Jonaliza Seguirra, health care aide

Ensuring residents feel valued and uplifted, Jonaliza Seguirra always walks into Mary Immaculate Care Centre with a warm smile and greets each resident by name. She knows one resident loves a good game of crib, so she sets aside time to shuffle the cards and pay a round with him before supper. Another resident prefers spending her afternoons at the puzzle table, so Jonaliza guides her there and pulls up a chair to help place a few pieces while they chat. Later while brushing another resident’s hair, Jonaliza asks her about her grandchildren and watch her eyes light up with joy. Every choice Jonaliza makes is guided by the residents’ voices ensuring their days reflect not just care, but also dignity, comfort and belonging.

During afternoon rounds, Jonaliza noticed a resident sitting quietly at the edge of the common room with shoulders slumped and eyes downcast. Instead of rushing past, she paused and asked if they would like some company. Sensing the resident’s sadness, she sat side by side and listened patiently offering reassurance and comfort without judgement. By the end of the visit, the resident’s posture had lifted, and the room felt lighter.

During the evening routine, Jonaliza noticed a new resident hesitating in the doorway to the dining room, clearly overwhelmed by the noise and activity inside. She offered them an arm and asked if they would prefer a quieter space. They found a calm corner where the resident could eat in peace.