A Community Built on Love, Curiosity, and Joy
Thirteen years of caring for Austin's seniors — and we're still as passionate about this work as the day we opened our doors in 2012.
Thirteen years of caring for Austin's seniors — and we're still as passionate about this work as the day we opened our doors in 2012.
Dr. Maya Fernandez was a paediatrician and her husband Samuel a geriatrician. Between them, they had spent decades caring for people at the very beginning and very end of life. They were struck by how similar the needs were: warmth, play, creativity, connection, and above all, the feeling of being truly known.
When they looked at existing care homes in Austin, they saw functional facilities — but rarely joyful ones. They believed they could do better. Fernlea Plus opened in 2012 with an intentionally joyful design — bright colours, laughter-filled corridors, a garden built for wandering, and a kitchen that smells extraordinary at all hours.
Today, under Dr. Maya's continued directorship, Fernlea Plus is home to 76 residents and a team of over 40 dedicated staff. The joy has never dimmed.
These four principles guide every decision we make, every care plan we write, and every conversation we have.
Every interaction — from medication rounds to mealtimes — is delivered with genuine human warmth. We train for clinical excellence but hire for kindness.
We protect the dignity of every resident every day. That means respecting preferences, honouring routines, and never rushing what cannot be rushed.
We believe creativity is a human need at every age. Our programming, spaces, and menus are all designed to spark curiosity and delight.
Loneliness is a health crisis. We actively build community — between residents, families, staff, and the wider Austin neighbourhood we love.
Our leadership team brings together clinical expertise, operational excellence, and a shared passion for making older people's lives as rich and meaningful as possible.
Director Maya Fernandez has maintained clinical registration as a nurse practitioner alongside her leadership role. She believes that great care leadership must stay rooted in the reality of daily caregiving — so she still takes a ward round every Friday morning, just as she always has.
Every leader at Fernlea Plus has completed Dementia Care Matters' accreditation and holds regular team learning sessions. We invest in our people because our people are our care.
Paediatrician turned senior care pioneer. Leads with heart and clinical rigour in equal measure.
Over 20 years of geriatric nursing. Champions evidence-based care with deep compassion.
Former occupational therapist. Designs programmes that nourish mind, body, and spirit every week.
Bilingual (English/Spanish). Your first call for questions, visits, care updates, or simply a chat.
Words and photos only go so far. We'd love to welcome you for a tour, a coffee, and an honest conversation about what your family needs.