✨ What is the Elder Care service?

When you join the Elder Care team, you're offering more than just help around the house — you're offering companionship, dignity, and independence to people who need it most.

Many of your clients may be elderly, recovering from surgery, or their usual carer is on leave. Your presence brings comfort, connection, and a sense of normalcy.

Your support can:

✔️ Ease the burden on families
✔️ Reduce feelings of loneliness
✔️ Improve quality of life for seniors and those in recovery
✔️ Give people the ability to stay in their homes, with dignity

🙋‍♀️ How can I join the SweepSouth Elder Care team?

If you're a SweepSouth worker, you can apply to join the Elder Care team.

You must have:

• A 4.7 star rating and 80% reliability or more
  An Elder Care Certificate OR 200+ Hours of Practical Experience

Important: Currently we only accept certificates from Chilton, Alison, or Red Cross South Africa. If you do not have a certificate from one of these institutions, you can still apply if you have completed 200 hours of practical training at an elder care facility.

✅What’s included in the service?

Depending on the customer’s needs, you may be asked to do the tasks below. Read this section carefully to understand what’s expected of you and how to deliver exceptional service.

👫 Companionship
Engage in conversation — listen more than you speak. Ask about their interests, hobbies, or past experiences. Play a game, go for a short walk (if possible), or simply sit and chat.

🍽️ Meal prep / cooking
Ask about allergies or dietary restrictions. If they’ve selected meal prep as a task, ask where to find ingredients and what their preferred eating times are. Follow hygiene practices: wash hands, clean surfaces, and tidy up after cooking.

💊 Medicine reminders
Ask where their medication is kept and when they need to take it. Check if food is required beforehand. Gently remind them (never administer unless qualified): “It’s [time] – is it time for your [medication name]?” If medication is running low, remind them to renew their script and leave a note (e.g. on the fridge).

🧹 Light housekeeping
Ask what help they need. You might be asked to change bed linen, assist with laundry, or wipe down surfaces. Always clarify what should be done with dirty linen or clothes.

🦿 Light mobility assistance
Ask how they prefer to be helped with movement (e.g., from bed to chair). Provide steady support while encouraging independence. Never lift or carry the person. Always ask before physically assisting.

⏰ Before the visit

• Review booking details: Know the customer’s name, location, and any special notes.
• Understand what’s expected: Know which tasks are required (e.g., meal prep, mobility assistance).
• Prepare yourself: Wear clean, neat, and comfortable clothes. Bring a notebook or device for notes. Make sure your phone is charged in case of emergency.
  
  

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 At the visit

• Be calm, patient, and observant.
• Take a moment to understand how the customer is feeling.
• Ask: “Is there anything specific you’d like help with today?” — even if notes are provided.
  
  

👋 Ending the visit

• Ask if there’s anything else they need before you go.
• Confirm if you’ll be returning and when.
• Leave things tidy and ensure the customer is comfortable and safe.
• Log notes (if required): Report any concerns or unusual behaviour to the SweepSouth team.
  
  

✨ Tips for success

• Always show respect and kindness: Customers may be older, slower, or more vulnerable.
• Be punctual: It builds trust.
• Communicate: Let the team know if anything feels off or unclear.
• Protect privacy: Never share customer details with anyone.