Manipal College of Nursing Trains Caregivers on World Alzheimer’s Day
Manipal, September 23, 2023: In observance of World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, 2023, Manipal College of Nursing (MCON) joined hands with Dr. AV Baliga Memorial Hospital to orchestrate a hands-on training program.
The initiative aimed to equip caregivers with essential skills for tending to older adults grappling with dementia in the Udupi district. The event unfolded at Dr. AV Baliga Memorial Hospital, embodying a concerted effort to fortify informal caregivers and elevate the safety and quality of care extended to elderly individuals dealing with dementia.
This endeavor not only underscores the importance of supporting caregivers but also aligns seamlessly with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 3 – Good Health & Wellbeing.
Caring for elderly individuals afflicted by dementia is acknowledged to be a demanding and intricate task. Dr. Elsa Sanatombi Devi, Professor at Manipal College of Nursing and Director of the FAIMER International Institute MAHE, emphasized that lapses in training often translate to instances of abuse, neglect, and substandard care from informal caregivers. Hence, cultivating a well-prepared informal caregiver workforce is imperative to address the escalating needs of this demographic.
Dr. P Venkataraya Bhandary, Director and Psychiatrist at Dr. AV Baliga Memorial Hospital, echoed these concerns, underlining the necessity for the informal workforce to possess a sound foundation of knowledge and skills.
The program’s inauguration witnessed the presence of Dr. RV Baliga, Trustee of Dr. AV Baliga Memorial Charities & Kamal Baliga Charitable Trust, Mumbai. Dr. Baliga underscored the criticality of community-level care for older adults grappling with dementia, and advocated for governmental measures to bolster elderly care centers, ensuring dignified and comprehensive care.
The training session featured Clarita Shynal Martis, Prathibha Lydia Braggs, Seelia Peter, and Sreenidhi Jogi, Ph.D. scholars from Manipal College of Nursing. Through live demonstrations of advanced care techniques, these scholars empowered caregivers, enhancing their proficiency and comprehension of elderly dementia care within a home setting.
About 60 caregivers actively participated in the program, eager to augment the quality of care provided to their elderly charges.
The program was coordinated by Soujanya Shetty, Administrative Officer, Dr AV Baliga Memorial Hospital, who took a major role in organising the event.
