Meet Jura Michael, Administrator at The Waterford Communities (thewaterford.net) at Williamsburg and Wilderness Hills.
Tell us a little about your business. – In the heart of Lincoln, The Waterford at Williamsburg and The Waterford at Wilderness Hills Memory Care stand as beacons of compassionate senior care. At the helm of these family-owned communities is me, Jura Michael, an administrator whose nearly 30 years of experience embodies dedication, hard work, and a true passion for serving the elderly population.
The Waterford at Williamsburg offers 40 apartments, creating a warm, home-like atmosphere where residents can thrive. At Wilderness Hills Memory Care, the community is even more intimate, with 16 apartments designed to foster close-knit connections among residents. This scale allows me to ensure personalized, dignified care for every elder.
Our mission is to provide a place where seniors can age in place with grace and independence. We are driven by a passion for creating a sense of home, whether it’s through the relationships we build or the environment we maintain.
How did you get started in the business? – My career began nearly 30 years ago as a dietary aide, but my journey into senior care was far from linear. Over the decades, I deliberately immersed myself in nearly every role within the field—working as a nursing assistant, a medication aide and even in social services. Each position gave me a new perspective and a deeper understanding of the intricate needs of both residents and staff.
I found my true passion in this work early on. Through every role, I gained insight into how we can provide better care and create a more meaningful experience for our elders. It’s been a journey of growth and purpose that led me to administration.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – One of the most significant obstacles I have faced is addressing outdated stereotypes about assisted living. For so many people, assisted living is still associated with the old image of a ‘nursing home’—a dark, lonely place. My grandmother felt the same way and resisted the idea of moving into care, but the reality today is so different. Assisted living communities are vibrant, dignified and designed to offer residents independence and choice. It’s not about taking something away—it’s about enhancing their lives. Educating families and residents about these modern realities has become an essential part of my role. Combating loneliness, boredom and depression among elders is just as critical as providing physical care.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I love hands on work and most of my achievements are not in policies or systems, but in the relationships I have formed over the years! You end up becoming part of the residents’ families and their loved ones’ families. That connection is incredibly rewarding—it’s what motivates me every day.
Tell us a little about your family. – I’m a proud mother of three children, all of whom share her passion for caring for the elderly population! And, my family will soon be growing! I’m becoming a grandmother as soon as well. I couldn’t be prouder of my children. To see them inspired by the same work I love is the greatest gift
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Contact the Waterford Communities at (402) 423-0000 | home@thewaterford.net | thewaterford.net.