"Honestly I don’t know how I would have managed without T4T Caregiving.
Jos was my caregiver post op Stage 1 ALT phalloplasty.
He was extremely communicative before surgery and during my stay in the hospital he was proactive in getting everything I needed once I was released. He even came and visited with me while I was there.
He eased so much of my anxiety with his knowledge of the surgery and really made me comfortable in situations I don’t think I could have been had I another caregiver service or had friends/family take care of me.
He helped me with all my meds - making sure I took them on time, grocery retrieval, cooking, cleaning, all the help with wound care and showering.
Jos honestly was much better than the nurses in the hospital when it came to wound care.
But deep down the greatest thing about T4T aside from meeting Jos was the feeling of safety and comfort in a very vulnerable situation.
I can’t speak highly enough about him and this experience. 100% worth it."
-AC, 31
October 2021
Jos was my caregiver post op Stage 1 ALT phalloplasty.
He was extremely communicative before surgery and during my stay in the hospital he was proactive in getting everything I needed once I was released. He even came and visited with me while I was there.
He eased so much of my anxiety with his knowledge of the surgery and really made me comfortable in situations I don’t think I could have been had I another caregiver service or had friends/family take care of me.
He helped me with all my meds - making sure I took them on time, grocery retrieval, cooking, cleaning, all the help with wound care and showering.
Jos honestly was much better than the nurses in the hospital when it came to wound care.
But deep down the greatest thing about T4T aside from meeting Jos was the feeling of safety and comfort in a very vulnerable situation.
I can’t speak highly enough about him and this experience. 100% worth it."
-AC, 31
October 2021
"Devin gets an A from me for his caregiving. I found his kindness, compassion, and knowledge to be exceptional. It’s not every day you meet someone who knows what you are going through, proactively takes care of everything and are instantly at ease/comfortable with. Beyond grateful Devin was there when I needed it most."
-J, 48
October 2021
-J, 48
October 2021
"After having multiple surgeries from top surgery to phalloplasty I was always fortunate to have someone come and stay with me during recovery. This last surgery was one which I had no one to travel and stay with me after my procedure. T4T was recommended to me and I looked into their services. Jos set me up with caregiver Szonic in San Francisco. This took a lot of stress off of me knowing I would have someone come pick me up at the hospital and assist me once we got back to the Airbnb where I was staying. Szonic was very caring and really went the extra mile. He is a kind, giving person and wanted to make sure I was comfortable and had what I needed. I cannot say enough about how wonderful and helpful he was to me during this time. "
-Pat, 63
June 2021
-Pat, 63
June 2021
"I worked with T4T Caregiving for recovery from stage 1 RFF with the NYU team and was matched with Jos. He took care of everything I needed besides actually having the surgery for me. Cooked all my meals, quickly responded if I needed something even if it was in the middle of the night, did my dressing changes (even better than the actual surgeons and nurses lmao), and when I got some wound separation at the tip of my penis he was proactive with taking photos to send to the surgical team.
Given that he’s also trans and is post op phallo, he was able to reassure me from personal experience that my bleeding and swelling was normal. It was such a relief to not have to feel awkward or apologetic about the state of my body like I would if I had enlisted the services of a friend or hired home health aide, where in most cases they are cis and haven’t had previous experience with taking care of someone post-phallo. It was also just psychologically helpful to see someone further ahead with these surgeries able to go about life as “normal”, as a reminder that the early stages of recovery aren’t forever.
I know that the cost can be a barrier for many people, but I definitely got more than I paid for from T4T Caregiving in terms of knowledge, patience, and competence. Nurses and caregivers aren’t given nearly enough credit for the vital work they do."
-Phalloplasty Client, 29
May 2021
Given that he’s also trans and is post op phallo, he was able to reassure me from personal experience that my bleeding and swelling was normal. It was such a relief to not have to feel awkward or apologetic about the state of my body like I would if I had enlisted the services of a friend or hired home health aide, where in most cases they are cis and haven’t had previous experience with taking care of someone post-phallo. It was also just psychologically helpful to see someone further ahead with these surgeries able to go about life as “normal”, as a reminder that the early stages of recovery aren’t forever.
