Maria was always drawn to being a caregiver and has made a wonderful impression with her clients and their families. In 2022 she was named Prestige Inhome Care’s ‘Carer of the Year’, awarded for her extraordinary dedication to clients and outstanding service. She credits her abilities as a “natural born carer” to the loving care she provided to her own grandmother.
“Everyone I look after is like looking after my grandmother.”
Throughout her extensive career, Maria has worked in various caregiving settings, from aged residential facilities to more personal settings in clients’ family homes. She began working as a carer in her home country of New Zealand before moving to Australia. Her experience spans across a range of conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, Motor Neurone Disease, dementia, and other life-altering challenges.
Maria’s empathetic nature shines through when providing palliative care, giving invaluable support to families during their loved one’s final moments. She eloquently describes her experience, “It can be just as beautiful seeing someone take their last breath as it is beautiful seeing a new born baby take it’s first breath.”
Central to Maria’s approach is her keen observation and genuine interest in her clients’ lives. “The most important part of my job is to be observant – see the person”. Maria believes that asking questions, getting to know their environment, and showing interest in her clients fosters trust and comfort, paving the way for meaningful connections.
For Maria, being a caregiver is more than just a job—it’s a calling. Maria views her purpose in people’s homes to be a support person, she is “there to fill in the gaps”.
Her advice to fellow caregivers mirrors her joyful approach to life:
“Have fun and enjoy what you do—everything else becomes easy and wonderful.”
In Maria, we find not only a skilled professional, but a compassionate soul dedicated to making a difference. Her unwavering commitment and compassionate spirit are an inspiration to us all.