Melanie

Date of Birth: 29 March 1969

City: Sonneglans, Johannesburg

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: Painting

What makes you a good companion?

“ My motto in life has always been, "Kindness is being someone who makes everyone feel like somebody". I don’t care where you come from or what your story is but I will always treat you with kindness, respect, and love. Its taken me many years to get to this point where I feel I have found my calling in life, I want to continue helping people, and I know I have what it takes.

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

“I know I can make a difference in their lives. I have learned so much from the incredible Hospice staff that came to check up on my mom when she was ill. I want to put what I learned to good use. I want to grow as a person. I want to make a difference.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?

“I feel in my heart that my calling in life is to assist the elderly. I have always had so much patience and love for them, I assist my hubby with his elderly patience and go and collect them from the retirement homes, I assist them with their hearing aids, etc. I have a close bond with all our patience.”

Your best day at work you've ever had and what made it so good?

“I have had many good days, just being able to bring a smile to someone's face by showing them kindness brings me so much joy. “

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

“I am involved with a charity for children, I bake for the children and assist where I can. To see those little faces light up, and knowing I made a small difference in their day makes me happy..”

Tanya

Date of Birth: September 28, 1987

City: Milnerton, Western Cape

Languages: English

Hobbies: Spending time with family & friends and entertaining/hosting

What makes you a good companion?
”I have many years of experience looking after all ages, from newborns through to teenagers and now adults. Before the pandemic I owned a Daycare in Table View, so I am extremely passionate about caring, attentiveness and safe keeping. I currently assist a special needs adult daily and I am thoroughly enjoying it.”

Share with me a time when you displayed [one of our company’s values].Capable, honest, attentive, Mindful & Pioneering?
”I believe I display your company's values most days in my current job as a companion to a special needs adult. She relies on me for safety, making her appointments, transportation and someone she can talk to. This requires a capable, patient, humble, loyal and honest person which I believe I achieve as well as enjoy.”

In what skills area do you feel most qualified as a companion?
”My skills vary from being compassionate and being a good listener. I'm a people pleaser, so I always make it my mission to provide quality care. I enjoy organisation, admin and running errands.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?
”I believe that seniors need company and enjoyment more than any age, as well as to feel wanted and important and I enjoy being able to provide that to. Also not to be made to feel 'different' because of any disabilities or inabilities.”

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we don’t know from your resume?
”I care for my parents a few times a week as well as my siblings has moved over seas. As they have become dependent on my usual visits, it brings me joy and satisfaction being able to care for and provide them with assistance.”

Michelle G

I currently stay in Cape Town and was born in 1963.

I am a compassionate and dedicated care-giver, with experience providing domestic care to the elderly and frail, as well as 11 years childcare experience.

I have also co-owned a business that specialized in the restoration and sales of antique furniture.

In my free time I enjoy doing charity work, cooking and baking, reading, yoga, outdoor activities, theaters and movies, board games, church activities.

Rene

Date of Birth: October 26, 1961

City: Parow, Western Cape

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: Gardening, cooking, baking, sewing, knitting and taking long walks

REVIEWS RECEIVED BY CLIENTS

What makes you a good companion?
”I am a people's person. I believe it's a blessing and a privilege to work with the elderly folk. I have empathy and understanding for the elderly who have lost their independence, this is a process which we cannot control.”

Share with me a time when you displayed [one of our company’s values].Capable, honest, attentive, Mindful & Pioneering?
”In all my years providing care to various people, I have showcased most, if not all of the values. I am honest and attentive at all times as I admire transparency. It is especially important when caring for others.”

In what skills area do you feel most qualified as a companion?
”I have lots of patience and I am a good listener. I am also physically fit and love taking long walks.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?
”I am excited to give back to my elderly community and also enriched by the stories they have to tell.”

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we don’t know from your resume?
”I am a very affectionate person whom enjoys long walks on the beach listening to the waves.”

Sr Martha M

I am a Staff Nurse and companion. I graduated as a Staff Nurse at Nico Malan Nursing College in 1961 and started nursing at Somerset Hospital. I’ve been working as a Staff Nurse for 44 years and have experience in many fields within the nursing industry.

I have worked for various hospitals specialising in many things such as Dialysis, Wound Care, Palliative Care and Chemotherapy and Oncology Care. I am experienced in surgical, medical and oncology nursing, as I’ve worked in those wards at Netcare, Mediclinic, Life Healthcare, various agencies and old age homes. I managed the Dialysis Unit for 10 years at Vincent Palloti Hospital. Furthermore, I trained nursing carers at Fisantekraal Development Centre for years.

