Imee Abelarde

Fifteen years focused on geriatrics

I grew up in Laguna, Philippines, where I first found my interest in health and wellness. I trained as a physical therapist at the University of Perpetual Help System, building a strong foundation in rehabilitative care. For more than fifteen years since, geriatrics has been my focus: helping older adults regain the mobility and independence that pain or illness can take away.

Communication is half the treatment

One thing I see often with elderly patients is confusion and anxiety that comes from not understanding their own treatment plan. I make a point of explaining what we are doing and why, in plain language, so patients stay involved in their own recovery instead of feeling left out of it.

My core values are compassion, integrity, excellence, empowerment, and collaboration: working closely with families and the rest of the care team so nothing falls through the cracks. A line I keep close: “It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.”

Outside of work

When I am not at Maxicare, I enjoy traveling and exploring new places, spending quality time with my family, home decorating, and organizing memorable get-togethers for the people I love. A rerun of Friends or Game of Thrones is usually on in the background.