Dementia training for caregivers amid rising demand

A surge in the number of elderly Barbadians living with dementia and Alzheimer’s has prompted the Community Elderly Care Programme to roll out comprehensive training for all 435 of its caregivers, as demand for specialist care reaches unprecedented levels.

Speaking on the sidelines of a workshop at the UWI Cave Hill 3Ws Oval, George Griffith, coordinator of the programme under the National Assistance Board, told Barbados TODAY that the training was essential, as cases of dementia have steadily increased since the initiative began.

“When we first started, one in every three applicants for the service was a person with dementia,” Griffith explained. “Now it is one in every two. We suspect that number will grow.”

The workshop, part of an ongoing series, included sessions on both dementia management and caregiver self-care. Dr Lana Husbands, Barbados’ only female gerontologist, led the morning session, while psychologist Janelle Chase-Mayers conducted the afternoon training.

“We want to make sure that our elder care companions or caregivers are equipped with the information and skill so that they are able to render the service that is most appropriate for that older person,” Griffith said.

He stressed that the aim is to ensure that caregivers – known as elder care companions – are fully equipped to support clients in their own homes for as long as possible.

“We want to make sure our elder care companions are equipped with the information and skills so that they are able to render the service that is most appropriate for that older person,” he said. “People do better when they remain in their own homes, in familiar environments, surrounded by friends and relatives.”

The programme, now in its fifth year, currently serves nearly 900 clients across all 30 constituencies. Each constituency is allocated 15 caregivers, supported by a network of 15 supervisors who each oversee two constituencies. Griffith acknowledged that with the rising demand for care – especially from clients with advanced dementia – resources are stretched thin.

“There are some people who need intensive care – they cannot feed themselves, get to the bathroom, or take in fluids without help. Ideally, each caregiver would serve two or three clients per day, but in some cases one person needs constant, full-day attention,” he noted.

Despite these challenges, Griffith said the training will continue until all caregivers have received it, likely by September. Further, more advanced training is already in the pipeline.

“Once this training is completed, then we will go to a more in-depth level of training. So training is going to be ongoing and we are very happy with the turnout this morning.”

He also called for greater collaboration with the private sector and NGOs to establish more day-care facilities for the elderly, similar to what is being planned for the old children’s home in Sterling, St Philip.

“The market is really ripe for that kind of investment,” Griffith said. “In other parts of the world, the private sector is providing this kind of service – it pays for itself. People would rather pay for day-care than $3 000 or $4 000 a month for nursing homes.”

He added: “This programme is about more than physical care. It’s about companionship, dignity, and ensuring our elderly population receives the support and appreciation they deserve as they age.”

louriannegraham@barbadostoday.bb