I am currently a receptionist, every second weekend, for a guesthouse that my family and I are managing. However, I am still doing nursing on a casual basis.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, exploring outdoors, hiking, knitting, and traveling.

Colleen

Date of Birth: March 11, 1970

City: Ottery, Western Cape

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: Zumba and other exercises, dancing, road trips and long walks

REVIEWS RECEIVED FROM CLIENTS

What makes you a good companion?
”I have a passion for elderly, I love being a companion to them. I believe that patience is very important when working with the elderly, and that is one of my strengths. I’m also a good listener, which is exactly what the elderly needs.”

Share with me a time when you displayed [one of our company’s values].Capable, honest, attentive, Mindful & Pioneering?
”I was on bar duty and a staff member left her purse behind. I made contact with her to bring it to her attention, however she was not capable of driving to collect. I went after my shift to drop it off at her place. This scenario highlights all of this company’s values, and will be utilised whenever I am at shift as a companion.”

In what skills area do you feel most qualified as a companion?
”I feel fully confident in being a companion as I possess key features needed to be a companion. I am a patient, kind and caring person who always has love to give.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?
”I am excited to give of myself and my time to uplift their spirits, it brings me self satisfaction and peace of mind knowing that I was able to assist them.”

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we don’t know from your resume?
”I am a certified first aider and also did training in Occupational Health and Safety.”

Juliana

Date of Birth: September 28, 1961

City: Cape Town, Western Cape

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: Trail & road running, embroidery, cross stitching and birding

What makes you a good companion?
”I am an empathetic, caring, loving, friendly and respectful person. I am compassionate, highly motivated and a good listener and I make nice food! I love animals and I have knowledge of first aid, health and safety which definitely contributes towards being a good companion.”

Share with me a time when you displayed [one of our company’s values].Capable, honest, attentive, Mindful & Pioneering?
”I feel I live by all your company values every day by being responsible towards myself and others. I assist an elderly lady living next to me and by helping her I am fully capable of being a Companion and a carer. Being attentive for me is being careful, helpful, trustworthy, friendly, observant and possessing great apathy. As a mindful person, I am assertive and alert. I strongly believe in sharing my love for the elderly people as they are lonely and need to feel loved, appreciated and valued.”

In what skills area do you feel most qualified as a companion?
”Taking clients on outings, walks, reading to them, exercising with them, taking them to appointments. I also enjoy taking them shopping, providing massages and having fun with beautifying.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?
”Seniors are the most appreciable people and always accepting of who and what you are. They are very thankful, as well as funny and interesting! I know that I can learn so much about life from them.”

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we don’t know from your resume?
”I cared for my mother who had suffered from Dementia, so I am well experienced in Dementia care. This is where my passion for caring for elderly stems from and where I realised the importance of companionship for our elderly.”

Ameer

Date of Birth: August 30, 1998

City: Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: Hiking, going to the beach, running, reading and playing trivia mind games

What makes you a good companion?
”I consider myself to be of service to those in need whether it be friends, colleagues or family. I am an enthusiastic young male with an understanding of both EQ and IQ, and use this as my basis to understanding others. I have also completed my thesis on caregiver coaching strategies and feel that this background of research will enhance my experience with the clients.”

Share with me a time when you displayed [one of our company’s values].Capable, honest, attentive, Mindful & Pioneering?
”In one instance when I was working at a hospital, I had to assist two clients. It was a bit of a hassle as both clients were on the opposite ends of the hospitals, however, I understood that both required much needed assistance and I used my own initiative to ask assistance from a nurse. Both of my clients were seen to and I even ended up assisting the nurse that helped me with her client. This shows that I am capable and mindful as at the end of the day, all clients were assisted and not left behind.”

In what skills area do you feel most qualified as a companion?
”Being in the occupational therapy industry has definitely increased my skill set. Over the years I have had exposure to many medical conditions that equipped me to provide quality care and companionship.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?
”Besides my passion for assisting and being a helping hand to people, I will be able to gain more experience and skills in a setting that offers a diverse background of clients.”

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we don’t know from your resume?
”I am currently completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy.”

