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Imelda is an experienced Dementia Advocate, a voluntary role she has fulfilled since caring for her husband during his journey with young onset Alzheimer’s disease, which culminated in his death aged 68 in 2016. Over the past twelve years, Imelda has spoken up for carers and for those living with dementia in all forms of media, including television, radio, speaking at conferences, forums, seminars and workshops, guest lecturing, printed articles, and she has been published, both in her own right and as a co-author, in research journals.
Imelda is particularly passionate about the need to provide the very best in palliative care and end-of-life care for those living with dementia. In this context she is involved with researchers in a number of universities across Australia and overseas, and continues to make a significant ongoing contribution as a member of consumer advisory groups and committees, as well as sitting on a medical research ethics committee. Over the past three years, Imelda has been active as a member of the Australian Digital Health Agency Consumer Advisory Group, as well as sitting on sitting on a Clinical Governance Committee. She is also active as a pastoral care volunteer in two nursing homes, offering spiritual support to people living with dementia in the late stage of their lives and she facilitates a support group for carers of people living with dementia. |