I know that the cost can be a barrier for many people, but I definitely got more than I paid for from T4T Caregiving in terms of knowledge, patience, and competence. Nurses and caregivers aren’t given nearly enough credit for the vital work they do."
-Phalloplasty Client, 29
May 2021
"Jos exceeded my expectations for a caregiver for my Phase I Phalloplasty. An unfortunate circumstance prevented my parents from travelling to be my caregivers and I had to tap into outside resources. I quickly realized, once in the care of Jos, I would not have wanted anyone else to have cared for me. There is something both special and soothing in sharing this healing process with another trans person who has experienced the intricacies involved in the physical and emotional work that comes with these types of surgeries. I did not know what I needed from Jos until he effortlessly provided it. He made me feel relaxed and comfortable within hours of meeting him.
Jos is organized, responsible, and well educated in phalloplasty. Prior to meeting in person, Jos was an excellent communicator throughout the process of setting up our plan of action. Once in his care, all transportation was arranged, the timing of my medications were strictly monitored, and all wound care was addressed with experienced hands. I had comfort in knowing his established relationships with my surgeons, careteam network, as well as other post op trans men from different surgical teams. Jos did everything for me short of juggling for my entertainment (although, I think if requested, he’d make accommodations). He knew the perfect balance as far as being respectful of times I needed company and times I needed privacy.
I will always be grateful to have made this connection and I credit many successes of my healing to my caregiver. "
-Phalloplasty Client, 25
January 2021
Jos is organized, responsible, and well educated in phalloplasty. Prior to meeting in person, Jos was an excellent communicator throughout the process of setting up our plan of action. Once in his care, all transportation was arranged, the timing of my medications were strictly monitored, and all wound care was addressed with experienced hands. I had comfort in knowing his established relationships with my surgeons, careteam network, as well as other post op trans men from different surgical teams. Jos did everything for me short of juggling for my entertainment (although, I think if requested, he’d make accommodations). He knew the perfect balance as far as being respectful of times I needed company and times I needed privacy.
I will always be grateful to have made this connection and I credit many successes of my healing to my caregiver. "
-Phalloplasty Client, 25
January 2021
"First, the power of having Hans with me and why I chose to have a caregiver. It boils down to energy. Recovery takes all of my energy. Hans added quite a few needed abilities to my recovery. He was able to see through my social self-defense shield - my mask, and knew how I was feeling, and what I needed. He gave of himself to allow me to put my energy into recovery. Hans helped with so many things. He helped with food. He would wash my hair, patiently working around all the staples and stitches, and then wait for me to finish bathing so he could dry my hair with equal gentleness and care. He would count my pills and provide them to me with security that I didn’t miss anything, while also delicately redressing my wounds. He would find me hiding on the stairs internally crying and provide me with a resource to relieve my emotions (sometimes a distraction, sometimes a talk, many times a smile and encouraging words). He would scour the store for a rare box of q-tips! Or sneak out to the store and bring me back a giant jug of orange juice (my elixir). He was there to help me get ready for a bath or dilation, to move the heater into the rooms, select and change my clothes, to retrieve items I forgot to get, and to communicate to others things I wanted to say, but didn’t have the energy to say the right way. There was a trust between us, one where we trusted our best intentions towards the other. That trust allowed us to work together within our available resources to provide a smarter, stronger duality of support and recovery. Hans was the best extension of me, provided during a time I didn’t know I would need, yet in the moment, I found vital to my existence. When it came time for Hans and me to part ways, I was very sad. He was too. We spent 10 full days and nights together. We said our goodbyes, hugged long and hard, and then I watched him walk out the door. That didn’t end our relationship, but it did end my extended self. Perhaps next time I’m in town, he will go hiking with me (he’ll need to get into great shape, because I’m a strong hiker at full power!)."
-Jamie, 44
January 2021
-Jamie, 44
January 2021
"This has been ideal and honestly fun hanging out with another trans person who understands while going through all this...
Josefine has been great. Not only was she comfortable coming to NYC and able to stay for nearly a month, she stayed with me in the hospital and has been preparing amazing meals with the very limited hotel kitchenette. She took care of my more advanced care needs the first week after discharge. She has also been a great person to hang out with.... I feel this is really great resource since having someone for support is a huge barrier for surgery especially if you don't have family or a partner who is able or willing to stay with you."
