Luke Gilligan
In recent years, the "Dementia Friendly" concept has gained significant traction, reflecting a collective effort to create inclusive communities that support individuals living with dementia. While this is encouraging, as this movement grows, it feels necessary to reflect on why creating a Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania is important not only to myself, but also for everyone living in Pennsylvania.
For many, dementia often hits close to home. My family does not have a history of dementia, but I was blessed to have a mother who encouraged me to volunteer in care communities, which led to my passion for care. In high school I began working in care communities and later became a respite caregiver. Witnessing the challenges faced by loved ones, care partners, and individuals who are navigating the complexities of daily life with dementia served as a reminder of the urgent need for societal change when it comes to dementia care, accessibility, and inclusivity.
After high school, I started a company called Resense. Our mission is to bring comfort and joy for those living with dementia. We create products and resources for these individuals while also providing free resources through the Resense Foundation. Over the past few years, with Resense, I have connected with hundreds of care partners, family members, mental health professionals, and individuals living with dementia. During these conversations, a common theme is expressed: we need more resources. At an event this past fall, a family came up to me in tears. They explained that they were the primary caregivers for their father who recently passed. They also expressed that they wish they had more resources to care for their father properly. This conversation is one of many that I have had recently, and while heartbreaking, it highlights the reason why creating a Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania is important to me.
A dementia friendly society is synonymous with education, inclusivity, and accessibility. This means creating communities that are committed to embracing and advocating for individuals living with dementia, healthcare professionals, and care partners. It is a society that provides comprehensive support for the family that I interacted with by helping them in a time when they are the most vulnerable. Beyond the altruistic motivations, there is also a pragmatic reason to create a Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania. By actively addressing the needs of these individuals living with dementia, we can simultaneously decrease the strain on healthcare workers and care partners. This is an investment in the sustainability of our communities.
To me, creating a Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania also reflects our shared humanity. We are not just working to enhance these individuals' lives, but we are creating a society that has empathy and greater understanding for people who are often overlooked and underserved. We are helping family members who might feel lost, the individuals living with dementia who might feel scared, and the healthcare workers who feel exhausted. Through Dementia Friendly efforts, we can cultivate a sense of belonging, strengthen the unity of our communities, and break down the barriers of isolation that many of these individuals, family members, and care partners experience daily.
My motto in life is “influence, inspire, and inform”, because if you can change your community, ultimately you can make the world a better place. I am proud to be a part of Dementia Friendly PA because they are doing just that.