Judy Southon mentors people who have loved ones with dementia and need support: from communication strategies, knowing next steps with the system to adjusting to this new way of life. As a primary care-giver and dedicated advocate for her husband who developed dementia 6 years ago and passed away in a long term care facility in September, 2011, Judy knows what it's like to be faced with the confusion, frustration, exhaustion and inconsolable sadness that come with this life challenge. She has chosen to stay involved and contibutes by chairing a Home Advisory Committee at the facility that became a large part of her life while her husband lived there. Judy now mentors people who have loved ones with dementia and need support: from communication strategies, knowing next steps with the system to adjusting to this new way of life. Just has served as one of the spokespersons for the Ontario Alzheimer's Society during awareness campaigns, provided her insights about home caregiver stress for a recent Health Council of Canada report and has spoken to caregiver groups. She is currently writing a book about her experience, focusing on the gifts this experience has provided to her. Judy has combined her previous teaching and project management skills combined with all that she learned from the many books she has read about changing the culture of dementia care, research seminars and conferences attended and of course being with the beautiful residents in long term care who have taught her so much.
