‘I love the chat’ – Angela’s story of company, support, and home 

Angela lives in Roscommon with her dog, Rex. For her, home is more than just a place to live. It’s where a lifetime of memories was made, where she feels most comfortable, and where she wants to stay for as long as she can. 

At 90 years of age, Angela has support from Dovida Caregivers, who help her to continue living independently in the home she treasures. 

“I have home help coming in every day, twice a day, and it’s a great thing to have,” says Angela. 

“When I was younger, when you’re old, that was it, you know. There was no such thing as carers. So, it’s great to have them. I look forward to seeing them. I love the chat. I might talk more than them, but they put up with me,” she laughs.  

“And it’s healthy too; it’s great to have the company.” 

Where she belongs 

For Angela, living at home “means everything” and she feels very lucky to have the support of Dovida Caregivers, but in times gone by that wouldn’t have been the case.  

“When I look back, older people often ended up having to leave their homes. But it’s mighty that we do have home help now, and it’s great to get it.” 

Angela particularly values the kindness and patience shown by her Caregivers. 

“They can be very patient, and they take you as you are. Some days you might be in bad form, but they’re nice. They can deal with it. Sometimes just getting a cup of tea handed to you can make all the difference. It’s mighty altogether.” 

Support that makes a difference 

Although Angela still enjoys doing as much as she can herself, she says regular visits from her Caregivers make a huge difference to her daily life. 

“I still cook my own little bits because I always liked to cook, but I’m less able to get out and about since I fell a few years ago,” she says. 

“The thing I miss most of all is doing my own shopping,” she explains.  

“Now every other day, someone has to bring me something, but I always have my list written out for them, so I’ll have enough for the week.” 

A home full of memories 

Angela’s home is filled with memories stretching back decades, beginning when she and her husband returned to Ireland after spending 10 years living in England. 

“We came home and thought we’d build a house straight away,” she recalls with a smile. 

Instead, the couple lived in a mobile home for nine years while they built their house. 

“I thought I’d never get out of it,” she laughs. 

Looking back now, Angela remembers those years fondly and the journey that eventually led her to the home she still lives in today. 

“It was a happy home, it’s my home, and I wouldn’t like to live anywhere else.”