Jo joined Ellerslie Gardens Lifecare as manager, after a 40-year career as a NZ Registered Nurse. “It was all I ever wanted to do, to work with people and help them to be well again – from whatever ailed them!”

Seven years ago, Jo’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia. It was this deeply personal experience that inspired her desire to work in Aged Care. Jo worked most recently with Mental Health Services for Older Adults at Waitemata DHB as a community mental health nurse. “I met many wonderful people and was privileged to work with people and their families in their homes – wherever that was within the beautiful Rodney district.“

So, when an opportunity to work at Ellerslie Gardens Lifecare presented itself, Jo was attracted by the size and super-friendly staff - without exception. “I saw the approach to service delivery was very person-centred, and that staff cared for folks as though they were their own. Their dedication and commitment was undoubted.”

Jo believes a Care Home is a positive option for later years in life, when someone’s situation at home just doesn’t work anymore, for health reasons. “It is my aim to contribute positively to this existing culture, informed by my own care journey, values and knowledge.”