Today we’d like to introduce you to Geraldene Copeland.
Hi Geraldene, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2017, I spent two months caring for my terminally ill father. That changed everything for me. I realized families needed someone who could handle the day-to-day so that when they walked through the door, they could just be with their person, not managing a to-do list. That’s why I started Ubuntu.
As things grew, my husband Doug stepped away from his executive director role at a disability nonprofit to join me. Between the two of us, we’d spent 50 years in service-oriented careers, but this is the most meaningful work either of us has ever done.
The name Ubuntu comes from an African philosophy, the idea that we’re all connected to one another. And the feathers in our logo are personal. Doug and I have both had moments where a feather showed up at exactly the right time, during grief or moments of doubt, and we’ve always taken that as a sign from someone watching over us. We wanted that meaning woven into what we built.
Every day one of our seniors laughs or smiles, that’s enough for us. That’s the whole point.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Honestly, no. There were things I didn’t anticipate going in.
The medical system was a steep learning curve, understanding how it all works, and making sure our clients are on the right path with their coverage and care.
Finding good caregivers was another challenge. You can train skills, but you can’t train character, and this work requires both. today I can genuinely say we have a phenomenal team, people who show up with the same heart we do. That means everything.
Looking back, those struggles are what shaped us. They made us better caregivers, better people, and a stronger business. We don’t take any of it for granted.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ubuntu Elder Home Care. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We provide in-home care for seniors. everything from cooking, bathing, and light housekeeping to companionship, outdoor activities, and getting clients to and from doctors’ visits. Our shifts run anywhere from a 3-hour minimum up to full 24-hour care, and we work with dementia, hospice, and other specialized care needs.
What sets us apart is reliability. We guarantee our caregivers will show up for every scheduled shift. No no-shows, no exceptions. Doug and I don’t just manage from behind a desk. We personally work shifts with every one of our clients, so we know exactly who’s in their home and how they’re being cared for.
We’re licensed through the state of California, insured, and bonded.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is what our name stands for. Families trust us because we’re reliable, honest, and dedicated, and we’ve built our reputation on actually living up to that, not just saying it.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Judy Goetz deserves a lot of credit. She taught me the real dos and don’ts of caregiving — not the textbook version, but what actually matters when you’re in someone’s home taking care of them. She became a mentor to me, and a mother figure. A lot of how I approach this work traces back to her.
Carlos Correira was part of my corporate years and taught me the business side of things, how to actually run an organization.
And I have to mention my own parents. I cared for both of them before they passed, and that experience is really where all of this started. They taught me what it means to care for someone with patience and dignity, even when it’s hard. Everything I try to give our clients and their families, I learned from being on the other side of it with my own mom and dad.
Pricing:
- Contact for pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ubuntueldercare.com
