everyday is my best day at work as I am fuelled by passion in companionship for others.“

In what skills area do you feel most qualified to be a companion?

“ I am patient, caring, and attentive to the needs of others. I am a good listener.  I feel comfortable in spending time with someone and making sure all their needs are met.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?

“What makes me excited about being a companion for elderly is the stories the tell, and the lessons you learn from things they have experienced in life. I also enjoy spending time with elders due to the fact that you feel needed, wanted and appreciated.’’

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we don’t know from your resume?

‘‘I do modeling for fun in my spare time. I love giving charity and lending a helping hand. One of favourite places to do charity is at the elderly house in Randfontein. I spend time with the elders and make them feel loved and special. On special occasions I will make them gifts and treat them. Every now and then I play bingo with them for a fun day.’’

Diann

Date Of Birth: 7 August 1960

City: Jukskei Park, Johannesburg

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: Writing & drawing

What makes you a good companion?

‘‘As a Companion, it would be personally fulfilling to care for and to brighten someone's day. I have empathy and patience. I have previous experience in the Medical Health Industry as a Receptionist to various Doctors’ Specialist practices.’’

Your best day at work you’ve ever had and what made it so good.

“A disabled bowls competition which gave insight to others capabilities, even with disabilities. Sheer determination and positive thinking of the competitors was so inspirational“

In what skills area do you feel most qualified to be a companion?

“ I am patient, caring, and attentive to the needs of others. I am a good listener.  I have an interest in acquiring knowledge with regards to the position to best utilize.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?

“ Bringing a happy, caring sense of belonging to the client. Personally, self-fulfilling to be able to assist and care for a client. Learning more and going forward gaining valuable knowledge in various aspects from a client that I would be caring for.’’

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we don’t know from your resume?

‘‘I enjoy writing prose and drawing.’’

Elsie K

Date Of Birth: 8 June 1967

City: Rietfontein rand, Pretoria

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: Spending time with her grandkids

What makes you a good companion?

“Naturally I am a caring person. Ever since I can remember I wanted to help, support, and make the life of others easier. Due to my counseling background, this has taught me to show empathy and understanding to those around me with love and support”

In what skills area do you feel most qualified to be a companion?

“I am reliable and compassionate”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?

“Being able to work with the elderly doesn't feel like work because it is so rewarding. I get to add real value to a person's life and make a difference.  Working with the elderly is a very rewarding career”

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we don’t know from your resume?

“I use to be a gymnastics judge in my younger days”

What personal values are most important to you?

“My personal belief is that I treat people around me as I would want them to treat me. I show passion and kindness to those around me’’

Caroline M

Date Of Birth: 26 February 2000

City: Waterkloof, Pretoria

Languages: English

Hobbies: Running & exercising

What makes you a good Companion?

‘‘I am loving and passionate and enjoy assisting people of all ages”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?

‘‘I find myself being a joyful and bubbly person that can shine my happiness to the elders around me. I am also excited to learn a bit more about lifelong experiences from the elderly while spending time with them’’

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we don’t know from your resume?

‘‘I am working towards becoming a professional Sprinter and going to the 2024 Olympic games. My accomplishment is that I’ve obtained a South African Title for the 200m sprint’’

Fun fact?

‘‘I run the 200m sprint regularly’’

What personal values are most important to you?

“My personal values are Financial Security; Loyalty; Honesty and Compassion”

Hélène

Date Of Birth: 19 June 1947

City: Plumstead, Cape Town

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: Gardening, Baking & Cooking

What makes you a good companion?
”By nature, I am a caring person and have been for my entire life. It brings out the best in me to provide assistance, empathy, and love to someone in need of care or simply having someone around.”

Your best day at work you've ever had and what made it so good?
”I suppose it is difficult to describe a day's work where there is satisfaction, achievement, and happiness all around. You just need to see the positives always.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?
”Since I am one myself, I understand what it is like to have help, understanding, and a listening ear”

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we don’t know from your resume?
”My great sense of intuition, humility, and optimism as you will always find me with a smile.”

What personal values are most important to you?

