Home care questions, answered

Non-medical home care: elderly care and companionship, live-in and overnight care, personal care, mobility support, medication reminders, after-hospital, stroke and dementia support, hospital sitting and appointment accompaniment. See all services.

No. I'm a trained caregiver — I completed a Nursing Assistant course at Avenue Hospital. In Kenya, nursing is a regulated profession for nurses licensed by the Nursing Council of Kenya, so I don't do clinical tasks like injections, drips or wound dressing. Read the full caregiver vs nurse guide.

It depends on the number of hours, day or overnight, how many days a week, the location and the level of help needed. After a short conversation I'll give you a clear rate in writing, with no hidden charges. Transport for appointment visits is agreed separately. Read the full cost guide.

Yes. Visits can be a few hours, a full day, evenings, overnight, or several days in a row — whatever fits your loved one's needs and your family's schedule.

I visit clients across Nairobi and Kiambu counties. See home care in Nairobi, home care in Kiambu or the areas page, and get in touch if your estate isn't listed — nearby areas can often be arranged.

After each visit you'll get a short WhatsApp update — how they are, meals, medicines taken and anything I noticed — plus a photo if your parent agrees. For appointments you get a same-day summary. More for families abroad.

Yes, and I encourage it. A family member or trusted friend can meet me in person, see my training certificate and ask any questions before we agree anything.

Yes. Before care begins we agree a one-page written arrangement covering duties, hours, rate, payment, cancellation, and who to contact in an emergency. Everyone knows what to expect.

We agree an emergency plan at the start: next of kin, their doctor, the nearest hospital and any allergies. In an emergency I call 999/112 or the agreed ambulance service, stay with your loved one, and inform the family immediately.

By M-Pesa or bank transfer, as agreed in writing. I don't handle a client's own cash or valuables without a receipt.

I can support people with mild memory changes with patience, routine and reminders. For advanced dementia with complex needs, I'll be honest about whether I'm the right fit, and may suggest working alongside a nurse or specialist service.

Yes. Details you share are used only to arrange and provide care, kept private, and handled in line with Kenya's Data Protection Act. See the privacy notice.

Yes. As well as Nairobi, I visit families in Kiambu County — including areas such as Ruaka, Kiambu Town, Ruiru, Kahawa Sukari, Juja, Thika, Kikuyu and Limuru, depending on schedule and travel time. See home care in Kiambu.

Day visits cover set hours — for example mornings or a full day — while live-in care means the caregiver stays in the home for days or weeks, including nights, with agreed rest breaks and days off. Read the full comparison.

Yes, I support people with memory loss and early-to-moderate dementia with calm routines, patience and safety supervision. For advanced dementia with complex needs, I'll be honest about whether additional nursing or specialist support is needed. More on dementia support.

Yes — as a hospital sitter I can keep your loved one company, help with meals and comfort, and update the family, following the ward's rules. Clinical care stays with the hospital team.

I provide non-clinical comfort care and companionship alongside a palliative care team. Pain management and other clinical care must be led by the doctors and nurses involved.

Ideally a few days before discharge, so we can go through the discharge plan, medicines and home set-up before your loved one arrives home.

We agree this in advance. Some clients need someone awake through the night; others just need someone nearby who wakes when called. The rate reflects which option you choose.

Yes — I encourage it. A relative or trusted friend can meet me, see my certificate and agree the routine in person before care begins.

No. Injections, including insulin, must be given by the client themselves, a trained family member or a registered nurse. I can remind them when it's due and record that it was done.

No. Live-in care includes being present day and night, but with agreed daily rest breaks, proper sleep and days off. Night-time help is fine when needed; if your loved one needs someone awake all night, we plan extra cover.

Answer calmly each time as if it's the first, or gently redirect to an activity. Arguing or reminding her that she already asked usually increases distress. A written note or calendar can also help.

No — physiotherapy must be planned by a physiotherapist. I help your loved one practise the exercises the physio prescribes every day, which makes a real difference to recovery.

No — wound care must be done by a registered nurse. I'll keep the area clean and dry during personal care, follow the nurse's instructions, and report any redness, bleeding or fever immediately.

Updates are sent after each visit in Kenyan time. If you'd like a regular video call with your parent at a time that suits you, we can schedule it.

Usually a private or safe sleeping space, meals, and access to washing facilities. We agree all of this in writing before care begins.