Hickey was inspired to support Dementia Australia after her father was diagnosed with dementia in 2017 and her family accessed support from the organisation.
“When Dad was first diagnosed with dementia, we didn’t really know where to turn,” Hickey said.
“I ended up accessing The Dementia Guide through Dementia Australia and that changed everything.
“Having a better understanding of dementia is an integral part of dealing with it.”
“Sadly, we lost Dad last year. It’s very mixed emotions with dementia because we had been saying goodbye to him for years.”
Since 2021 Hickey has helped Dementia Australia’s fundraising and awareness efforts through social media posts and last year she lent her voice to The Dementia Guide audiobook.
Recently she took part in a demonstration of EDIE VR, Dementia Australia’s award-winning Educational Dementia Immersive Experience virtual reality tool used in workshop education sessions with aged care workers nationally and internationally.
“The EDIE VR was very confronting and a real eye-opener to what it must be like to live with the challenges of dementia,” she said.
“It helped me to understand a bit more of what my Dad’s day-to-day reality might have been.”
Dementia Australia Chief Operating Officer Anthony Boffa said he was delighted to welcome Geraldine as a Dementia Australia Ambassador.
“I warmly welcome Geraldine’s appointment as a Dementia Australia Ambassador and acknowledge her commitment to making a difference to the lives of people of all ages living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers,” Mr Boffa said.
“All of our extraordinary Patrons and Ambassadors are motivated by the impact dementia has had on their own lives and volunteer their time to generously support others. They are truly an inspiration.”
If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.
