About
The Journey Of An Aching Heart, Through A New Leaf is a must read that will be appreciated by a vast range of readers.
A formerly wealthy, elite lady, Kate Johnson Lee describes her last lap in life as she goes into an Aged Care Facility, also known as a Nursing Home and the life she experiences there. She also talks about some fellow residents she lived with during that time, their different backgrounds and the difficulties they all faced due changes in lifestyle, health, capabilities, and other aspects.
Kate explains her interactions with the staff in Aged Care, as well as observations in general of staff-residents’ interactions. Unexpected events occur and she watches herself deteriorate, with mixed feelings of regret, reflecting on what she could have done to prepare for such a time as this, loss of quality of life and some anticipation of going to meet her late husband after departing from Mother Earth.
Kate represents multitudes of Aged Care residents and some of their experiences including emotions that can or cannot be interpreted. Some suffer in silence due to lack of verbal communication towards the end of life, worsened by the inability to express their thoughts as well as emotions or feelings.
A must read that will be appreciated by a vast range of readers. It will somehow change your approach to your interactions with the older persons, whether they are loved ones or recipients of services being offered. It will also help you have other considerations as you plan for your retirement.
Gladys is a charismatic Aged Care leader. Her field of expertise spreads over Nursing, Administration, Management, Clinical Governance, Heading Clinical Operations and Client Services. She is actively involved in ensuring compliance in the Aged Care Industry. As a Senior Executive, she has been instrumental in influencing the direction the Aged Care organisation she represents take, to remain competitive and continue achieving outstanding outcomes across all key aspects, including consumer satisfaction, occupancy, funding, accreditation, company growth as well as staff satisfaction. She believes in effective leadership development and ensuring the Managers in Aged Care and their teams provide exceptional care and lifestyle services. Gladys pioneered the Twilight Family Model Of Care in 2018 resulting in a major culture shift from task-focused to effective person-centered practice. Her passion in Aged Care led her into writing this book, “The Journey Of An Aching Heart, Through A New Leaf”, and communicate the importance of exceptional care to the world
" Congratulations Gladys for shedding more light and reminding us to plan and prepare and take control of our future whilst we are in the best mind and strength to do so. This book carries so much wisdom and powerful messages that will transform many lives, families and health industry. Thank you Gladys Kadzutu-Maseko. You are a blessing to me and many people. Keep shining."
- Pastor Tendayi Ganga, CEO Born To Shine
" Huge Congratulations Gladys KM You are truly an inspiration we young generation could look up to... !
Your passion for continuous improvement inspires us..!
Its a 
rating book..!
It makes you reflect on what we have been doing which seemed to be standard practice however, are we really giving person centred care that we always talk about ??
After reading book and knowing from resident’s prospective it made me realise to consider on the practices What I thought to be best practice...!!
More Power to You ..! 
."
- Elina Shrestha, Registered Nurse
" Well done Gladys. The book makes you stop and think. It has some key messages in it for Older people, Staff and Managers. It is very real. A great teaching and mentoring aid. What stood out for me in particular was the impact of depression. I'm glad you wrote it. I look forward to the other books. "
- Michele Moreau, Clinical Governance Advisor
"I have just had the pleasure of reading “The journey of an aching heart, through a new leaf” authored by Gladys Kadzutu-Maseko, who has the full depth of understanding of the aged-care field, covering nursing, clinical operations and administration. The book takes us through the eyes of a resident who initially comes in as a temporary resident, only to undergo an unexpected fall which results in hospitalization and eventual relocation to an aged care home. The experience that Gladys has is clearly expressed in this narration. She aptly describes the pitfalls that aged care homes are routinely liable to experience, and brings to light that, besides providing food, personal care and accommodation, they need to provide a personalized interaction due to the loneliness that the resident is bound to feel in view of her possibly “unwilling” relocation. The new standards of care which cater for customised care models and flexibility in dealing with different residents are introduced. This book is a “must” read for all those working in the aged care industry as well as those likely to be dealing with choices to be made for admitting one of their own into these facilities. Its publication is so timely given the considerable attention that the aged care industry is currently receiving in Australia."
- Dilip Shah, Australia
"I stumbled into nursing and ended up in Aged Care due to convinience of fixed shifts as a single mom. I later fell in love with the industry and the people I have cared and learnt from in the 14years I have worked in Aged Care. I was excited to read this book because it gives a perspective of the person, their thoughts, emotions, their history and mostly their choices which is quite often not considered in Aged Care. I would encourage every Aged care worker to read this book and think about how their actions impact on receipient’s choices. Their humanity and dignity should be maintained in order for us to say we have done a good job at caring. Thank you Gladys for this eye opening book."
- Samantha Zigora, Clinical Director
"This is an amazing book about the day to day living of people in Aged Care Facilities and it also gives us insight into not only the ones who are being cared for but those who care for them as well. A quick read and very exciting i really look forward to Part 2 of this ."
- Wallace Mwapamba, Australia
"I just went to the website and listened to the interview Gladys K Maseko had, on this book. It is definitely a powerful book and I can relate to every word she said in the interview. Having had experience in aged care, though as a staff member, I developed relationships with my residents and they definitely share their journeys that are heartbreaking. Thanks for shedding a light in this and hopefully the book will reach as many people as you intended."
- Lisa Maswanhise, Australia
"Thank you for an amazing book. The moment I started reading the book I could not put it down. It is such an engaging and flawless book that can be read by any level! Yet it is so powerful and speaks to the core of every individual whether you are in the aged care industry or not. It made me rethink about my parents future as well as my own when I grow older. So much learning packed in this book for every human being as ageing is inevitable for all."
- Jacquie Musuka, Western Australia
"What an easy but deep, beautiful and thought provoking read!! The author, Gladys Kadzutu Maseko, who happens to be a former Nursing School class mate, left me hanging, wanting to read and learn more from this thought provoking story!! Affected both personally (as my mother’s child and my kids' parent) and professionally as a caregiver! Well done Gladys , I knew you were going to make a difference to our profession. Am super proud it’s a big honour to get a signed copy and be one of the 1st to read."
- Stella Pesanai, United Kingdom