Catherine is transforming life for relatives – manager Maria Alm was behind the winning nomination

This interview was conducted in December 2024, shortly after the announcement that Catherine Emödi Berglund was the winner in the nurse category of the Queen Silvia Nursing Award 2024. Maria Alm, Catherine’s manager, shares her reasons for nominating Catherine and the significant work she has done for relatives of individuals with Lewy body dementia.

What is your position, and what is your relationship to Catherine?

I am the head of the department for elderly care in Danderyd Municipality and Catherine Emödi Berglund’s immediate supervisor since 2018.

What was your first thought when you learned that Catherine had won the nurse category of the QSNA 2024?

My first thought was WOW – this award is truly made for her dedication and tireless work for people with cognitive impairments and their relatives. In particular, her unique work for the families of individuals with Lewy body dementia deserves to be highlighted. I was genuinely moved. She is absolutely worthy of winning the Queen Silvia Nursing Award.

What was the decisive reason you chose to nominate Catherine for the Queen Silvia Nursing Award?

Catherine’s passionate work for people with dementia and cognitive decline, as well as their families, is a brilliant example of how something good can spread and benefit others. She has tireless energy and never gives up when faced with challenges. She thinks innovatively, rethinks, and is a true ambassador. She’s great at inspiring and convincing others to join her. She’s not afraid of change and is a real idea generator. For her, relatives and loved ones come first, and ensuring they receive the best possible care and support is her goal—and she makes it a shared goal for everyone involved.

How have you seen Catherine contribute to the development of her role as leader of the support groups for relatives of people with Lewy Body disease?

Catherine created this unique group initiative and has ensured continued research connection by frequently inviting Elisabeth Londos to these groups. She has helped the group activity grow and has also trained others in Stockholm County to lead Lewy body groups. Catherine has recognized and addressed the specific needs of a group of relatives who don’t always feel represented by the standard care system, as the symptoms their loved ones experience differ so much from those seen in other dementia conditions.

What unique qualities do you think Catherine possesses that make her particularly well-suited for this work?

Conviction, vibrant energy, and specialized expertise in all areas that a Silvia nurse should have—she spreads knowledge in a way few others can. Catherine also understands the importance of promoting what one believes in.

How have you seen Catherine make a difference for relatives?

A tremendous difference! Catherine’s groups and networks reach a great number of relatives and provide them with support they might otherwise have missed.

In what way do you think Catherine’s work can inspire others in the care sector?

Catherine demonstrates that it is absolutely possible to act on an idea—to go from idea to action—and to start a small group focused on such a specific area as Lewy body dementia, and then help it grow, first within the municipality, then through networking, and then by expanding the group even further beyond the municipality to more and more groups across other parts of Stockholm County. She also shows that it’s possible to work in a knowledge-based way with close ties to research—tirelessly and in an exemplary manner!