Consumer and Older Person Voice
“Madelon (Del) Heuke OAM is an experienced registered nurse whose distinguished career has encompassed aged care, rehabilitation, psychogeriatrics and dementia care. Following her nursing training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Del served with the RAAF Nursing Service, including aviation evacuation work in Malaysia and Vietnam, and later volunteered as a nurse in communities in Papua New Guinea. Her subsequent career included aged care and aged rehabilitation before progressing to the role of Clinical Nurse Consultant in Psychogeriatrics on the Mid North Coast.
Del has undertaken extensive postgraduate study in the care of older people, including a postgraduate nursing degree and Graduate Diploma in Gerontics from Monash University and further study in the psychiatry of old age. Her professional contribution has included commissioning a specialist unit for confused and distressed older people at Wingham and contributing to the development of an assessment tool for non-verbal adults living with dementia. She was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her service as an advocate for veterans and her contribution to dementia care education.
As a member of the EL Care Advisory Council, Del brings a lifetime of practical clinical experience together with a deep understanding of the needs of older and vulnerable people. Throughout her career, she has been a determined advocate for the dignity, wellbeing and rights of those in her care, and her presence on the Council will help ensure that the interests and experiences of older people are strongly represented in its discussions and recommendations. Del is passionate about ensuring every older Australian is treated as an individual and receives compassionate, respectful and high-quality care, making her an invaluable voice as EL Care continues to develop and strengthen the services it provides.”