About Marin Companion Care

A Brief Introduction

Hello. I’m Dave Zischke, the owner of Marin Companion Care. I was born and raised in a large family in the East Bay, attended Piedmont High school and later UC Santa Barbara. I lived most of my adult life in Truckee, CA where I married, raised two children, owned and operated a wholesale business for 12 years and worked in real estate for the duration. I have a great affinity for nature and the outdoors and when I rediscovered Marin County five years ago, I realized that with a new love and partner, a transition to the “city” after 35 years would be a welcome change. I have now lived in San Anselmo for nearly five years after spending over a year in Inverness enjoying the many wonders this county has to offer. 

My Philosophy as a Caregiver

My goal as a caregiver is to find what works holistically for each unique individual. I believe that we should help those we care for find reasons for celebration and joy, to live to the fullest the days we have here together; whether that be walking through the redwoods, growing a small vegetable or flower garden, taking on a pet or strolling barefoot along the ocean’s edge.

It comes naturally for me to put people at ease, to calm them and to help them find and explore their personal interests. I am a good listener and have always in some sense been a caregiver, beginning with the care of my mother by helping her find comfort with her arthritis through massage and exercise and then later, at the end of her life, as her companion, caregiver and friend. The influence of love and guidance provided by Hospice Care helped shape and influence the way I evaluate and care for each individual today. 

Experience

I had the privilege of playing a role in the care of both of my parents towards the ends of their lives, not only as a care provider but also as a companion and friend. This positive experience with family led me to become a volunteer with  Hospice for several years, where I worked as a companion provider to individuals who were dealing with end-of-life diseases. For the last four years I provided care for a gentleman who suffered from Alzheimers, from the early stages through the remainder of his life, not only as his primary caregiver as well as the household case manager.

I have completed a background check in accordance with the State of California guidelines and am registered with Trustline.

Testimonials

I encourage you to read some of the testimonials that family members, neighbors and observers have written about me.