‘Gracious and unassuming gentleman’ wins Ulster Caregiver award

A caregiver described as gracious and unassuming who goes above and beyond for his clients has been named Dovida Ulster Caregiver of the Year 2025.

Wiseman Mugandani, received the prestigious award at a recent ceremony to celebrate 20 years of Dovida providing exceptional care in Ireland, following the home care organisation’s rebrand from Home Instead earlier this year.

Wiseman, who hails from Zimbabwe and now calls Monaghan home, has worked for Dovida for two and a half years. He was nominated for the award by clients and colleagues from Dovida’s Cavan and Monaghan office. Having won the local Caregiver of the Year Award, Wiseman was put forward for the regional and national competition where he scooped the Ulster Caregiver of the Year 2025 Award.

“Getting the award brings a lot of delight,” Wiseman said. “It’s a big honour to be recognised by my colleagues and clients as someone who is doing something good in the community. It makes me feel really valued and appreciated,” he added.

Competition judge, broadcasting legend Mary Kennedy, said it was clear from the nominations that Wiseman was an integral part of his local community. “What really stood out to me from the nominations was how connected to people in his local community of Castleblayney Wiseman is,” she said.

“It’s clear how well liked he is by his clients and colleagues alike. Wiseman has all the characteristics of an exceptional caregiver - he is dependable, trustworthy, and compassionate, and he treats his clients with the respect they deserve. I was particularly impressed by testimonials about his communication skills and how he brightens up his clients’ days by making them feel listened to as an equal. One client said that ‘Everyone needs a Wiseman in their lives’, and I couldn’t agree more,” she added.

Client voices

“He’s wise by name and a gentleman by nature,” said Noel Farrell, another of Wiseman’s clients. “He’s very patient and attentive to my needs, and when he’s here it’s not like it’s on a professional basis, it’s more like a friend calling ‘round to have the craic. It doesn’t seem like a job to him; it’s more about the interaction.”

While Geraldine Mooney, the wife of Wiseman’s client Michael, summed up the relationship the two men have. “He has a calm, no fuss approach intertwined with a jovial, happy, and humorous way of working. It lifts Michael’s heart when he laughs, he forgets his pains and aches, so much laughter goes on between these two men, and life has its special moments because of Wiseman.”

Above and beyond

Caroline Smith, General Manager of Dovida Cavan and Monaghan, hailed Wiseman as an extraordinary person who has consistently gone above and beyond for his clients. “Wiseman’s compassion, dedication and tireless commitment has had a profound impact on the lives of the people he cares for,” she said.

“I am proud to know Wiseman, he’s an extraordinary person who has truly gone above and beyond for his clients. He not only meets the high standards of this award but exceeds them every day,” she added.

“Wiseman exemplifies what it means to be a Dovida caregiver,” Shane Jennings, CEO of Dovida Ireland, he said. “He puts the client at the heart of everything he does, and treats people with kindness, dignity, and respect. I would like to congratulate him on his incredible achievement and thank him for the hugely valuable contribution he makes in the lives of his clients and their families,” he concluded.