Maria Jay can pinpoint the exact moment in time when she found a connection with older people – it was at just six months old when she went to live long-term with her grandparents.
Currently the Arvida Glenbrae Village manager in Rotorua, Maria has thoroughly enjoyed caring for older people through a variety of nursing roles throughout her career. With a New Zealand Māori and Scottish heritage, Maria has spent many years in aged care and said her strong passion for Māori health advocacy has developed over time.
“I am very proud of my tribal affiliations to Ngāi Tahu and Te Whānau-ā-Apanui. It has really empowered me to think holistically when I approach care and support of our Kaumātua.”
Progressing from community caregiver roles in the 1990s, Maria volunteered for Hospice and went on to Registered Nurse positions before moving into management.
The Wellington-born health professional is also part of the Arvida Māori Advisory Group that provides expertise, leadership and guidance around Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori.
With 27 years of experience in aged care, Maria has seen many changes in the sector but insists the basics of quality care remain the same.
“Our residents have so many stories to tell about those they’ve loved or lost through the years, lessons learnt and what they’d do differently. Being present in those precious moments with a resident can mean the world to them.”
Maria always encourages a whānau atmosphere in her Rotorua care centre, while promoting individualised resident-led care by following Arvida’s Attitude of Living Well.
It’s no wonder then that the care centre regularly receives positive feedback from families and visitors on the quality of care provided and the strong bond between her team and the 77 residents.
Now with adult children who have left the nest, Maria balances her time between her mokopuna, residents, their whānau, and the Glenbrae team – a balancing act she says comes naturally to her.
“Glenbrae residents are the reason we make no excuses about coming to work. We are needed and appreciated for all we do every day for them. I have lots of aroha for aged care.”
