Working Life: Caring for a family member with dementia can be overwhelming and emotional 

Julie Greene, lead tutor, learning and development team, Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI)

Julie Greene, lead tutor, learning and development team, Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI)

“I left school aged 16, so I didn’t follow the traditional career path. I started as a carer, but regular remarks that ‘You’d make a great nurse, Julie’ prompted me to go back and do my Leaving Cert, which I did, aged 20, and qualified as a nurse three years later. I subsequently worked in palliative care in Ireland and Britain.

“By the time I reached my 40s, I felt a bit burned out. It was around the time a relative was diagnosed with dementia. I reached out to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) and was offered some part-time work. What started as a few hours on its helpline gave me the confidence to put myself forward when the ASI was looking for a part-time tutor. I learned an awful lot from answering those calls and having those conversations

“After getting the tutor job, I went back to college, aged 50, to do a master’s in integrated health and social care. I love learning, and with the number of tutors now at 12, I enjoy working with the team.

“My role as lead tutor involves supporting family carers through both face-to-face and online training programmes, which run for seven weeks. Caring for a family member with dementia can be overwhelming and emotional at times. It’s not unusual to see a few tears during the first week.

“By week seven, however, we usually see more resilience and a greater sense of confidence. The support provided by the programme and other participants helps carers feel better equipped to cope and not so alone.

“I also deliver dementia awareness training to businesses and community organisations to help people better understand the condition and how to support those living with it.

“Currently, I am preparing with the team for the 36th Alzheimer Europe Conference, due to take place at the Dublin Convention Centre from October 27 to 29. I will be speaking at the conference, and I’m excited to take part in an event that brings people together to share knowledge, shape policy, and drive innovation in treatment and care.

“Outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors. I recently relocated from Dublin to Galway, and I intend to learn how to swim so I can get into sea swimming in lovely Galway Bay.”