STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Maria | Home and Living Pathways Support Worker
Meet Maria, a dedicated Support Worker at Mai-Wel. With 36 years of experience in aged care and disability support, Maria has a rich background in helping clients with diverse needs. Her journey began as a dressmaker at 15, and she has since worked at various aged care facilities, providing compassionate care.
A typical day for Maria is challenging yet rewarding. She engages with clients, assesses their needs, and adapts her approach to ensure they receive personalised care. Maria also collaborates with other staff members to create a seamless experience for everyone involved.
Maria finds immense joy in building social connections with her clients. Helping them achieve their individual goals and enhancing their daily lives is truly fulfilling for her. The best part of working at Mai-Wel is the opportunity to care for participants and work as a team to support their aspirations towards independent living.
One of Maria’s most memorable experiences is the yearly concerts involving both staff and participants. These events, along with special celebration days and supported holidays, have created lasting memories and joyful experiences outside of the everyday routine.
Maria believes that essential skills for her job include understanding client health needs, focusing on their abilities, and listening attentively to build trust and respect. Her advice for new employees is to find happiness in their work, emphasize teamwork, and treat clients with respect and dignity.