“Love and Compassion”

Yumna

Date Of Birth: 30 January 1975

City: Salt River, Cape Town

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: Baking & Cooking

What makes you a good companion?

“My ability to calm people has been noted. I'm well-presented, punctual, and reliable. I enjoy working with people, caring, and making a positive difference in their lives”

In what skills area do you feel most qualified to be a companion?

“I am most qualified would be frail. Physical strength would be the least important since I weigh quite a bit although there are techniques for this.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?

“Their wisdom and life experiences intrigue me.”

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we don’t know from your resume?

“I am also a Community Art facilitator, but I have yet to implement this healing creativity with the Elderly.”

What personal values are most important to you?

“Compassion, Kindness and Wellbeing.”

Leonie

Date of Birth: 2 March 1970

City: Castleview, Johannesburg

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: Singing and Playing the Piano

REVIEWS RECEIVED FROM CLIENTS

What makes you a good companion?
”Being compassionate, unselfish, and giving makes me a worthy companion. I am a caring person who can easily connect with anyone. With practical decision-making skills, I'm well-presented, punctual, and reliable”

Share with me a time when you displayed [one of our company’s values].Capable, honest, attentive, Mindful & Pioneering?
”In my daily life, I always strive to embody these values.”

In what skills area do you feel most qualified as a companion?
”Interpersonal skills
Communication skills
Decision making Driving Catering/cooking
Supporting- emotional & physical”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?
”Growing up I loved old people. As the grandchild who spent the most time with the grandparents, I still enjoy their stories and wisdom.”

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we don’t know from your resume?
”I am quite creative with crafting skills, mosaic, decoupage”

Fun Fact?
” I love singing and playing the piano”

Sallie

Date Of Birth: 1 November 1952

City: Van Der Merwe Street, Gauteng

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: Reading and Spending time with Friendss

What makes you a good companion?
”Since I enjoy engaging with people in a fun-loving way and uplifting others, I know I’d make an exceptional companion.”

Share with me a time when you displayed [one of our company’s values].Capable, honest, attentive, Mindful & Pioneering?
”My brother-in-law suffers from dementia. Whenever I visit him, I make sure to call his son in Hong Kong so that they can talk. Furthermore, I develop and laminate photos of his grandchildren for him and talk to him about them so he can be stimulated regarding memory loss etc. This demonstrates mindfulness and a caring attitude which I have naturally..”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?
”Often seniors want to talk about happy memories, but they also like to talk about sad times too. I have a lot of empathy for seniors and enjoy interacting with them.”

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we don’t know from your resume?
”My mom was a matron at a hospital and I almost took up nursing as a career. Fortunately, I was able to work in my school and university holidays as a nurse aid. I do this for six years and loved it. During that time I spent most of my time with the elderly patients.”
Fun Fact?
’’I have a master’s degree in music. I have a huge sense of humor and love embracing it with others.’’

What personal values are most important to you?

“Personal qualities that are close to heart are RESPECT and HUMILITY.”

Natalie

Date Of Birth: 02 September 1976

City: Alberton, Johannesburg

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: Cooking

Get to know me: Natalie

What makes you a good caregiver/companion?

“I’m mindful and sensible with dealing with the elderly.

Been a carer to my 80-year-old mum for the past decade, and it has really given me a different insight”

Share a time when you displayed [one of our company’s values]. Capable, Honest, Attentive, Mindful & Pioneering?

“My main attribution is my capability of being flexible and adaptable to people’s needs and this was shown during the onset of the pandemic”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?

“Having the privilege to get to know them, listen to their life stories, and genuinely make a difference in their life.

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we don’t know from your resume?

Am generally a “hermit” or homebody. But also I’m an avid nature and animal lover – so both an indoor and outdoor type person. Suited to all types of homelife.”

What personal values are most important to you?

“Integrity and honesty”

Monique

I was born in 1977 and currently live in Somerset West, South Africa.

I am a person who is service-minded, can communicate extremely well on all levels. I see myself as someone who is friendly, compassionate, and empathetic, I engage in meaningful work, and aiding the frail and elderly is what makes me happiest.

