At Aeralife, we often talk about care as a calling. For Maya Gerencer, that calling has spanned nearly 25 years — an aged care nurse story marked by resilience, empathy, and an unwavering dedication to those in her care. Maya was the winner of the Passion Award at Twin Parks for the inaugural Aeralife Staff Awards in 2025.
Maya’s story begins far from Twin Parks, in Macedonia, where she completed her nursing qualifications before migrating to Australia in 1997. She arrived with no English, no local credentials, and no roadmap — just a determination to build a new life and help others along the way.
“I came here in July 1997, and I couldn’t speak any English,” she recalls. “All my family was overseas. I was completely alone.”
Her first job came through an agency, which sent her to a home that would eventually become Aeralife Twin Parks. That single shift turned into something bigger — a place where she would lay down roots, build a career, and become a pillar of the community. It’s the beginning of an aged care nurse story grounded in both personal healing and professional purpose.
A personal journey that shaped her care
Maya’s work has always been more than a job. It’s been a form of healing — both for herself and for others.
“When I started in aged care, I didn’t really know what it was. We didn’t have aged care where I grew up. But when I saw the residents, I saw my grandmother in all of them,” she shares.
Her grandmother, a guiding force during a difficult childhood, had passed away suddenly. In the residents she cared for, Maya found a way to reconnect with that love and strength. “The more I cared for them, the more I felt I was healing inside.”
That emotional depth is a hallmark of her aged care nurse story. It grew even stronger with the birth of her first child, who lives with profound autism and intellectual disability. Caring for him gave Maya a first-hand understanding of the immense emotional and physical demands families face — and how much trust it takes to hand that care over to someone else.
“I had to put my trust in others to care for my son. And that helped me understand what it means when families entrust us with their loved ones. It’s not just clinical — it’s deeply personal. You have to honour that trust.”
A passion for end-of-life care
Maya’s nursing is grounded in a powerful belief: that everyone deserves to live — and die — with dignity.
“These people know they’re at the end of their lives. And while they may be at peace with that, their families often aren’t. They need reassurance. They need respect. They need love.”
She sees her role as helping residents live their most authentic life right to the end — whatever that looks like for them. “It’s about creating comfort, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. It’s about making space for joy, for laughter, for ritual, and for real connection.”
Maya speaks candidly about how important it is to put aside her own beliefs to honour each resident’s unique story. “Sometimes I’m challenged, but I remind myself — it’s not about me. It’s about them. It’s about their life, their family, their values.”
She still remembers families who’ve come back a decade after a resident has passed — who still remember how she made them feel, how she helped them say goodbye.
“That’s the impact I want to have — to make this place feel like home, even at the hardest time in someone’s life.”
A team that feels like family
Throughout her years, Maya has seen enormous change in aged care — both in the sector and within Twin Parks itself. And it’s become a key chapter in her aged care nurse story.
“There was a time I thought about leaving aged care completely. But change did come — first through a new clinical lead, then through Aeralife’s leadership.
“I remember Rajneet (then Clinical Care Manager and now Residence Manager) started and said to me, ‘Just hold on, things will get better.’ And they did. With Aeralife, the care improved, the support improved, and most importantly, our residents were better looked after.”
Today, Maya is proud of her team and the culture that’s grown around them. “We’re diverse, multicultural, and supportive. I love mentoring the younger staff — showing them how to listen, how to care, how to lead with love.”
Her advice to new carers?
“Come from a place of love. Listen — not just to respond, but to truly understand. There’s so much wisdom in aged care, if you’re open to learning.”
Anchored in gratitude
Despite the emotional demands of the role, Maya feels more grounded than ever. She credits her balance to self-care, meditation, and her deep love for nature.
“I love walks, the outdoors, visiting places that bring me peace. It keeps me connected to myself.”
Now, as she approaches her 25-year milestone at Twin Parks, Maya is reflective — and deeply grateful.
“I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I wake up every morning and truly love coming to work. I feel supported, valued, and aligned. My residents come first, always — but I’m surrounded by people who share that commitment. And that’s something really special.”
