Lisa Poole

Collaborator, Contributor, Community Champion

Lisa Poole has her own story of impact, having lived experience as a care partner for her father John, who lived with vascular dementia.

Why are you so dedicated to this cause?

“I am devoted to the cause because I have experienced first-hand the impact of dementia on people living with dementia and their families.”

What did you notice in your dad that reminded you it was “still him” despite his dementia symptoms?

“One of the things we noticed about my father was that he loved to be outside.  Even when communication became more difficult, there was a noticeable change in his facial expression and the look in his eyes when he was outside in the fresh air.

My father was a “people-person” and loved helping others.  When he was living in a care home, one of the other residents was having a difficult time adjusting.  At this time my father no longer had the ability to speak but he would take the gentleman by the hand to make him feel better and they would walk up and down the hallways together.”

A little about Lisa:

Lisa’s seemingly boundless energy, passion and dedication to this cause inspires nearly everyone she meets.  Her vision and exemplary support creates bold new initiatives, such as Dementia Connections Magazine. Lisa’s efforts raise public awareness, help reduce stigma, and ensures more people have access to the expertise and resources they need.  

Lisa devotes her time to countless volunteer endeavours, including Dementia Network Calgary’s Strategic Council, the Glencoe Club Dementia Advisory Group and Alzheimer Calgary’s Board of Directors.

In recent years, she has also co-chaired Dementia Advocacy Canada and been involved in Alberta Seniors’ Health Research Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) Steering Group; AGE-WELL’s Older Adult and Caregiver Advisory Committee; the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement (CFHI) Community Based Dementia Working Group; Gordie Howe C.A.R.E.S.; and Brenda Strafford Foundation’s Dementia Friendly Communities Initiative Committee.

Lisa, thank you for all you have done, and continue to do, for our community.

Photography shows Lisa with her father, John.

Photo credit: Laura Colpitts