Introduction
In a world where the elderly are too often neglected, Abimbola Fagbemiro affectionately known as Jummy, is changing the narrative. Originally trained as a microbiologist, Jummy retrained in Australia as a professional caregiver. With certifications in dementia care and extensive experience working with seniors in both private homes and care facilities, she returned to Nigeria with a vision: to transform elderly care and create career paths in caregiving.
Through her company, Julbest Care Services, Jummy is doing just that. She offers professional care for the elderly, trains aspiring caregivers, provides wellness consultancy, and supports healthcare hopefuls preparing for migration. Her mission is rooted in compassion, structured care, and community empowerment.
From Science to Service: Background and Motivation
Can you share your professional background and how your experience in Australia shaped you?
I began as a microbiologist but found my true calling in caregiving while living in Australia. There, I worked as a Home Care Assistant and Personal Care Worker, supporting seniors in both home and residential settings. I also completed certifications in dementia prevention through the University of Tasmania. The experience taught me the importance of compassion, structure, and professionalism in elder care.
What inspired your return to Nigeria to establish Julbest Care Services?
It was a divine calling. But my inspiration also came from childhood experiences watching my father, a medical doctor, serve patients. Though I couldn’t handle the sight of blood, I was drawn to the human side of care. Australia gave me practical knowledge and confidence. I saw an opportunity to reduce unemployment by training women and to provide proper, respectful care for the elderly in Nigeria.
Was there a defining moment in your decision to start Julbest?
Yes. Listening to the life stories of elderly Australians I cared for deeply moved me. Their wisdom and resilience made me realize the value of intergenerational connections. I wanted to create a similar platform in Nigeria, where the elderly are honored and young people learn from their experiences.
What challenges in the system did you want to address?
Several. First, the lack of professional caregivers meant the elderly were often in the care of untrained house helps, leading to neglect or mistreatment. Second, I saw caregiving as a tool for women’s empowerment and economic independence. Finally, I believed we could adapt the structured caregiving models from the West to suit our culture and reduce pressure on hospitals by promoting home care services.
Vision, Passion, and Impact
Where does your passion for care work come from?
It’s both a professional passion and a spiritual conviction. I believe caregiving is my God-given purpose. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s deeply fulfilling and life-changing for those we serve.
What does holistic care mean to you?
It means caring for the whole person — not just their illness. At Julbest, we respect each client’s life story and emotional needs. Our goal is to maintain their dignity, comfort, and happiness, whether they’re in good health or in need of special care.
How do you define well-being in your work?
Well-being is a balance of physical health, emotional stability, and peace of mind. As caregivers, we must be joyful ourselves to create a healing environment. A happy caregiver fosters positive energy, which in turn helps clients feel secure and cared for.
What long-term impact are you working toward?
I want to set a new standard for elderly care in Nigeria and eventually beyond. My goal is to train caregivers to international standards, make care services affordable and accessible, and advocate for policy changes that support structured elderly care. I want Julbest to be a beacon of compassion and excellence.
Building Julbest: Challenges and Growth
What were your biggest challenges starting out?
The first challenge was simply introducing the concept of professional caregiving. People didn’t understand it. I faced rejection and almost gave up. A breakthrough came when a doctor, impressed by my CV, encouraged me to start my own care service, even though he later withdrew his support. I also worked briefly at a bank, which helped me learn customer service, staff management, and communication skills, all of which I now apply at Julbest.
How did your Australian training influence your business model?
It instilled a sense of structure, accountability, and professionalism. Every caregiver is thoroughly vetted, trained, and supported. I personally accompany them during initial placements to ensure quality and build trust with clients.
How do you maintain empathy and high standards in your team?
Through continuous training, feedback, and personal involvement. I make surprise visits, request client feedback, and retrain staff when necessary. Caregiving is not a chore, it’s a relationship. We teach caregivers to see clients as people, not just patients.
What role does technology play in your work?
Technology has helped us grow. We use platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook for outreach. We also use design tools for flyers, PowerPoint for training, and laptops for presentations. It’s allowed us to operate professionally and reach a wider audience.
Training and Consultancy: Spreading the Knowledge
Why include training and consultancy in your services?
Because caregiving is still new to many Nigerians. People want to migrate or work in healthcare but lack proper training. I bridge that gap by sharing my international experience and offering practical training for those serious about this field.
How do you promote healthier lifestyles through your consultancy?
We advise families on nutrition, hygiene, mental well-being, and preventive care. We also teach them how to care for elderly relatives, especially those living with conditions like dementia. Our aim is to help both caregivers and families create nurturing, healthy environments.
What kind of professional development do you offer?
We run comprehensive orientation programs, on-the-job training, and refresher courses covering communication, hygiene, empathy, and dementia care. I also mentor our staff directly, passing on not just technical skills but the values of compassion, patience, and excellence.
Leadership, Purpose, and Perseverance
What values guide your leadership style?
Integrity, empathy, and excellence. I believe in transparency, teamwork, and treating everyone, clients and staff with dignity. I always listen before making decisions, because caregiving is a shared effort.
What keeps you motivated through tough times?
My faith in God. I see this work as a calling. Even when things are hard, I remind myself that I am making a difference. The feedback from clients and success of our trained caregivers keeps me going.
Who has inspired or encouraged you the most?
God has been my greatest source of strength. My father inspired my love for healthcare, and my clients encourage me daily through their stories and gratitude. They remind me why I started this journey.
How do you measure success?
Personally, success is fulfilling my purpose with peace of mind. Professionally, it’s seeing caregivers flourish, clients live better lives, and society begin to value elderly care. For me, impact outweighs profit.
What advice would you give to healthcare entrepreneurs?
Start small and stay consistent. Lead with compassion and let integrity guide your decisions. Don’t be discouraged by initial setbacks or skepticism. Focus on training, offer quality service, and trust that your work will speak for itself over time.
Conclusion
Abimbola “Jummy” Fagbemiro is not just running a business, she’s creating a movement. Through Julbest Care Services, she’s changing how Nigeria views caregiving. By providing compassionate elderly care, empowering caregivers, and promoting holistic health, she’s building a legacy of love, service, and professional excellence.
Her story is proof that one person’s passion can inspire systemic change and that true care goes beyond medicine, touching the heart of humanity itself.
By Akin Bello
