About Us
In 2003 Nuala Sikorski's heart went out to a widow, who, after the passing of her husband, moved around from one bed and breakfast to another in West Cork because she couldn't face living at home on her own. Nuala decided to set up the Cork Care and Companion Agency after establishing that there were a great number of individuals in the Cork area needing care and companionship in their own home.
The personalised home care agency, which has been in operation since 2004, has provided care and assistance to clients from as young as 18-months up to the grand old age of 99-years. A former nurse for the mentally ill, Nuala favours a holistic approach, providing spiritual and mental as well as physical care. Nuala's approach and her empathy for her clients means that many people who may have lost their confidence, perhaps through illness or some form of trauma, begin to rebuild their belief in themselves, gaining a renewed sense of independence and purpose in life.
The specialist agency services range from a two-hour call-out to live-in home care 24 hours, seven days a week. The agency aides, who are on hand to meet all needs, from companionship and help with household chores to day-to-day activities like bathing and dressing, are available to live in and in most cases become an extended family member.
Great care is taken when selecting the right carer for each post. As well as taking in the practical needs of the client, attention is also given to the personality of both parties. A kind soul, Nuala believes that it's important to connect with people from the heart. "I have met with some of the most wonderful people, both carers and clients, that this world has produced," she says.
Nuala originally trained as a nurse for the mentally ill. She also holds a Diploma in Personal Development and served as a facilitator for the study of Metaphysics for almost ten years. She is an associate member of the British Association for Counseling. Nuala would love to help more parents through the agency. "We do sleep-overs and get great satisfaction caring for children and giving parents a break," she says. The Cork Care and Companion Agency works alongside other care providers and is always willing to give respite backup for existing carers.