Donna Barnard pioneered the Highway area’s first specialist home caregiver agency, establishing Console Care Agency in 2002 in Hillcrest, Kwa Zulu Natal.
June 13, 2025
OVER the years it has grown into a market leader, known for delivering affordable, professional caregiving and nursing services to the elderly, all in the comfort and familiarity of home.
After many years working as a caregiver in the UK, Donna returned to South Africa and recognised a gap in KZN for an intermediary level of home care. Driven by experience and compassion, she believes strongly in promoting independence and dignity – values she sees as essential to wellbeing.
In today’s fast-paced world, she reminds us to pause and honour the ‘Golden Years’ of our elders with the respect they deserve.
“One meaningful way to honour our elders is by allowing them to choose where they grow old. Often, the comfort of familiar surroundings makes home the preferred option,” says Donna, and emphasises that Console Care Agency supports this choice by providing professional, compassionate care that offers the safety of frail care, while keeping loved ones close to family, friends and cherished memories.
“Our vision has always been to provide reliable and trustworthy caregivers, companions and nursing assistants who perform their tasks with a high degree of respect, empathy, initiative, kindness and integrity.” Donna explains. “Depending on the circumstances, the onus rests on the individual patient to decide whether they are ready to transition to a care facility or would prefer to remain in their home.”
Console Care Agency offers a range of services to cater for day-to-day care at home including:
- Meal preparation & light housekeeping
- Assistance with exercise, physiotherapy & massage
- Personal care & mobility
- Driving, shopping, errands
- Companionship & Mental stimulation
- Monitoring, medication reminders and record keeping
- Pressure care
- Nurse visits
- Equipment Hire
Both long-term and short-term care options are available, allowing you to try the service and determine if home care is the right choice for you or a family member. The service can be cancelled or renewed on a week-to-week basis, with no risk involved.
With years of experience, the agency has built an extensive database of dedicated care personnel and offers flexible care options — including hourly, live-in or temporary support that is tailored to suit a range of budgets.
Console Care Agency is a registered home care service provider and employment agency, holding a Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) practice number. This ensures that you are safeguarded against legal complications and enables you to claim from your medical aid, should home care be approved.
For further information, phone 084 5561092
Donna Barnard