If you ever wondered who is the special person that is responsible for looking after our residents’ health care at The Somerset, here she is – Sister Erika Janutsch.

I have worked in the “retirement industry” for the last 6 ½ years. I had the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom while my children were growing up, but in 2012 I had to return to work. At that point in time, it was not what I wanted! I loved being ‘wife’ and ‘mom’ – I was never bored at home. I was very involved in my children’s school and also led a bible study. I enjoyed reading, baking and had special friends……. But I had to find a job.

Working with older people has always been special to me and also doing ‘a little bit of everything’ – chronic illness management, palliative care, psychiatry and pharmacology.

I was offered a position in a company that specialized in providing home nursing care. Starting off in their field work division (home visiting), I was soon offered a position as sister-in-charge of a frail care facility in a retirement village– and my love of this field of work grew! I enjoyed the different roles in a retirement village – the care centre, home visiting, staff training, and management.

I believe that  good nursing is a combination of competence, knowledge and compassion and most importantly – knowing that “the people always come first”.  That is what I want to bring to the health care services here at The Somerset.

On a personal note…

I was born in England (a few years ago), but came to South Africa in the early 1980’s with my family. I studied at Wits university (twice) and married my husband after dating for 4 months (it worked – we have been together for 25 years!)

I have two children – my daughter has just graduated as a graphic designer from The Stellenbosch Academy, and my son is completing his second year of law at Stellenbosch – as well as two dogs, three cats, and a pond full of goldfish and frogs.

I love reading and learning and I am pretty good in the kitchen. In my previous life, I used to enjoy sewing and knitting too, but now I just buy fabric and wool and despair that I do not have the time or the energy to do anything with it! A perfect holiday for me, is camping in the Kruger Park – or any quiet, remote bush (though I do want a nice ablution block please).

Moving to The Somerset is a wonderful new challenge – and I am so thankful for the opportunity.

Erika Janutsch: Nursing Manager

To read more about health care at The Somerset, click here.