Seniors Award - 2011/2012

Margaret Baulch is a vibrant volunteer at Alzheimer’s Australia Vic (AAV).  Her involvement began after her husband was diagnosed with ‘Alzheimer’s type dementia’ in 1999.  Margaret accessed AAV’s services for her own needs as a carer and very soon became active as an ambassador for the organisation on many levels, always wanting to give back.

Margaret became a member of AAV’s Consumer Reference Group, being a voice for the group as well as a strong link between the organisation and what is happening in the lives of people with dementia and their carers.

Wanting to ‘spread the word’ and to assist in lifting the stigma of dementia Margaret became a community speaker volunteer for AAV and has presented many awareness raising talks promoting AAV services to many different audience groups.  These have included church and Probus groups seeking an understanding of the AAV’s organisation and  services through to and including doctors and allied health professionals. By presenting a carer’s personal perspective Margaret has contributed to the knowledge of these varied groups.

Still wanting to present in a positive way her wealth of knowledge and experience as a carer Margaret assists AAV’s Education team by spending time with students of medicine educating them to be caring and understanding GPs when consulting with a person with dementia, their family, friends and carers.

During Margaret’s time as a carer she saw the need for peer support and decided to establish and facilitate a carer’s support group bringing together twelve carers.  This group is still together with ten members all still valuing the support of each other.

Margaret also regularly volunteers on the National Dementia Helpline.  In this role she responds to a range of callers who could be health professionals accessing resources and referrals to our services, the ‘worried public’ seeking information, or carers receiving the support of a listening ear, reassurance and access to AAV’s services.

Margaret’s commitment to the community, her ability to be a positive role model to carers experiencing similar issues and problems and her dedication to make a difference all add up to creating a very worthy recipient of the Rotary Club of Melbourne 2011-2012 Seniors Award.