News
10 September 2026
Dovida Caregiver Vanessa works to keep older people connected to their community
Originally from Brazil, Dovida Fairview Caregiver Vanessa Souto has built a family-like community in Dublin. We caught up with her to chat about her role and how she helps people to stay independent and connected.
Hi Vanessa, what do you feel is the most important part of your role?
Our work is really important because we can help people to stay at home and help them do things they are not able to do, or they don’t feel confident doing alone anymore. So we can cook, we can help them have a shower, dress and go out shopping.
What really makes a difference every day is helping them to go out because they want to feel part of the community. If they are just at home, they don’t feel that connection to the community anymore. When we go out, I can see they are happy to talk to people, to see things, to see people, to do things with us. So I think this isn’t is the most important part for me.
What do you like about your community?
It’s like a family here. I’m not from here, so I feel like I have a family here in the community. It’s not just a place to work; I feel at home. It’s my home now. And when I have gaps between clients, it’s good for me as well that I have many parks around where I can go to have a break and enjoy the day.
How do you feel at the end of a day’s work?
I feel really happy, and I feel useful, like it’s not just work. You come home feeling like you did something important; you made a difference in people’s lives.
What part of the job do you most enjoy?
One thing that’s really nice for me is that I learn things from my clients. I help them, but they help me as well. I learn things about life, about Ireland, and this is really good for me.
What would you tell someone interested in becoming a Caregiver?
Just apply. Apply for the job because it’s a really great job, and you feel useful and you help people. You have all the support you need from the company and from the other Caregivers. Don’t be afraid to try it because it’s a really good job.