After 5 years of caring for a family member who suffered a stroke and has Dementia, I was inspired to complete an accredited Home-Based Care course together with First Aid Level 1 and Dementia Care certificate courses. I further plan to train in First Aid Level 2 and 3 courses as well as Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training and Palliative Care.

I have previously studied Food Science and Nutrition and my employment history includes work in the Food Industry, Education, and Au Pairing in South Africa (SA), the USA, the UK, and China.

Throughout my career I have always placed a high value on customer care. I now look forward to furthering my career and future studies in patient care.

Magrietha

I currently stay in Johannesburg and was born in 1984.

I decided to become a companion because I love assisting the elderly and with so much free time, it’s nice knowing i’m using it for a good cause.

I have also worked as a family caregiver, so doing this is something I am not new to, and I enjoy very much.

In my free time I love gardening, reading and watching soapies on TV.

Bianca

GET TO KNOW ME BETTER: Bianca

What makes you a good companion?
I decided to become a companion because I admire and respect the elderly so much. I always appreciate the time I spend with my grandparents and I know they appreciate me spending time with them and how valuable quality time is.

In what skills area do you feel most qualified to be a companion?
My passion is caring for the elderly and those who need care for their children, as I am a certified Au Pair.

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?
To know that I can give that feeling of warmth and that someone cares and wants to listen to you, to an elderly person is so rewarding to me. Their stories and insight into life are fascinating.

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we don’t know from your resume?
I hold a certificate in first aid and am a qualified Au Pair. Furthermore, I have completed an Hr Accredited TEFL/TESOL Certificate Course with TOTB for teaching English overseas

Fun Fact?
I am a beginner in professional photography and enjoy Outdoor Adrenaline Activities.

What personal values are most important to you?
Kindness and Integrity.

Darilyn

Date Of Birth: 28 April 1964

City: Claremont, Cape Town

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: Hiking, cooking, dancing, games, arts and crafts & spending time with people.

I have been a caterer, administrator and worked as a caregiver in the U.K. for 2,5 years. I am currently a massage therapist.

I love helping people who can't help themselves and enjoy listening to older folks life stories. Friends have said I am a disarming person. I really get on well with people from all walks of life.

Desiree

I currently live in Cape Town and was born in 1961.

I have worked as a general administrator for a number of years in different sectors including the medical sector. I have worked as senior clerk as well as personal assistant at CPOA.

I decided to become a companion as I like helping others and hope to bring some companionship to the elderly.

In my free time I enjoy reading and exercising.

Zelia

I ran my own beauty business for over 20yrs and it physically got too much for me and needed a change. I enjoy interacting with people, I'm a giver and nurturer. I didn't like the thought of being idle and attempted volunteering at old age homes and nursing homes.

I came across a company abroad that offered training for caregiving and decided to go that route. That was 3 years ago. They are UK based and I spend up to 6 months abroad then came back home.

I enjoy looking after the elderly and being a companion taking care of their needs. I love reading and watching good documentaries and quiz programs on TV. I have 3 sons and 2 granddaughters.

Alison

I am a friendly, compassionate person. I like people and am sociable.

In 2012 I completed a course in caring at the New World Foundation facilitated by the Red Society, and have been working for the past 9 years in the caring industry. It is my passion to work with the elderly as well as work in my community.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my grandson and spend time with my family.

Valerie

I am a friendly, compassionate person. I like people and am sociable.

I worked in the tourism business, then had my own food business at UCT for 20 years. I worked in the UK as a carer in 2020 and loved the work.

I would enjoy being a companion as I love spending time with old people and listening to their life stories.

In my spare time I enjoy hiking, swimming in the sea, tennis, yoga, reading.

Debra

I am a counselor focusing on grief and loss primarily, in private practice. For the last 8 years, I have worked in disability care and was the Director of Care for Iris House Children’s Hospice providing respite care for children with cerebral palsy, syndromes, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

I studied at The South African College of Applied Psychology and graduated in 2010 with a Diploma in Counselling and Communication. I have combined counseling and care work since then.

I am a mother to five children, four grown and a ten-year-old. I am an avid reader and collector of non-fiction books, love art, poetry, continual learning, history, photography, clouds, nature, good conversation, and meeting people from all walks of life.