Training at MITD: Enhancing Support for Alzheimer’s & Dementia Patients

The Mauritius Institute of Training and Development (MITD) has launched a new course aimed at individuals caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This inaugural training session, which features around 20 participants, commenced on July 11 and will conclude on September 19.

The course, entitled “Caring for Persons Living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease,” is designed to provide caregivers with essential skills and knowledge to better assist individuals suffering from these conditions.

Participants will learn how to identify symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s, understand appropriate treatments, communicate with empathy, provide daily care, and implement effective behavioral strategies to manage associated challenges.

Pravesh Sawon, the coordinator at MITD, emphasized the importance of this training program.

“According to available statistics, there are approximately 15,000 individuals in Mauritius living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Globally, the number exceeds 50 million.

It is crucial to train those who care for these patients to ensure they meet the demands of this significant responsibility,” he stated.

Psychologist Basant Deerpaul from MITD also highlighted the growing number of patients due to the aging population, further stressing the need for equipping caregivers with the necessary skills.

The course centers on patient care and promotes a healthy lifestyle for those affected.

Developed in partnership with the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association, the course combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

Psychotherapist Virginie Saramandif noted, “Currently, we are educating caregivers and professionals working with families, whether in their homes or in day or residential care facilities, on how to care for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. Unfortunately, such training has been lacking in Mauritius.”

Saramandif emphasized the importance of understanding the needs and behaviors of patients and highlighted the necessity of good practices in providing care.

“In Mauritius, with an aging population, the elderly are not immune to these conditions. This course is targeted at individuals who wish to assist patients in managing various symptoms and behaviors.”

To be eligible for the course, participants must be at least 18 years old and have completed at least Grade 9.

The training lasts 120 hours and costs Rs 8,500. Classes are conducted on Mondays and Thursdays at the MITD facility in Phoenix.

Basant Deerpaul also pointed out key risk factors for developing dementia that should not be overlooked, which include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, head injuries, social isolation, physical inactivity, lack of education, diabetes, depression, obesity, hypertension, and hearing impairments.

Participant Testimonials

Tasleema Sayad Jamal, from Royal Green, shared her thoughts: “I lead a team at Royal Green.

We have practical experience, but this course allows us to enhance our skills. I will share what I learn with my colleagues, as there is much about this disease that we do not know.

We are taught that each case is unique, and the training helps us differentiate between various types of illnesses and stages.”

Jagnaden Dorsamy, a retiree, expressed his intention to use this training to help neglected seniors.

“I live in Pamplemousses and retired last December. I want to support our elderly community through this course.”

Sister Elisa from Pavillon Ste Marie in Rose-Hill noted, “This course greatly assists my work with the elderly, especially those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s.

We learn about the different symptoms of the disease, which vary among patients.

Effective communication is crucial; it’s essential to be patient, listen, and bring joy to their lives.”

Jean-François Sarah, a Health Care Assistant at Brown Sequard Hospital, remarked, “I have been working in this role for seven years.

Given the aging population, this course will help me adopt a different approach to caring for each patient.”

The MITD’s initiative reflects a significant step toward improving the quality of care for those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, ensuring that caregivers are well-equipped to meet the challenges of these complex conditions.

Source: Defi Media