-Vaginoplasty Client, 31
June 2019
Josefine has been great. Not only was she comfortable coming to NYC and able to stay for nearly a month, she stayed with me in the hospital and has been preparing amazing meals with the very limited hotel kitchenette. She took care of my more advanced care needs the first week after discharge. She has also been a great person to hang out with.... I feel this is really great resource since having someone for support is a huge barrier for surgery especially if you don't have family or a partner who is able or willing to stay with you."
-Vaginoplasty Client, 31
June 2019
"oliver was divinely sent for my surgery. I would recommend his services to anyone.
You are not getting just a caregiver, but a healer and friend. From the very beginning of the process, to the day he left, he was acutely tuned in to what I needed - even when I didn’t know I needed it.
He was a calming presence that radiated unconditional love and support in every moment. He knew exactly when to leave me in solitude with family or friends, and when to step up and be front and center. He was fierce in his protection of me, and serene in stressful or scary situations. In a time that is deeply vulnerable, raw, emotional and transformative- oliver held me with pure acceptance, safety and celebration. He embraces and honors the entirety of the healing process and can empathize on a level very few people can understand until you are under his care. He cooked me delicious meals; cleaned up the space as I left gauze and cups and plates all over the place; drove me to appointments; went food shopping; made my family laugh and feel supported; helped me shower; and held the space for my body, mind and spirit to express all the ranges of emotion fully as we danced through this rite of passage all together.
Surgery is the most powerful and intense experience in the world, and to have oliver there as my teammate and anchor was more than I could have asked for. He is truly an amazing, kind, and extraordinary man, and I am lucky to know him and have been cared for by him."
-Phalloplasty Client
June 2019
You are not getting just a caregiver, but a healer and friend. From the very beginning of the process, to the day he left, he was acutely tuned in to what I needed - even when I didn’t know I needed it.
He was a calming presence that radiated unconditional love and support in every moment. He knew exactly when to leave me in solitude with family or friends, and when to step up and be front and center. He was fierce in his protection of me, and serene in stressful or scary situations. In a time that is deeply vulnerable, raw, emotional and transformative- oliver held me with pure acceptance, safety and celebration. He embraces and honors the entirety of the healing process and can empathize on a level very few people can understand until you are under his care. He cooked me delicious meals; cleaned up the space as I left gauze and cups and plates all over the place; drove me to appointments; went food shopping; made my family laugh and feel supported; helped me shower; and held the space for my body, mind and spirit to express all the ranges of emotion fully as we danced through this rite of passage all together.
Surgery is the most powerful and intense experience in the world, and to have oliver there as my teammate and anchor was more than I could have asked for. He is truly an amazing, kind, and extraordinary man, and I am lucky to know him and have been cared for by him."
-Phalloplasty Client
June 2019
"From our first email interaction I could tell oliver was very compassionate and responsive. We emailed back and forth for about a year, through surgery date switches, insurance coverage panics, and travel logistics! I finally met oliver in person when we both flew into San Francisco the night before my pre-operative appointment, though I felt like I already knew him from our email exchanges. He gifted me a few of his favorite homeopathic remedies (of course cleared by the docs prior to taking them) before heading to bed for the next day. He was with me through my entire 5 day hospital stay, day and night, doing everything from making sure I was comfortable, calling and updating my partner and family, to advocating for me when I had a less than ideal interaction with a nurse and comforting me when I was sobbing from the emotional weight of the whole experience.
Since I had to change my surgery date, oliver couldn't stay with me the whole month. He recommend a colleague of his and made sure I was comfortable with the transition of care before looping Ambrose into our email exchanges a few months prior to leaving for California. We planned a four or five day overlap to transition my care to Ambrose. Medication management, wound cleaning schedule, grocery shopping, post operative dates, transportation, etc. Ambrose was also an amazing caregiver - very attentive, in tune to my needs, and easy to talk to. He reminded me of the things I had forgotten and made sure I wasn't doing too much too soon. Ambrose made my departure from California as seamless and smooth as possible. I consider all of us friends now, they still check in with me not only on my physical healing, but my overall well being.
