Turning Pain into Purpose: Helen McDavitt’s Story

Behind every professional working in dementia care, there is often a personal story. For Helen McDavitt, that story spans three generations of her family and has shaped both her life and her career.

Helen’s journey with dementia began in the 1990s, when her grandmother started to show signs of paranoia and vulnerability. At the time, it was confusing and frightening. Her grandmother sadly passed away in 1997.

A decade later, the family faced another devastating challenge when Helen’s father, Keith, began to change. He became withdrawn, angry, and often aggressive. Although never formally diagnosed with dementia, the emotional toll on the family was enormous. Keith passed away in 2014.

For many, this kind of experience would have been overwhelming. For Helen, it became a turning point. Rather than letting the pain consume her, she channelled it into purpose. She trained as a nurse and dedicated herself to dementia care, determined to support other families through what she had already endured.

Then, in 2024, dementia returned once again. Helen’s mother, Ann, was diagnosed. This third experience so close to home intensified Helen’s worries for her own future, particularly as she navigates the menopause — a life stage that can sometimes be confused with early dementia symptoms.

Yet, through it all, Helen has remained steadfast. For the past seven years, she has worked as a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse with Dementia UK, guiding families through the daily realities of the condition.

In her own words:

“I finally had a chance to make something good out of something really bad.”

Helen’s story is a powerful reminder that the people supporting families living with dementia often carry their own lived experiences. Her resilience, empathy, and dedication are helping countless families feel less alone — and that is something truly worth recognising.