‘Dovida is my saviour in lots of ways’ – Robin’s story of support, companionship, and connection  

When Robin Gordon was discharged from hospital in 2018, Dovida Caregivers were there to help him settle back into the Dublin apartment block he has lived in since the early 1980s.  

Ahead of his 89^th birthday, we sat down with Robin in his home, surrounded by his books, writing desk, and walls adorned with photographs of a life well lived, to listen to his story and hear how Dovida supports him to live life his way.  

“Dovida is my saviour really in lots of ways,” says Robin.  

Dovida Caregivers visit Robin four times a day to help with a variety of tasks, medication reminders, shopping, going for walks, light household chores, and, on occasion, accompanying him to medical appointments.  

“I don’t do much walking on my own these days; my walking is a bit slower now. It’s best to avoid falls, and for that reason, I depend very much on Dovida Caregivers.”  

Invaluable support and companionship 

Robin says he finds the service Dovida Caregivers provide “invaluable”, but for him it’s also a way to stay connected to the wider world.  

“I make a point of receiving and getting on well with anyone who comes here,” says Robin. “Some of my Caregivers come from interesting places, most of which I’ve never been to. So, it’s like travelling, armchair travelling – for me.”  

Robin enjoys getting to know each of his Caregivers, discussing their cultures and experiences of living in Ireland.  

“I’m very interested in hearing about their home country, and what they think about Ireland. There’s always plenty to talk about, and that keeps the wheels turning,” he says.  

“I find them all interesting, and there’s always plenty of conversation and exchange of opinions and views.” 

The importance of home 

“I’ve lived in this block for more than 40 years, and it’s very important to me to be able to stay here,” says Robin. “Having home support enables me to have my own corner with my own things and to live fairly independently. I have cousins who come and visit from time to time, and I’m fortunate in that I have quite a few friends who will ring or call. It all works extremely well.” 

“It’s a great joy to be able to look out my own window, especially in the summer. If the weather is good and you open the windows, you can get the sunlight and the fresh air.” 

Further to supporting Robin to stay at home, Dovida Caregivers even helped him to create a new home when he moved into a different apartment in his block.  

“I moved apartments last year, and when the removal people were gone, the Caregivers came and put things where they belong and sorted it all out,” says Robin. “They came and put books into shelves and photographs up on the wall, all of that sort of thing. They did a wonderful job.”

Office support 

Further to the support of his Caregivers, Robin also greatly appreciates the “backup” he gets from his local office in Ballsbridge.  

“I remember one Easter party at their offices to which I was invited, and it was nice to see the people behind the scenes,” says Robin. “The people who organise the schedules and that sort of thing.” 

“I get a schedule in the post every week as to who’s coming on what day and at what time. They’re very obliging if I need to change the timing of a visit to facilitate whatever I need to do. Even at weekends you can ring up, and you’ll always find a friendly voice. If you have some sort of problem, you can convey that, and they’ll do their best to help.” 

“It’s a very worthwhile operation, and I’m glad to be able to avail of it and remain as independent as possible. It all works very smoothly. I survive, thanks to them, very well, I think.”