Martina

Date of Birth: December 24, 1965

City: Northcliff, Johannesburg

Languages: English, Afrikaans & German

Hobbies: Walking, music, TV and inner engineering (self analysis)

What makes you a good companion?
”I would describe myself as a people person, caring for others is my passion, thus making me a great companion.”

Share with me a time when you displayed [one of our company’s values].Capable, honest, attentive, Mindful & Pioneering?
”In one instance when I had a client who was in a wheelchair, other staff members would get fed up when the client needed the bathroom. I took the initiative and assisted the client with going to the bathroom and aiding her. I did this to restore her dignity, which I believe speaks to this company’s values.”

In what skills area do you feel most qualified as a companion?
”My best skills are compassion and love. I will make the elderly feel loved and appreciated. I laugh a lot and that lightens the mood. I am a good listener and also a good talker, I will entertain the elderly with my stories and life.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?
”I love the life experience of the elderly, and when they share their life stories with me, they can advise me on mine.”

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we don’t know from your resume?
”I am not only caring and patient, I also have a degree in Psychology.”

Aletta

Date of Birth: 12 August 1967

City: Port Elizabeth

Languages: English, Afrikaans

Hobbies: I love the outdoors, gardening, and walks in nature.

Personality type: Entertainer: outgoing, spontaneous, and bubbly

What makes you a good companion?

“I have empathy, and I am reliable. My patients are my priority. I do my work right, the first time, on time, every time.”

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

“ I believe that communication is key and just being a listening ear or dedicating your time to someone can work wonders.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?

“Working with seniors is amazing! A world of experience and knowledge to discover in each and every elderly person.

Your best day at work you've ever had and what made it so good?

“To be included in my patient’s 100th birthday celebration with her family and friends. It was a humbling experience and made me realize how precious life is. “

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

“I am a qualified security officer and dog handler.”

Desire

Date of Birth: 14 December 1968

City: Pretoria

Languages: English, Afrikaans & Dutch

Hobbies: I enjoy the outdoors

What makes you a good companion?

“ I believe that everybody needs to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect, especially the elderly. It is fulfilling to make their lives easier and make them feel special and happy.”

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

“ I am the youngest child and watching my parents grow old was difficult for me, but assisting them in their old age taught me patience and empathy.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?

“Seniors are so precious, they have learned so much in life and I love having conversations with them.”

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

“ I enjoy working with children and have Aur Pair experience.”

Sarah C

Date of Birth: 24 September 1962

City: Northriding, Johannesburg

Languages: English

Hobbies: Watching classical movies

REVIEWS RECEIVED FROM CLIENTS

What makes you a good companion?

“ I am very patient and love to listen and assist the elderly. Often they find no one to talk to or have lost their partners. I recently lost my mother which has made me more appreciative of giving back.

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

“I am patient, a good listener and can assist with cooking and cleaning. I enjoy sharing knowledge and helping with technology .”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?

“I enjoy their company as they have such rich and interesting lives which I enjoy hearing about.”

Your best day at work you've ever had and what made it so good?

“Going to Swaziland with the Reach for a Dream kids to meet their sporting heroes. John Smit and AJ Venter got dressed up in traditional outfits which made heads turn. The kids laughed so much they forgot all their problems. It was a wonderful day and hearing those chuckles was worth everything. “

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

“ I love animals, gardening and travel.”

Jody E

Date of Birth: 27 December 1965

City: Athlone, Cape Town

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: Gardening

REVIEWS RECEIVED FROM CLIENTS

What makes you a good companion?

“I have a great understanding of the elderly and I take my lead from the client and then follow the tone for the day”

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

“I’m a good listener and I believe that patience is key, especially when working with the elderly. From experience I understand that they need to feel in control at all times.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?

“This is how I give back to society and it is self satisfying to know that I've made someone happy.”

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

“ I love nature and long leisurely walks on the beach.”

What personal values are most important to you?
”Kindness, respect, generosity, humbleness and patience, these values were very important in my home growing up.”

Nicolette

Date of Birth: 18 August 1967

City: Athlone, Cape Town

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: I love exploring

REVIEWS RECEIVED FROM CLIENTS

What makes you a good companion?

“I have a heartfelt passion to care for others as well as children. I was a family caregiver for a few years as I had to look after my aunt and my dad who both had dementia, but just being there for them in their time of need to encourage them and do special things that make them happy was very fulfilling.”

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

“I am a good listener and enjoy interacting with people, I give great massages which came in handy with pressure care when I was taking care of my loved one. I also love caring for babies and children, watching them reach various milestones, and being a part of their little bright journey called life.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?

