"I'm always interested in the stories they share with me because I love them so much."
We're able to carry out our work supporting the Elderly because of the special individuals who make up our Care team. Get to know them in our weekly Tea & a Chat posts and find out more about why they are so passionate about caring for the Elderly.
What makes you so passionate about caring for the Elderly?
I have dedicated my life to care for the Elderly because I see myself being in their shoes one day and it can be a scary thought. I believe in the power of love and spending quality time with my clients, putting a smile on their faces and just listening to the stories of their lives is so special to me and makes all the difference to them.
How has caregiving changed your life?
Caregiving changed how I look at life. Life is precious and we need to cherish the little things we have instead of wanting other things that are out of our reach. We must just believe everything is achievable; hope is important.
What’s your favourite care memory?
I have three wonderful clients who are each special in their own way.
Mary has such a great sense of humour! She loves the men and her face lights up when she hears a man's voice. She says that if her mother heard her talking like that she would be in big trouble. She must have been a charmer in her early life. We giggle a lot and share stories about our past. She is lucky enough to live with her family, surrounded by her grandkids and even though they are all grown up she still tries to mother them!
Winifred has a lot of stories to tell! Mostly she lives in a time when her children were young and living at home. She talks about taking her young daughters to the park; pushing them on the swings and watching them play. She loves outings to the beach and long walks by the water.
Annette and I go out shopping and see the sights around town. We go for drives to Hout Bay to have fish and chips; visit the village shops and sometimes we get an ice cream. Annette lives on her own and manages quite well but there will come a time when she will need additional care. She waters her garden with water she collects from her shower; she still cooks for herself and goes to church on Sundays. She also sees her daughter and grandchildren every second Sunday when they come for a visit.
Tell us about some of the little things you do to make your client smile or make their day better.
I always try to show them the light hearted side of any bad situation and always make them feel extra special. I'm always interested in the stories they share with me because I love them so much.
What are some of the ways you look after yourself to be able to give the best to your clients?
I always make sure I dress appropriately because my mother used to say “one never knows who you are going to meet, and the day you look drab is the day you meet the client’s daughter.” So I always make sure that I have a nice perfume on, clean clothes and my hair is done nicely.
Name your favourite food?
My favourite food is Thai chicken curry with coconut milk, served with mash. My clients’ favourite food is lamb tomato stew served with potatoes, carrots and tomato breedie - it’s divine.
What’s the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon?
On Sundays I either go to horse shows to watch friends ride and I lunge a black Shetland pony - he needs exercise! Otherwise I relax and watch movies. Twice a month I go away to my friend’s farm to get away a bit, other times I spend time with my boyfriend.
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