Overall, I credit a big part of how well I healed to my care-giving team, oliver and Ambrose. I recommend them to literally anyone who is having a gender affirming surgery because your aftercare is so important and you don't want to take any chances if you don't have to!
They pride themselves on care-giving by trans folks for trans folks. It makes a huge difference receiving care from folks who have an understanding of all the hoops we have to jump through to live more authentically in our own bodies.
If I had to do it all over again, I'd choose oliver and Ambrose every time."
-Phalloplasty Client
May 2019
Since I had to change my surgery date, oliver couldn't stay with me the whole month. He recommend a colleague of his and made sure I was comfortable with the transition of care before looping Ambrose into our email exchanges a few months prior to leaving for California. We planned a four or five day overlap to transition my care to Ambrose. Medication management, wound cleaning schedule, grocery shopping, post operative dates, transportation, etc. Ambrose was also an amazing caregiver - very attentive, in tune to my needs, and easy to talk to. He reminded me of the things I had forgotten and made sure I wasn't doing too much too soon. Ambrose made my departure from California as seamless and smooth as possible. I consider all of us friends now, they still check in with me not only on my physical healing, but my overall well being.
Overall, I credit a big part of how well I healed to my care-giving team, oliver and Ambrose. I recommend them to literally anyone who is having a gender affirming surgery because your aftercare is so important and you don't want to take any chances if you don't have to!
They pride themselves on care-giving by trans folks for trans folks. It makes a huge difference receiving care from folks who have an understanding of all the hoops we have to jump through to live more authentically in our own bodies.
If I had to do it all over again, I'd choose oliver and Ambrose every time."
-Phalloplasty Client
May 2019
"We contacted oliver following a recommendation hoping he could help our son navigate the physical aspect of his surgery.
What we encountered was oliver’s holistic approach to healing our son’s body, mind and soul.
He is someone who can be trusted and who practices his caring craft with precision and wisdom.
These are difficult surgeries and oliver’s presence helped us transform our fears into love, support and affection.
We wanted what was best for our son. We didn’t realize how much we needed oliver, as well.
He was truly a gift."
-Jane, Doug, and Lily
July 2019
What we encountered was oliver’s holistic approach to healing our son’s body, mind and soul.
He is someone who can be trusted and who practices his caring craft with precision and wisdom.
These are difficult surgeries and oliver’s presence helped us transform our fears into love, support and affection.
We wanted what was best for our son. We didn’t realize how much we needed oliver, as well.
He was truly a gift."
-Jane, Doug, and Lily
July 2019
"The best decision I ever made was getting my top surgery! The second best decision I ever made was hiring a personal care-giver to be with me for a full two weeks for my recovery. I cannot give a higher recommendation than I can for oliver. He was spot on in every facet of care, and seemingly anticipated my needs in every way before I could even verbalize my needs myself.
His attention to my health not only included my wound care and tracking my medication, but also my mental health, physical health, and nutrition. These were the things that were expected by me for my caregiver. Oliver took it ten steps further... including helping me navigate through securing the rental property, attending my pre-op visit with my Doctor, caring for my service dog and keeping the house a clean, cool, and relaxed environment for my healing. In the end he even drove me 15 hours in a car to bring me safely home.
This is certainly going the extra mile.
I'm so happy to refer oliver to anyone needing care or companionship. He is an excellent and attentive care-giver on top of being a peaceful, fun, and radiant human being."
-Max, 43
His attention to my health not only included my wound care and tracking my medication, but also my mental health, physical health, and nutrition. These were the things that were expected by me for my caregiver. Oliver took it ten steps further... including helping me navigate through securing the rental property, attending my pre-op visit with my Doctor, caring for my service dog and keeping the house a clean, cool, and relaxed environment for my healing. In the end he even drove me 15 hours in a car to bring me safely home.
This is certainly going the extra mile.
I'm so happy to refer oliver to anyone needing care or companionship. He is an excellent and attentive care-giver on top of being a peaceful, fun, and radiant human being."
-Max, 43