Favourited 32 times
Hello everyone and thank you for reading this profile. I am totally new at this, so please bare with me and feel free to ask anything you like.
My name is Pradeep.
I come from Surinam and living in the Netherlands for couple of years already. Now 38 years old, I speak Dutch & English fluently, a few words in Spanish/German/Hindi/Russian.
Last December, my mom and grandmother moved to the Netherlands as well. My grandma and mom are living together in Ede and I live apart in Utrecht. I do would describe us as warm, family minded, easy going and caring.
Since my mom is taking care of my grandma (89 years in JAN 2021) for already couple of years (since 2015) and now very tired, I have decided to take my grandma with me.
Granny has a very lovely vibe, is easy going, likes to play board games or cards, watches TV and has naps during the day.
Because I have an office job, I can't be with her during those hours and I need someone to "watch" my grandma during that time. Also, my grandma will go once a month to my mom to stay with her for about a week.
For the rest, we enjoy walks in different cities or nature, restaurants, cooking or just watch a movie.
A funny fact: she is crazy about MC Donalds. And careful, since she might tease you from time to time, she still has her sense of humor.
Elderly Companionship
Help around the house
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Utrecht is in the middle of the country and carries a rich history. It is not as colourful as the Roman Empire, but was the border of that empire. being conquered several times by the French it shows many interesting places. Since Utrecht is in the middle of the country, other interesting cities are close by and easily accessible.
You will be part of the family and join in all activities that we do. All costs will be on us of course. And of course pocket money.
My grandma speaks English and Dutch and can teach you as well. She used to garden a lot and can tell you a lot about roses and gerbras. She used to do a lot of pottery and make a lot of her own clothes. in short, a very artistic woman who still surprises me.
I studied at the university of Utrecht and work in a pharmaceutical company as quality assurance. I can teach how to make a cv and how to prepare for job interviews.
Also I provide basic training for Quality Assurance in Pharmaceuticals. This can also be used for medical devices and food.
For the rest I like to do sports, read, watch movies, cook (Surinam cuisine is known to be very good, since it is a mix of Indian, Indonesian, Chinese) go for a bike tour or just take the car and go to some other city and roam around.
I like history and love to read about the history of a place when I visit. I try to learn guitar (somehow I fail miserably, I play used to play & teach tabla which is an Indian percussion instrument, and I used to practice and teach taekwondo)
Also, I my charity projects for Ukraine and my home country, Surinam. A partner in crime in any of these activities mentioned is always welcome.
My grandma is forgetful and needs someone to remind her what she needs to do. The help that is required, is mostly making sure that my grandma has her breakfast/lunch/fruits/drinks, making sure that she remembers to do everything, maybe play a game with her sing with her or just keeps her company and explain to her what is on the TV at the moment. There are many moments that are empty since she wanders off to her own world or goes for a nap.
If you are successful, a walk with her is also appreciated so she gets her 'exercise'.
We enjoy cooking and have no problem with cooking vegetarian. For meat, it is mostly chicken or fish. For the food part, you will not regret :)
Once a month, granny will go to stay with my mom for about a week.
Ethnically we are Indian so we do know a bit about the philosophy. We don't do prayers, but Do (try) to practice meditation. Since my grandma went to a Christian school, we also know a lot about that. The beauty about Surinam people is the general thought of 'all religions have their own beauty' and there is no right or wrong in it.
Play the well know songs like Ave Maria, Amazing Grace or some songs from her childhood, she will sing her lungs out.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
German: Beginner
Spanish: Beginner
Russian: Beginner
This host offers a language exchange
Me and my grandma can offer you to Dutch/English and I am interested in learning either Russian/Ukrainian/German/Spanish. When it comes to Russian, I speak a few words, my German and Spanish is slightly better
You will have your own room and utilities will be provided. Since you will be part of our 'family', you will have no expenses and will join us in everything. This is a no smoking house.
In your time off you are free to do whatever you like and I would be happy to show you around, also other cities.
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
WIFI at my place is strong and stable. Of course you are more than welcome to do your own work when I am home. Of course download of illegal stuff is prohibited.
There is free parking on walking distance from my home
One
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week