January 19, 2023
Maria Genevieh Lata has worked in multiple areas of health care. As the VP of operations and administrator at Freedom Home Health Care, she enjoys working in long-term care and makes a positive difference in the lives of many every day. Additionally, she is a member of the 2022-2023 IHCA Executive Health Care Leadership Institute.
How did you get started in the long-term care profession?
I became a certified nursing assistant (CNA) when I was going to nursing school. From there, I worked at different places, including a long-term care facility, rehab facility, hospital and eventually settled in home care.
What do you like most about working in long-term care?
I love the reward at the end of the day. Making a difference in peoples’ lives, even as simple as a smile on their face, is such a good feeling. Being in a leadership position, I can touch every avenue, helping employees and also clients.
What would you tell others to encourage them to consider a career in long-term care?
It won’t be easy, but the reward that you get by helping others should be enough for you to see how much of a difference you can make in someone’s life.
What lessons have you learned working in long-term care that also help outside of work?
I learned how to deal with different types of people and different personalities from different types of generations. I have learned to be more patient in life and to also enjoy everything life has to offer.
When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
I love to travel! My husband and I like to try new and local restaurants in town as much as we can. I enjoy spending time with my family, but since I’ve gotten older, I cherish the quiet time I have at home with my husband.
What is your favorite quote and why?
“Our lives are stories in which we write, direct and star in the leading role. Some chapters are happy while others bring lessons to learn, but we always have the power to be the heroes of our own adventures.”
Moving to another country at the age of 16 was a big change and adjustment for me. No matter what life throws at you, I learned that life is not always going to be full of flowers and sunshine. I will make my own story, enjoy it and am thankful the life God has given.
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