Twenty-five years: I have spent half my life working as the owner of GERATEC, promoting the quality of life of older people through nutrition. And while we have expanded our services over time, our passion and focus are still providing the best possible meals at the best possible prices.
Over the years, we have made it our business to understand the needs of older people and those who care for them. Our team has done extensive research to make sure that we do the right thing. More importantly, what started off as a passion has now become a rights issue — the world is waking up to the fact that ageism and the marginalisation of older people are indeed a human rights abuse.
Our company is a people’s business. We are who we are because of the people who work for us. Judging by the years of service of so many employees, it is evident that the fact that we truly make a difference is what keeps people loyal and motivated. Our values are lived out in everything we do — the way we treat employees, the products we buy, and our service levels. At all times, we are only as good as the last meal we served, which is not an easy assessment, considering that our business runs 24/7, 365 days a year.
I know that the true value of GERATEC is the social impact we have. Dr Bill Thomas, founder of The Eden Alternative, said, “If your employees’ children are doing better at school because their mother or father works for you, you are doing something right.” I believe that we are making the world a better place for the older people who we serve and the employees who provide this service. This makes me immensely proud.
I can’t wait to see what the next 25 years have in store for GERATEC.
Rayne Stroebel