“It’s time now for me to give back to those who once cared for us and it also excites me to bring smiles to their faces, just being able to assist them is a privilege.”

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

“ I did a firefighting course.”

What personal values are most important to you?
”Respect, kindness, and with that comes humbleness, growing up, these values were very important in my home.”

Francisca

Date of Birth: 05 January 1976

City: Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: Baking

What makes you a good companion?

“Being a people person, I love meeting new friends, listening, and communicating whether you are young or old.”

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

“Oh, I had plenty, a good day for me was when issues arose and I could sort it out quickly without any complications, most days are good.”

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

“I'm an energetic and honest person, helping those in need, listening and caring for them is really fulfilling”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?

“I believe I was born to serve and I would be honored to make life a little easier for someone else”

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

“When i do get the time, I love cooking and taking some time to be creative.”

Emmerenche

Date of Birth: 12 February 1969

City: Pretoria, Johannesburg

Languages: Afrikaans & English

Hobbies: Yoga, walking and gardening

REVIEWS RECEIVED BY CLIENTS

What makes you a good companion?

“I have a heartfelt passion to care for others and consider it as part of who I am. Growing up on a farm, I had the privilege to witness and assist my mother as a Community Nurse to visit, comfort and care for ill patients. I consider it as part of my DNA to help, care for, and inspire people to make the most out of their time left.”

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

“Elderly, ill and disabled people are my preferred area of work. I am well experienced with brain and sensory stimulation among elders, and love doing simple pedicures and manicures combined with massages using essential oils.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?

“It excites me to uplift them with my positive energy, and to bring smiles to their faces. I also encourage some freewill exercises like chair yoga and walking (with or without a frame) or take them for a stroll in a wheelchair to smell the roses and breathe in some fresh air. It really is a privilege for me to give back to those who once cared for us!”

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

“ I love nature, animals and travel.”

Nomathemba

Date of Birth: 09 January 1959

City: Sandton, Johannesburg

Languages: English & Zulu

Hobbies: Going on adventures

What makes you a good companion?

“I have brought up my own children and some of my grandchildren successfully. I looked after my mother after she had a stroke and also helped look after my mother's grandmother during school holidays when I was a teenager., therefore caring for others comes naturally”

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

“I enjoyed the days when I would sit and chat with my mother when she was not well, just the interaction made me feel good as I could see that she was enjoying it.”

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

“Definitely my listening skills and my understanding of what motivates people in all situations, I'm told I speak well and make people happy.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?

“I believe that I will have meaningful conversation with seniors, my maturity will give me the added ability and patience when working with and clients.”

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

“Whilst at college, I worked in an old people's home in the UK for about 3 months during my the summer vacation. I bathed, fed, conversed with them and performed all the things like bed making in the home. therefore it was a dream of mine to assist the elderly”

Stella

Date of Birth: 20th February 1957

City: Westville, Durban

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: Going on adventures

REVIEWS RECIEVED FROM CLIENTS

What makes you a good companion?

“ I am a people’s person. I believe it is a blessing and privilege to be able to assist those who can no longer help themselves, I follow instructions, I am responsible, faithful honest and an optimistic outlook.”

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

“I believe that everyday is a good day making the clients I assist happy and placing a smile on their faces, showing them the love and care they deserve.”

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

“Definitely my listening skills and my understanding of what motivates people in all situations, I'm told I speak well and make people happy.”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?

“I get excited to show them life is good and fair and that someone really does care about their needs and well being.”

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

“People enjoy my company and never wants me to leave, I worked for BIDVEST group in hygiene so cleanliness is a priority for me”

Sandy

Date of Birth: 17th September 1955

City: Ballito, Durban

Languages: English & Afrikaans

Hobbies: Golf

What makes you a good companion?

“ I love keeping conversation and have good general knowledge. I am kind and patient, and would not mind going on excursions.”

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

“I work at a Jeweler store and each time I sell an engagement ring to young and in love couples is the best feeling in the world, it is exciting and gives us all hope for the future

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

“I am a generalist, not scared of hard work and a good problem solver. I deal with the public everyday and am exposed to many different situations that have to be handled tactfully”

What makes you most excited about working with seniors?

“I guess it’s that one day I will be frail and hopefully someone will care for me. They deserve to be treated well and enjoy there retirement years.”

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

“I play golf and I am a coffee mug collector - I collect too many”