About The Olive Branch Medical
The story of The Olive Branch Medical began in 2005, when Karen Jater, a compassionate psychiatric nurse, saw the quiet struggles families faced as their loved ones journeyed through Alzheimer’s and Dementia. She had witnessed the fear, the confusion, and the deep love that surrounds this kind of care – and she knew it could be done differently.
Karen imagined a place where dignity was never compromised, where every person was more than a diagnosis – a place filled with kindness, understanding, and genuine connection. From that vision, The Olive Branch Medical was born.
What started as a small home built on heart has grown into a trusted care facility that continues to honour the same promise: to provide professional, personalised, 24-hour care in a setting that feels like family. Every day, our team carries forward Karen’s belief – that even in memory loss, there is still joy, meaning, and love to be found.
Where care feels like family. 🌿
What do you see, nurses, what do you see?
What are you thinking, when you look at me,
A crabbit old woman, not very wise,
Uncertain of habit, with far-away eyes,
Who, quite unresisting, lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding the long day to fill.
I’ll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,
As I move at your bidding, as I eat at your will.
I’m a small child of 10 with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters, who loved one another.
A bride now at 20 my heart gives a leap,
Remembering the vows that I promised to keep.
At 25 now I have young of my own,
Who need me to build a secure happy home,
At 50 once more babies play around my knee,
Again we know children, my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead,
I look at the future, I shudder with dread,
For my young are all busy with young of their own,
And I think of the years and the love that I’ve known.
The body it crumbles, grace and vigour depart,
There is now a stone where I once had a heart,
But inside this old carcass, a young girl still dwells,
And now and again my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys, I remember the pain,
And I’m loving and living life over again,
I think of the years all too few gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, nurse, open and see,
Not a crabbit old woman, look closer see ME.
Why Choose Us
16 Years of Experience
Since 2005, our dedicated team has provided our patients with loving, joyous care around the clock.
24/7 Care
Our dedicated team is our greatest asset, and they are extremely caring and loving towards all patients. They are on duty 24 hours a day, and our matron lives in for any support our clients and their families require.
Dignity & Peace of Mind
The Olive Branch Medical staff have been trained to provide love, compassion and humour. Every patient is assessed so that our staff can give them stability, dignity and a care program adapted to their particular needs.
Our Governing Body
Gina Schroeder
BSc Chemical Engineering
Gina is an entrepreneur that loves the human touch and invests in community based businesses that generate employment and are run cost effectively. Two of her aunts passed away with advanced dementia. Gina is on the board of LWS Family office.
Cliff Lewis
BSc Electrical Engineering, PhD, MBA Entrepreneurship.
Michael Brown
B.Com, PGCE, MBA Entrepreneurship
Reach Us
Address
Paulshof, Sandton
Johannesburg, South Africa