In a significant stride towards addressing the needs of geriatric care of elderly nuns in India, the Conference of Religious Women India (CRWI) collaborated with St. John’s Medical College and St. John’s College of Nursing, Bangalore, to conduct a transformative Training of Trainers (TOT) program on Geriatric Care. This pioneering initiative, funded by the Hilton Foundation, was held from November 11 to November 30, 2024 , at the esteemed St. John’s College of Nursing in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Program Highlights
The TOT program witnessed the participation of 41 religious sister nurses from 20 congregations, uniting healthcare professionals dedicated to improving the quality of elderly care. The comprehensive training aimed to empower these caregivers with the skills, knowledge, and compassion necessary to support the elderly, focusing on both physical and spiritual well-being.
Objectives
- Understand the principles of geriatric care.
- Learn about common health challenges faced by the elderly.
- Develop practical skills for holistic elderly care.
- Recognize the importance of spirituality in geriatric caregiving.
Interactive Methodology and Key Topics
The 20-day intensive training program combined classroom lectures, practical sessions, and exposure visits to foster experiential learning. Highlights included:
- Lectures by Leading Experts: Topics ranged from end-of-life care, nutrition, and orthopaedic care to geriatric dermatology and spiritual care.
- Hands-on Training: Skills like wound care, bandaging, and managing dementia were demonstrated and practiced.
- Exposure Visits: Participants engaged with the elderly at care centers like the Nightingales Center for Ageing and Alzheimer’s and Little Sisters of the Poor.
- Interactive Sessions: Discussions on ethics, communication, and caregiver stress management added depth to the training.
Achievements
The program successfully:
- Equipped participants with cutting-edge geriatric care techniques.
- Enhanced participants\' understanding of the elderly’s holistic needs.
- Provided hands-on exposure to real-world caregiving scenarios.
- Fostered a supportive learning community across congregations.
Participants lauded the initiative for its meticulous organization, expert facilitators, and practical relevance. Certificates awarded at the conclusion of the program underscored its value and credibility.
A Step Towards Compassionate Care
The TOT on Geriatric Care underscored the vital role of healthcare professionals in enriching the lives of the elderly.
By combining technical expertise with spiritual and emotional care, this program has set a benchmark for geriatric training in India.
Empowering care, enriching lives – the journey continues!