Meet an Advocate- Imelda Gilmore

The following contribution was written by Dementia Advocate Imelda Gilmore.

It’s now almost six years since my husband died from younger onset Alzheimer’s disease. I knew nothing about this disease, except that it was “something old people get.” Early in the journey, I learned that, apparently, I was a carer.

I also discovered that there was an organisation [then] called Alzheimer’s Australia and for the first time I had access to information about this disease. Most importantly, through their help, I learned how to advocate for my husband to ensure that he had access to the best possible care and his quality of life was the best it could be.

After his death, I knew that I wanted to do something to ensure that his experience would help to make a difference for those following him on this journey – I didn’t want it to be just a sad story.   Through Dementia Australia, I’ve had opportunities to attend workshops, join research projects as a consumer, write magazine articles and do interviews about all sorts of issues connected with living with dementia.

I find this a great opportunity to come alongside those who are either caring for someone or experiencing the disease.

Anytime there’s a conversation about dementia, I’m ready to speak up and help people understand more about what it’s like to live with the disease.

When I meet people who just don’t know where to turn for help, I tell them about what I learned on the journey, and I encourage them to connect with Dementia Australia through the National Dementia Helpline or the website.

If I can offer hope by letting them know that there is “someone to come alongside”, helping them discover that you don’t have to do it alone: that makes it all worthwhile for me.